Page 26 of Mistletoe Omega
He laughed grudgingly. “You need someone your own age.”
“You mean like Tim? He was my age. Does that mean he’s a better fit for me than you?”
“Let’s hope you have more choices than me or that asshole,” he grumbled. “You’re just feeling grateful because I gave you a place to stay. There’s no need to feel obligated to sleep with me. I like taking care of you and keeping you safe.”
My stomach warmed at his heartfelt words. I set the peeler down, and I faced him. “And I like you taking care of me. That isn’t something I’ve ever tolerated till I met you, Graham.”
He stilled, but he didn’t speak.
“I’ve always hated the idea of an alpha taking care of me.” My face felt hot as I shared my true feelings with him. “But if the alpha was you, it doesn’t seem so bad to me anymore. In fact, it seems like something I might want.”
He exhaled. “Damn it, Sam. Stop saying shit like that.”
“Why? It’s the truth.”
“I want what’s best for you. And getting stuck with an old alpha like me ain’t that.”
“Jesus, you’re a stubborn old mule.” I picked up the peeler and started going at the potatoes again. Did he not want me because of Ethan? Maybe he was saying it was our age difference, but the truth was he was still in love with Ethan, and so he didn’t really want anyone else. Perhaps he didn't think I was good enough for him.
“Besides, I thought you were hell bent on heading for California?”
I couldn’t picture myself out in California anymore. Certainly not when I was pregnant. I just felt like with a baby on the way, I needed to stay put in one place and figure stuff out. I didn’t have the luxury of traveling around only thinking of myself anymore. Those days were gone.
“Can’t wait to get rid of me?” I snapped.
“Sam, come on.” He looked confused by my anger.
Maybe it was hormones that had me so touchy. I wasn’t usually emotional or easily offended. And I sure as heck never threw myself at alphas. I focused on the potatoes, and he stood near me radiating anxiety. Finally I set the peeler down and I faced him. “Ignore me. I’ve never had a guy turn me down before. I guess my ego is bruised.”
He sighed. “I don’t want to turn you down.”
I laughed gruffly. “Right.”
“Sam.” His voice rumbled. “I don’t want to turn you down at all.”
I met his heated gaze and my stomach tumbled.
“But I brought you to my home to take care of you. I know you’re grateful to me for helping you out, and I’m not taking advantage of your situation just so I can get laid.”
“It’s not like that. You seem to think I want to sleep with you so I can say thanks or something.” I scowled. “I want to be with you because you turn me on. I want you. This isn’t pity.”
His gaze scanned my body, and he licked his lips. “You’re making it really hard to be a good guy.”
“What’s the worst that could happen if we sleep together?”
“You could end up resenting me.”
“No way.”
He moved closer, and the heat of his body, and the look in his eyes had my knees weak. “Let’s give it time. You’ve only been here a few weeks. See how you feel in a few more weeks. If your desire is real, it will still be real then.” His voice was husky as he put his lips near my ear and whispered, “If you still want me by then, we can revisit this idea.”
He was so close I wanted to reach out and touch him. But I didn’t. “So in a few weeks, if I still have the hots for you, you’ll give in?”
“I said we’d revisit the idea.”
“No. If I still want you in, say, three weeks, you need to promise you’ll take me to your bed.”
“Sam—”
