Page 86 of Feeling the Heat: Part One
His steady, easygoing presence bolsters me as we wade down the first aisle that appears to be dedicatedsolely to bedding of every color, fabric, and size. It’s a staggering amount of options. I’d tried looking at nest inspo boards and articles with tips on making the best nest for you, but got intimidated and gave up almost immediately.
My eyes flit around, unable to focus on much of anything. “I thought maybe it’d be easier to choose in person, but I think this is worse than shopping online.”
Jackson waves a hand at me. “Nonsense! If you were shopping online, you wouldn’t be able to feel how…” He reaches out and grabs a fuzzy blanket at random and instantly recoils with a grimace. “How clingy and awful that feels. Bad example. But you know what I mean.”
I giggle at his distaste for the blanket, but take his word for it. I’m not a fan of the burnt orange color, anyway.
I scan around us, willing my nerves to subside as I recall Daisy’s advice when I was panicking about making my heat nest. Begrudgingly, I try to let my omega come to the surface to guide me. After a few deep breaths, a pale pink velvety throw with a small flower pattern draws my eye and I reach out to touch it hesitantly.
Jackson stays quiet. Maybe he can sense how hard I’m concentrating, or maybe he doesn’t want to influence me. It’s sweet, but I should get his opinion since he’ll be spending time in my nest if things go well.
When my fingers connect with the fabric, a small purr erupts from me, and I clap a hand over my mouth in surprise.
“That good?” Jackson asks, raising a brow at me.
“It’s nice,” I say, noncommittal, even though it’s the softest blanket I’ve ever felt in my life. If I could cocoon myself up in it right now without drawing attention to myself, I would.
“Get it.” He reaches out and places his hand over mine, his thumb stroking over the back of my wrist before sliding downto touch the blanket. “On second thought, get a couple. That’s soft as fuck.”
“Yeah?” This first choice feels monumental. I know it’s a goddamn blanket, but now that I’ve let my omega out a bit, picking the right things for my nest is of the utmost importance. I glance around at some of the other options, many of them in more muted earthy tones. Much more sophisticated. My brow furrows as I peer back down at our hands and the delicate fabric. “You don’t think it’s too… immature?”
Jackson scoffs. “No. And even if it was, who the fuck cares? It’syournest, Cami.”
“I guess you’re right, it’s just…” I sigh, frustrated with myself that I’m making this more difficult than it needs to be. But it’s hard to let go of a lifetime of attempting to appear professional and polished. My natural instincts seem determined to guide me toward getting things that are the exact opposite of that.
Jackson grabs three of the blankets and cradles them in his thick arms. “Okay, new rule. You told me not to fluster you while we’re here, and I’m telling you you’re not allowed to second-guess anything. If you like it on first instinct, we’re getting it.”
“Jackson, I can’t…”
“Fine, then I’m going to rile you up until you’re begging me for a quickie in the bathroom. And you know I’m not one to rush.” His grin is wicked, and he does a slow deliberate scan of my body, leaving a trail of heat everywhere his eyes land.
“Dammit, okay. Fine,” I huff.
Jackson pumps his fist in victory, dropping two of the blankets in the process. “You keep looking. I’ll go grab us a cart.” He goes up on his toes to survey the wide expanse of the store. “Two carts.”
Almost an hour later,we’ve only made it through half of the store. While I’m trying my best to abide by Jackson’s ridiculous rule, it’s a struggle.
The amount of stuff in my carts is absurd. No one person needs this much stuff, let alone for something as frivolous as a nest.
My omega protests that assessment and I let out a sigh at my internal battle between being my typical practical and cheap self, and accepting that, while outwardly silly, getting this stuff is good for my mental health now that I’m an omega.
Still, my wallet is weeping. I have a decent job and some savings, so I can afford to splurge a little from time to time, but this is way more than a splurge. I don’t really need that sheer canopy with the floral embroidery, do I? Or that ridiculously expensive set of wedge pillows that are designed with pack bedroom activities in mind.
“Nope, put it back,” Jackson rumbles as I try to return a stack of things from the top of the cart he’s pushing when his back is turned.
“Do you have eyes on the back of your head?” I huff, returning the items to the cart with a huff.
“Nah, you’re just terrible at being sneaky.”
I scowl at him and cross my arms over my chest.
“It’s time for a snack break, I think,” he declares out of nowhere.
Huh. I didn’t notice until he brought it up, but I am feeling a bit hungry. I glance at our carts, then at the whole other side of the store left to go. “Uh, I didn’t bring any snacks, did you?”
He shakes his head. “Didn’t you see the cafe when we came in? It’s over near the entrance. You take a look around the bath and body products while I go grab us some coffee and treats.”
“Wow, this place is crazy,” I say with a bemused laugh. Part of me wants to push through, but a coffee and something to eat sounds like heaven. “Okay. Thank you!” Before I can overthink things, I close the distance between us and go up on my toes to press my lips to his.
