Page 1 of Romancing the Omega

Chapter One

Caden stared around the crowded bookstore. It was larger than it looked from outside. Two large bay windows overlooked the cold, wintery streets of Hobson Hills. Inside, cozy reading nooks contrasted with the iced over glass panes. There were several other seating areas throughout the open space, but Caden was drawn to the two next to the windows.

The store was organized chaos with books, comics, and interesting odds and ends. The owner had created a children’s section with books, toys, and kid-sized seating. It was separated from the rest of the store by a short, white picket fence. He even spied a closed in play area for toddlers. He imagined busy parents would love to put their kid down in safety, then peruse the store on their own.

Today was the opening day for The Book Worm and it looked like most of the town was here to get a look. Zoe Wilson had convinced the new owner to go in with her to make a wide archway in the wall it shared with her bakery, Honey Buns. Now, on a cold spring day, a person could grab a coffee and Danish, then go buy a book.

If they felt like visiting with friends, they could grab a table in the bakery. If they wanted more privacy, they had their choice of several comfortable chairs and couches spread throughout the bookstore. If he wanted to get out of the house and work on his next novel, this would be the place, surrounded by books and the smell of coffee and baked goods.

“Caden, move your ass,” Grey said, pulling his arm. “I want to sign up for the book club before it fills up.”

“Surely there won’t be that many people interested in a book club in rural Maine,” he said, tempted to roll his eyes. Someone bumped into him. The woman’s apology froze on her lips once she spotted the rabbit strapped to his chest like a baby. She blinked a few times then abruptly turned and walked away. Huckleberry had convinced Caden to take him this morning. Sassy had wanted to sleep, and his Huck was lonely. The Book Worm was pet friendly, so he didn’t understand why people kept staring at him. Grey carried his son, Rue in a baby sling too. People were strange.

Grey grabbed the sign-up sheet and held it up beside his smug face. “There’s twenty people already, Caden, so I’m signing us both up. They’ll probably let you bring Huckleberry too. I can’t believe you bring him everywhere.” He shook his head. “That is one spoiled bunny.”

“Sassy sleeps a lot and Huck is a people rabbit. He needs to be with his person,” Caden said, turning to scan the crowds.

Grey replied back, but Caden didn’t hear him. He didn’t hear anyone. He didn’t see the crowd full of Wilsons, Bensons, and more. All he saw was the angel at the register, patiently talking to a customer. He was simply breathtaking. The omega looked Korean-American, and his black hair was fine and shiny, falling loosely around his face. His black eyes danced with humor as he spoke, waving his hands. His face had a pointy little elf-like chin, adding to the air of mischief that surrounded him.

The man’s eyes found his, and they seemed to stare into soul. Caden panicked. He ducked behind the nearest bookshelf, breathing heavily. Huck wiggled his nose and watched him as Grey followed behind, frowning. “What the hell are you doing?”

Caden ignored him, peeking around the shelf. The omega looked straight at him, brow raised. Caden ducked behind the shelf again. Oh fuck. What was wrong with him? This wasn’t like him at all. He was stoic, well-mannered, blah, blah, blah. He wasn’t some teenager, hand pressed against his beating heart, trembling from seeing his first crush. Fuck. He removed his hand from his chest and ignored the pounding of his heart.

“Caden, who are you hiding from?” Grey looked around the shelf. “Why is the owner smirking our way?” He ducked back beside Caden and stared at him. “Caden, do you like him?” Caden turned around, leaving Grey, and started walking down the aisle. If he ignored the situation, it would go away. That always seemed to never, ever work. Fuck.

A small figure popped up, right in front of him, startling him. A little boy, maybe two-years-old, stood staring at him. He had to be related to the angel. He had the man’s eyes and his little pointed chin. He sucked on his thumb, eyes glued to Huckleberry.

He held his arms up to Caden, eyes beseeching. “Up,” he said. “Bun bun.”

“Linc, what are you doing?” A young girl scooped the boy up. The toddler ignored her and reached out, placing his little hands around Huckleberry’s ears. His giggle was infectious. “Sorry about him,” she said, laughing. “I’m watching him, but he moves so fast.”

Grey smiled. “Hi, Summer.”

“Hey, Grey,” she said, trying to contain the wiggling boy.

“Hannah was just telling me about your ice-skating trip.”

“It was really fun,” she said, blushing at the mention of Hannah. “I only fell three times, but Hannah says I fall with grace.”

Grey laughed. “This is my best friend, Caden, and I guess this little guy is Linc? Hannah mentioned him.”

“Yeah. He’s my nephew,” she said.

“Is your brother the guy at the register? I haven’t met him yet,” Grey said.

Caden hid his surprise. Summer didn’t look anything like Linc or Caden’s angel. Grey slid him a look, and Caden knew he was in luck. Grey could do the whole chit chat thing, so he could get what Caden needed. He knew there was a reason he loved the guy.

Summer nodded. “We just moved here from Tennessee, so we haven’t met a lot of people yet. Linc, what is wrong with you?”

Linc decided he wanted Caden and he wanted him right them. He leaned out of Summer’s arms and grabbed Caden’s shirt. The toddler kicked back with his legs, and Caden caught him up in his arms to keep the boy from falling.

“Tennessee? Wow. That’s awesome,” Grey said, trying to keep Summer talking. Linc wasn’t helping the cause.

“I’m so sorry about him,” she said, trying to pry the boy away. Linc held onto Caden’s shoulder and Huck’s sling with an iron grip.

“He’s okay,” Caden said. “He likes Huckleberry.”

“Where’s this little guy’s other parent? I’m trying to put together a daddy’s club,” Grey said.