Page 11 of Mistletoe Omega
“Not all people or alphas are the same.”
“I know.”
He picked up the sponge and went back to cleaning the stove top. “I don’t like owing people either, so I can understand where you’re coming from. But whether you believe me or not, I don’t want anything from you.”
“I don’t understand your generosity,” I blurted out. He truly did confuse me. He’d been so quick to offer me a ride and a place to stay. It made no logical sense to me that a stranger would do that without a motive.
He stopped and faced me, a muscle jerking in his cheek. “You remind me of someone. Someone who meant a lot to me, but is now gone. Maybe that’s why I have a soft spot for you, Sam. It’s not because I want to get anything from you. I like having you here because you remind me of him. Okay? It’s comforting.”
His voice was so open and raw, a lump formed in my throat. “I remind you of someone?”
He nodded. “Yes.”
“Who?” I frowned. I wasn’t sure I liked this scenario.
Sighing, he said, “His name was Ethan. We grew up together. He was my best friend and lover, and he died four years ago.”
“Shit.”
He shrugged. “I miss him. He was independent like you.” His mouth curved in a melancholy smile. “And if he was in your position, he’d give me the same shit you’re giving me.”
“Oh.”
His smile faded. “But I’m not trying to replace him with you. That’s not it at all. It’s just nice having your youthful energy around.”
“Okay.” He sounded sincere, and it was impossible not to believe him.
“I want to help you, but I don’t want to own you.”
I pressed my lips together, considering his words. I had nowhere else to go, and he was easy to be around, and his home was cozy and safe. Maybe he was worth depending on for a while, especially in the condition I was in. Since it made him happy to have me here, and I needed a place to crash, perhaps this would be mutually beneficial for both of us.
“I’ll buy all the groceries,” I said, lifting my chin.
His gaze flickered. “Okay.”
I laughed uneasily. “Of course, since I don’t have a car, you’ll have to help me get them here.”
Amusement twinkled in his eyes. “That’s not a problem.”
Relief hit me at the realization that I had a safe place to stay for now. Maybe I needed to pick up some extra shifts at work. I’d buy groceries, like I’d promised, and put everything else into savings. I’d need a nest egg for when the baby came; not that I’d be able to accrue a fortune working at the diner. But all I could do was my best.
I eyed Graham as he puttered around the kitchen. What would he say when he found out I was pregnant? Because eventually, it would be impossible to hide. Would my being with child ruin the fun of having a guy who reminded him of his dead lover around? Maybe he’d want me to move out by then. Most alphas weren’t thrilled with other alpha’s offspring.
I decided I’d worry about that later. For now I had a roof over my head, and me and my unborn kid were safe.
Chapter Four
Graham
I held the level to the wooden frame inside the shower. It looked like the walls were square in both corners and plumb all the way around. I stepped out of the area and eyed the prefab shower enclosure. I’d already installed the drain and roughed in the plumbing on the side wall.
Sweat ran down my cheek, and I pulled off my shirt, and tossed it onto the floor. Then I grabbed the shower base and placed it into the alcove, wedging some shimmies under it to make sure it was level. I climbed out of the area work space and eyed the back panel. The shower was large, and the back panel was going to be a challenge to handle all by myself. I should have asked somebody to help out, but I hadn’t really thought about it until this moment.
I grabbed my bottle of ice tea and swallowed half of it, wiping my mouth. There was a soft knock on the door jamb, and I jumped. When I glanced over, Sam stood there, looking curious. “What are you up to in here?” he asked, stepping into the room cautiously.
I was suddenly aware of my shirtless state, but unless I was going to squeal and lunge for my shirt, I just had to suck it up. “I’m installing a new shower.”
He nodded and examined the space. “You’re so handy.”
