Page 33 of Single Omega Dad
As the steaks sizzled on the grill, the scent of charring beef made my mouth water. But more, the tall presence at my side filled up an emptiness I’d been feeling for too long. I suddenly had many hungers all at once for good food, friendship, and more.
But I didn’t need an Alpha to take care of me and my family. I could handle it. I wasn’t some poor swooning little Omega, and had never thought of myself that way.
Yet this moment felt like one to cherish. I watched my children play along the green grass, turned the steaks on the grill, flipped the burger and hot dog. I felt the heartbeat of a man by my side that lent me peace, strength and wholeness.
What was happening here?
In no time the food was done. I forked the meat onto a big platter and called the boys.
“It looks perfect,” Mathias said.
I smiled to myself at the compliment.
In the kitchen, I took the potatoes out of the oven with my mitts. Then split one between the boys and dropped the other two on two plates.
“Everything’s ready.”
The boys took their places at the dining room table facing each other. That left the two ends, one for me, one for Mathias.
I got out the wine glasses for the cider and poured the boys their milk.
Without asking, Mathias picked up the salad dish and brought it to the table, then came back and helped me with all the plates and glasses.
“Can I have ketchup?” Tybor asked when I put his burger in front of him.
“Me, too,” said Luke, never to be outdone.
When I finally sat, I saw Mathias helping the boys by serving a salad portion onto their plates. I wondered what he was thinking. Technically, yes, he’d brought documents for me to sign. And technically, yes, I’d invited him to dinner. My idea. But he was inserting himself here in a casual manner that let me know that this was more than a business meeting.
Both boys had set their toy kitties on the floor at their feet. It was clear they adored their gifts. But I still wasn’t sure. Was this interest fleeting? A one-off for an intrigued Alpha? Or did Mathias want more?
I decided I’d be all right with whatever happened. It was a decision I’d made when I found myself primping for the dinner last night. I was in. I wanted this. I hoped he wanted this—whatever it was—too.
No one was speaking. Everyone had their mouths stuffed full of good, hot fresh food.
After taking a sip of the cider, which was wonderful, I asked, “What do you like to do when you’re not working at the bank all the time?”
Mathias gulped. “I run in the mornings. I work out four times a week at night. Take vacations. Hang out. The other night I had dinner at my father’s.” He glanced down as if he hadn’t meant to say that last part.
“Do you see your father a lot?” I asked.
“No.”
“Why not?” Tybor piped up.
Mathias grazed him with a dark look. Tybor looked at me with his mouth scrunched up, as if he’d said something wrong.
Mathias said, “Sometimes my father isn’t as nice as yours.”
“Oh.” Tybor blinked, thinking about that. “My daddy is nice.”
Mathias winked at him, breaking the tension. “I think you’re right.”
My heart fluttered in my chest. I wondered what Mathias was alluding to by saying he didn’t see his father often. Obviously he worked for him. I had many questions, but now wasn’t the time.
The kids ate most of their hot dog and burger, then picked at their potato halves and salads.
Mathias had a great appetite, though, and cleaned his plate quickly. At last I had been able to offer him a meal that was more than a lousy sandwich.
