Page 8 of Romancing the Omega

“I love writing,” Caden said. He ordered a mocha and his dad ordered a plain, black coffee. They sat at a table near the bookstore entrance. Caden could just see Linc through the gate. Yeo was rifling through his bag of gifts.

“How is Grey’s case going? Are you ready for the trial?”

“I am. It’s just a few days away, but we’re well prepared. The man will pay,” Caden said. Grey’s former supervisor tried to kill him multiple times. He had blamed Grey for getting fired. This was one particular case that Caden didn’t mind seeing through at all. He couldn’t bear the thought of going back to the law firm, but he was happy to help his friend.

“Good,” John said. “The case against the institute in Nevada is also progressing well. Noah isn’t the only one who wasn’t there voluntarily.”

Caden started to nod, then stilled. He grinned. Yeo had wrapped the scarf around his neck and pulled it up to cover the bottom of his face. His eyes were fixed on Caden and were filled with joy as he danced in place. He must like the scarf.

“There is something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” John said. Caden turned his attention back to his father. “Your mother and I are thinking of moving here permanently. Cain is happy as a clam in Georgia, but he’s not ready to settle down yet. Olive and the twins are here. Well, the twins will be here in the summer.”

“You would actually retire?” Caden was shocked. His father loved the firm.

“Yes,” John said. “I would still go to Georgia once a month to touch base with Cain and our clients, but I would be officially retired.”

“I never thought I’d see the day,” Caden said. “Are you sure it’s what you want?”

“I am,” John said, voice full of certainty. “It’s time to focus on your mother and the grandchildren. It doesn’t hurt that you’re here too.” John leaned forward. “I should warn you, son. Your mother has decided you need an omega.”

Yeo caught his attention again. He held one of the bowls up. He looked at Caden, then pointed to his chest and mouthed mine? Caden nodded and the omega started dancing again.

“Hmm, maybe your mother won’t have to worry about finding you an omega,” John said, amused. He looked between Caden and Yeo, and Caden couldn’t stop his blush.

Caden tried to give his father a stern look. “I won’t stand a chance with him if you keep embarrassing me in front of him.”

“Embarrassing you? How have I embarrassed you,” John asked. Caden stared him down.

“I can tell you how you embarrassed him,” Zoe Wilson said, plopping down into Caden’s lap. “You were a typical dad. I swear parents are oblivious, aren’t they? God, my feet hurt. Why did I open a damn bakery again?”

“Because you love it,” Caden said. He’d grown used to Zoe and her ways. It reminded him why he had never wanted a sister. “Father is worse than a typical dad. He says all the wrong things.”

“I don’t know what you mean,” John said. “I’m perfectly eloquent.”

Caden yawned. “You’re fine, Dad, just try not to mention my lack of dating and general laziness in front of Yeo, alright? That should do it.”

John winced. “I don’t think he’s too worried about what I’ve said now.”

Caden looked at Yeo. The man was glaring at him. He took off his scarf and stuffed it in the bag. Scowling at Caden, he tossed the bag into the garbage can next to the register. Caden rubbed his chest, hurt. What had he done wrong?

“Son, don’t look so heartbroken,” John said. “You can certainly fix this. Just push Zoe off your lap and explain to your omega that she’s basically your little sister.”

“Oh god,” he said, pushing Zoe off of him. She landed on her feet, but just barely. “I didn’t even realize what it looked like.”

“Oh man,” she said. “I’m sorry, Caden. I’ll go fix him his favorite drink and get him a muffin. Go apologize. Now!”

Caden rushed to the register and had to wait while Yeo rang four different customers up, his expression frosty. He didn’t even look at Caden. “Cay Cay,” Link said, smiling up at him. The little boy leaned back against Sassy and waved at him. His dog was napping. Again. He held Huckleberry in his lap.

“May I help you?” Yeo’s voice was as cold as his expression. The other customers were gone, each giving him sympathetic looks as they left.

“Zoe is disgusting,” he said quickly. Yeo gasped, going from frosty to pissed off.

“Really, Caden? Really?” Zoe stood behind him, holding a latte and a banana bread muffin. She handed it to Yeo. “I swear, for a suave lawyer, he sure puts his foot in his mouth around you, Yeo. What this idiot is trying to say is that we aren’t romantically involved. He’s like a brother to me. I’m used to sitting on him all the time.”

Yeo’s anger faded and he turned red. “Oh.”

“This is my apology,” she said, motioning to the coffee and muffin. “You two had better talk.” She turned and strode back to her bakery.

Yeo looked at Caden, tears in his eyes. He wiped his hands across his cheeks angrily. “You shouldn’t be all perfect and make me like you if you’re already dating someone.” His lip trembled and Caden’s heart about broke.