Summary:
Tom Collins is a lonely omega. One by one, Tom's watched his friends pair up and find their forever mates while Tom goes out alone to flirt with randos at the Big O. Manager of Sweet Ballz, the popular candy shop in downtown Hollydale, Tom has his career on track. Now if he could just find an alpha to stick around for longer than a night.
Dr. Colin Samuels is busy. As an alpha specializing in emergency medicine, he keeps a punishing schedule. He doesn't have time, patience or even the energy to take up with an omega. Especially not a sassy little brat like the one he keeps running into. All he wanted was one hot night with the guy, not forever. So why can't he get the frustrating twink out of his mind?
Will Tom finally find love? Will Dr. Samuels get that speculum dislodged from his rear pocket and give them a chance? And who is the little girl that hits both men right smack in the feels? And what's the story with Tofer O'Toole, the new cage dancer at the Big O?
This is the third book of The Hollydale Omegas series. This book is about 30k and most likely contains an HEA. 18+ readers only please! And yes, this book contains M/PREG, adults adulting in sexy grown-up ways, and way more than an occasional use of potty mouth language.
Summary:
"I promise, I'm not going anywhere. I found everything that I never thought I wanted right here with you."
Cecil is an unconventional omega. Owner of Second Chances, Hollydale’s Thrift Store and Consignment Shop, the closest he wants to get to an alpha is when he picks one up for a few hours of fun on a Saturday night. And even then, they’d better be polite enough to disappear before he wakes up. Yet for some reason, after picking up Hollydale’s most elusive playboy bachelor for a spot of fun after Tom’s wedding, Cecil is almost relieved to find Ian still there the following morning when he gets the call from a social worker that he’s been named the guardian of an orphaned two day old infant.
Ian’s entire adult life has been spent climbing the ladder to partnership at his law firm, and squeezing in a little fun with omegas in his spare time. Settling down with one and starting a family is so far from his thoughts it’s laughable. So why does he find himself sticking around to help the adorably awkward omega as he struggles to keep a tiny human alive?
Return to Hollydale for a little post-holiday fun while Ian and Cecil figure out that, sometimes, sticking around is more fun than a one night stand.
This is the fourth book of The Hollydale Omegas series. This book is about 30k and most likely contains an HEA. 18+ readers only please! And yes, this book contains M/PREG, adults adulting in sexy grown-up ways, and way more than an occasional use of potty mouth language.
Summary:
The first rule of business is that you don’t mix it with pleasure. But if you do get involved with your business partner? Try not to knock him up… it goofs up the dividends.
Tired of the playboy lifestyle, Gabe Smythe is ready for change. To start his new life, he’s come to Hollydale with one goal—to reunite with his long-lost brother, Rafe. Along the way, if he happens to meet a sweet omega who’d make a nice little homemaker, even better!
Cody Harper isn’t looking to settle down, and he’s definitely not ever tying himself to anyone. Casual sex and friends with extra-special benefits? Sure! Romance and relationships? Nope. Not gonna happen—especially not with Gabe, his sexy business partner at Nut Juices, the hot new smoothie shop they run together with the help of their quirky employee, Tofer.
Can their friendship and partnership survive an accidental pregnancy? As Cody and Gabe laugh their way from partners… to friends with bennies… to co-parents, they’ll discover that life isn’t always black and white, and sometimes a little compromise comes in handy.
Return to the world of Hollydale with a quirky, holiday romance full of all the fluffy feels and sweet heat that you’d expect from a Hollydale story. This is the tenth book of The Hollydale Omegas series but is absolutely able to be read as a standalone. This is a 34k novel and definitely contains an HEA. 18+ readers only please! And yes, this book contains M/PREG, adults adulting in sexy grown-up ways, and way more than an occasional use of potty mouth language.
Peppermint Spiced Omega #3
Chapter 1
Colin
I Iwalked into the crowded O-zone Lair, or Big O as we locals call it, and looked around the packed club. I made a beeline for my favorite seat at the end of the long mahogany bar. My buddy Greg was manning the bar tonight. Before my butt was all the way on the cracked vinyl cushion of the worn out stool, he had a full draft poured and was sliding it across the counter.
It had been a long sucky-ass grind of a week and all I wanted was a cold beer, a hot omega, and three days of uninterrupted sleep. I couldn’t do much about the latter two items, but I sure as hell could get a drink.
“How’s it hanging, doc? Just ending another week of strutting around that big fancy hospital like you’re God’s gift to the nurses?” He took the $50 bill I tossed down and put it in the register. Greg would let me know when I needed to kick in more, he was skilled in that department.
I snorted and held up my drink. “Shit. I wish. You don’t want to know what my week was like. Let’s just say that you read my mind with this and keep ‘em coming.”
Greg leaned toward me with a leering smirk. “Well, I’ve got something that might cheer you up. We have a new boy. He’s dancing in the cage by the DJ booth tonight. His name’s Tofer and he’s wearing a bright green jockstrap and enough glitter to make Tinkerbell choke. Or, if blondie isn’t what you’re looking for tonight, then maybe look out on the dance floor. There’s a certain ginger out there that I’ve seen you eyeballing in the past.”
I forced myself not to automatically seek him out. I wasn’t going to give Greg the pleasure of knowing he was right. Instead, I gave a noncommittal shrug and took a long drink. After running the back of my hand across my mouth to wipe away the foam, I casually looked around the club.
“He’s over there dancing by the caged blonde I mentioned, if you’re looking for him.” Greg wiped the counter and put a clean dish of nuts in front of me. “By the way, I know you’re not interested, but his name is Tom. He manages Sweet Ballz.”
I had just taken a drink and pretty much choked when I heard that. Coughing and sputtering, I glared at the smirking little prick. “Seriously? Did you time that shit on purpose? You do know that if you kill me, you won’t have a doctor friend the next time you cut your hand on broken glass, right?”
“Aw, come on! That was a one time thing, it could have happened to anyone. There was a broken glass in the dishpan. The fact that I may or may not have been a little bit sloshed at the time and had no business in the kitchen has nothing to do with it.”
He studied his hand, looking yet again for the invisible scar that didn’t exist because I was just that good. I smirked as I shook my head and popped a handful of nuts into my mouth.
Greg got sidetracked a few minutes later by some other customers, and I took the opportunity to spin on my stool and look around the bar. There he was, just as Greg had said, dancing in front of the big birdcage and laughing with the dancer inside.
The little ginger was glorious. His toned, limber body moved fluidly under the moving lights, not missing a beat while laughing and chatting with the caged blonde. There were seven of the large silver cages spread around this bottom floor area. Each one held an omega dressed in a different color jockstrap with his body painted in glitter to match it. Most of the other cages had alphas swarming around it, except for that one by the DJ booth. There were a few alphas hanging around dancing in the vicinity, but not being creeps about it.
The blonde vaguely reminded me of a dirty elf, for some strange reason. Even from here, I could see that his almond shaped eyes were just a little too big and his nose a little too pointy. Of course, that could just be an optical illusion, brought on by the holly green glitter and jock strap he wore.
A well dressed blonde alpha came walking over and took the stool two down from me. He ordered two straight tequila shooters with beer chasers, then looked over at me with a grin and shoved one set my way.
“Here, man. Don’t make me drink alone. It’s been a shitty fucking day that topped off a craptastic week.” His green eyes sparkled in the light of the bar as we clinked our glasses and did the shot.
I sucked on the little lime wedge that Greg had stuck on the salt coated rim of the glass and held out a hand. “I’m Colin, by the way. Thanks for that, I’ve had one of those weeks myself.”
The other alpha grinned in solidarity and shook my hand. “Ian. Glad to be a bright spot in your week.”
“Shit. You have no idea. I was half-assing the idea of picking up an omega for the night, but I think I’m too fried for that shit.” I shook my head with a self-deprecating smile and took a pull from my beer.
“I hear you on that one. Rosy Palm is a lot easier when you’re worn the fuck out. You don’t have to worry about being gentle or if you used enough lube. Rosy don’t give a shit about no stinkin’ lube.” We both laughed at that one.
“So what do you do, Colin? I’m an attorney, myself. I lost a pretty big case in L.A. today. I just got back to town an hour ago. The Big O is always a good place to blow off some steam, right?”
“No, shit. Sorry about your case. I’m a doctor. I work in the emergency room at the hospital here in town. One of my favorite patients, a little girl from the foster system that comes in a lot with different problems, was finally diagnosed today with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She was admitted to the hospital, and her foster parents are backing away right when she needs someone the most. People fucking suck, you know?”
“You win, dude. Shittiest week award goes to you, doc.” Ian frowned sadly at his beer. What I’d shared had been a little heavy for Friday night at the Big O.
Changing the subject, I brought up the latest ballgame. We drank our beers and bullshitted for awhile. We sat with our backs to the bar. I was enjoying the man’s company. It was as a good way to unwind as any, I supposed. Ian’s eyes flitted around the room, checking out the different omegas but not settling on any one type in particular. I had just ordered another round for me and my new buddy when a familiar red-headed dynamo came flying up out of nowhere.
Practically springing up on tippy-toe, he threw his arms around my neck and planted a big kiss on me. He was wedged in between my open legs. If he got any closer, we’d need some lube so nobody got hurt. I barely had time to register what was happening, let alone respond to the tongue that quickly slipped in and out of my mouth before it was over.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Daddy. Tom was caught up in the music.” He pouted out his words, then turned to do an overly dramatic double take in Ian’s direction. “Ian! Tom is so, so sorry! Tom would never flaunt the hot daddy in front of Ian, even if Ian did make stupid choices.”
Ian rolled his eyes and gave the ginger twink a lazy grin. “Hey, Tommy boy. Didja miss me? I missed you.”
Tom gave Ian a cold eyed smile and waved his fingers dismissively as he spoke in a cheerfully passive aggressive tone. “Has Ian been gone? Tom didn’t notice. Hmm. Maybe it could be that Ian was never around enough for Tom to notice one way or the other?”
I was really confused at this point. Was the ginger talking in the third person and his name was Tom? Or was there a third guy they both knew named Tom? Either way, this didn’t look amicable and I was a little too buzzed to process subtlety right now.
“Who the fuck is Tom?” I asked a little more rudely than I’d intended.
The ginger looked back at me and turned up the flirt level. His smile was pretty, but didn’t reach his eyes. His eyes were blank, like this was just an act for him. I wished I was more sober so that I could try and figure him out better.
“Silly Daddy! Like Daddy doesn’t know Tom! Although,” he stopped and tapped his lip thoughtfully, “maybe we got to the naughty stuff so fast last time that we never got to the name exchange?”
Ian stood and drained his glass. He looked at me with an insolent grin. “He’s all yours, buddy. With my blessings. Consider him your prize for winning the award. I’m done with this on again, off again bullshit. I never wanted more than a fuck buddy anyway. Enjoy him though, he’s really bendy if you haven’t discovered that yet.”
Tom turned his back on the departing alpha without a word and held a hand up to get Greg’s attention. I pushed my untouched beer at him.
“Here, kiddo. You look like you can use this more than me. Sorry about that, whatever it was.” I hoped that I was speaking clearly. I was getting more buzzed by the second, a fact not helped by my lack of sleep and an empty stomach.
Tom pushed the beer aside and shook his head. Holding out his hand, he demanded instead, “Give Tom the keys, and let’s go. Tom will get the sweet daddy alpha home.”
I blinked at him stupidly. “Why would I give my keys to Tom? Could you just take me?”
The ginger giggled wildly and stepped forward. He tugged on my hand to get me up, then dug my keys out of my pocket with nimble fingers. He turned to Greg.
“Did the sexy Daddy here run a tab or does the hot barkeep need Tom’s card?”
Greg grinned. “Naw, man. It’s cool. Colin gave me enough cash earlier, he’s good.” He looked over at me with a grin. “You want your change, big guy? This little scene here is all the tip I need.”
I flipped him off with a teasing smirk and said, “Here’s your tip, fucker. And yeah, keep the fucking change.”
Tom pulled on my hand and led me out of the bar. He didn’t bother asking which car belonged to me. Instead he clicked the button on my key fob and headed toward the car that reacted.
“Come on, Daddy. Let’s roll that tight ass into the car. Is Daddy’s GPS set for home, or does Tom need to rely on Daddy’s iffy directions?”
I snorted. “I’m buzzed, not shit-faced. I’m pretty sure I can get you to my place. Now what I’m gonna do with you when we get there? Well, that’s a whole other question, isn’t it?”
Tom flashed me a flirtatious smile that still didn’t quite reach his eyes. “If Daddy is awake and can make that alpha equipment work, then Tom will be happy to show Daddy exactly what can be done with Tom.”
Stunned into silence, I turned on my GPS and hit home. Tom turned on my radio to some insipid holiday station while I leaned back against the headrest and wondered how the hell I’d managed to score with the hot ginger.
Champagne Spiced Omega #4
Chapter 1
Ian
I’d never been a huge fan of weddings, but watching Tom get married? Level ten on the fun suck-o-meter. Tom and I had a good thing going the past few years, and while I was kicking myself for letting the fun little omega get away, I was also happy for him.
Ugh. Weddings and Christmas. Two things I preferred to avoid, and now they were combined into one big happy event. Of course my favorite little ginger would get married on Christmas Day. Why not? I was pretty sure he didn’t plan his happiness based on how to make Ian miserable, but if he had? Yeah, the little shit nailed it. Hole in fucking one.
Shaking my head, I grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and pasted on my best happy to be here face.
“You might want to try having that fake smile reach your eyes, buddy. People might think you don’t really want to be here, you know?”
I glanced over to see an adult Harry Potter smiling back at me as he grabbed his own glass of champagne. He grinned and shook the loose curls back from his face as he held out a hand.
“Hey, Cecil. I mean, I’m Cecil, not that you’re Cecil. Oh, hell. Please make me quit saying Cecil?”
I grinned at the awkward introduction and shook his hand. “Sure I can’t just call you Harry? I don’t see a lightning bolt scar, but I gotta say...”
“Because I look like my surname should be Potter? Nope. Sorry to disappoint you. Just Cecil, I’m afraid. I’m not a wizard, although sometimes I play the role of dungeon master. But yeah. I’m just a boring guy who runs a second hand store here in town. Maybe you’ve seen it? It’s called Second Chances. Annnd now I’m rambling about both my job and my predilection for gaming like an obnoxious twatwaffle. I apologize.”
Chuckling, I released his hand. “I’m Ian; should I tell you I’m a lawyer? Would that even the score, if you could tell a few lawyer jokes? I could even go with the pretentious sounding barrister if you prefer? I mean, I do advocate for minors with the courts, so it is a reasonable title choice.” Cecil’s eyes twinkled over the rim of his champagne flute as he drained the glass and set it aside. “I’m good with forgetting all that other shit and just going with Cecil and Ian. So, tell me? Which groom are you here for? I go way back with Tom.”
“Oh, hell. Can I just lie then, and say that I’m friends with Colin? I’m pretty sure you’re going to walk away if I tell you the truth and this is the most fun I’ve had recently.”
Cecil snorted. “Sorry. Too late. Unless you really do know Colin well enough to call him a friend too? Then it’s not a lie, just a slight prevarication or misdirection.”
I shrugged. “We’ve hung out here and there. But honestly, I’m Tom’s ex something or other. Which I probably shouldn’t admit now. Can you forget I said that and let me go with I’m just a friend of Tom’s?”
“Oh, snap! No wonder you look so thrilled to be here. Why the hell would you come to an ex’s wedding? Are you insane or just a glutton for punishment? Scratch that. I’m being invasive.”
“No, you’re not asking anything that I’m not already asking myself. But as to why the hell I am here? Tom and I have a lot of mutual friends, and our best friends married each other a couple of years ago. It’s not like I can just avoid him. Besides, it’s not his fault that I was married to my job and he wanted more than I had to give.”
Cecil nodded kindly. “I feel you. My job is not anywhere as high powered as yours, but I’m pretty sure that my best relationship is with my store if I’m being honest. Or maybe the guy at the coffee shop?”
“Oh, don’t ever forget that guy! Coffee guys are the true heroes for us single working stiffs.”
“Exactly right! I should probably have given mine a Christmas bonus, now that I think about it.”
Cecil’s face lit up with a broad grin that made me smile right back. I was finding myself intrigued by this awkward little geek. Who knew I’d ever find myself drawn to a awkward guy with glasses and a perfectly aligned bow tie?
“Cecil! I’ve been looking all over for you!” I looked over to see Tom’s buddy Liam walking up with a baby in his arm. “You’ve been a hard guy to pin down lately!”
“Well, I’ve been out of town. You’ll remember that I always close the store and do Christmas in Hawaii? I didn’t want to cancel my trip because of the wedding, so I went early this year. I just got back yesterday.”
Cecil was talking to Liam and looking everywhere but at the baby, who was desperately reaching for him.
“Oh, look! Tyler wants Uncle Cecil to hold him!” I bit back a laugh as Liam all but shoved the infant into Cecil’s reluctant arms. I’d never seen an omega look quite so uncomfortable with a baby. Intriguing.
Cecil awkwardly bounced the boy on his arm. “Hello, Tyler. How are you today?” He spoke to the baby quite reasonably, as though the kid could answer back. The baby pulled his glasses off and threw them before grasping at Cecil’s curly hair with his chubby fists and letting out a satisfied chortle.
I caught the glasses midair while Liam rushed to extricate his friend from the little rascal’s clutches. “Okay, sweetie pie, no grabbing Uncle’s hair,” Liam crooned as he expertly detached the tiny fingers and lifted him back into his own arms.
Cecil smiled blindly while Liam gushed about the wedding. I looked around and spotted a glass of water and a linen napkin sitting abandoned on a nearby table. I sprang into action and cleaned the grubby drool marks off the poor guy’s glasses. I walked back over and easily slid them into place, earning myself a grateful smile from Cecil.
The alpha that worked for Tom and Milo came walking up with a toddler on his hip. He nodded a hello and turned to Liam. “Christian is looking for you, Li. He says we’re taking all three of Tom’s kids home with us tonight?”
Cecil’s eyes bugged out while Liam nodded. “Yes. Milo was supposed to take them while the grooms have their honeymoon, but they got a call right before the ceremony that Rafe’s mom has passed away.
They’re leaving town, and we’re taking all the kids. Crystal and Artie too. The last thing they need to deal with is traveling with toddlers.”
Kent took the information in stride. “Okay, so we have Allie, and then six little guys under the age of four all week? I guess it’s good that we’re all off for the holidays.”
Liam smiled happily. “Yes, isn’t it perfect?” He turned to Cecil and smiled sadly. “I’m so sorry to rush off, but I really should see to the details. Two preschoolers, a toddler, a ten month old, and twin four month olds are about to descend on my home! Well, this one and one of the older tots already live there, but you know what I mean. I better go see about coordinating everything with my husband. My alpha’s a planner, you know how he is.”
Cecil gulped and nodded with a cringing smile. “Good luck with all that. Merry Christmas to everyone!”
Liam reached in for a quick hug, giving the baby a chance to grab at Cecil’s hair again. I looked away and bit my cheek to keep from laughing as they extricated him yet again. This time the little bugger had a clump of hair in his fist when Liam pulled him away. Cecil took a polite step back and waved them off with the best facsimile of a smile I’m sure he could muster.
Once they were gone, he turned to me. “Do I have a bald spot now? Be honest. Did you see how fast his hands moved? Like an octopus. I swear babies have extra hands or something.”
I lost it then, barking out a laugh as I grabbed him a fresh glass of champagne from another passing tray. “Here, drink up. You earned it for not losing your cool.”
Cecil drained it in one gulp and set it to the side. He looked up at me with a look of shame. “I bet I’m the worst omega you’ve ever met, right? I mean, babies are supposed to come easily to us. I think I missed that class, or maybe I lack a crucial gene?” He sighed and looked around uncomfortably.
“Hey, I’m the last one that you need to apologize to,” I assured him. “I work in family law, but that doesn’t mean I’m any more comfortable than the next guy with those little things.”
When he started to relax again, I continued. “Riddle me this. Why is it that the ones of us who are least into kids are the ones they flock to first? That baby was coming at you like a magnet! My buddy Rafe’s kids are the same way with me. It’s like when you have a pet allergy and visit someone with pets, you know what I mean? The fuckers won’t leave you alone!”
Cecil tipped his head and looked up at me with a considering smile. “You know what? You’re totally right? It’s like we’re magnets to the beasts!”
“Shall I take it that you will be avoiding Liam’s house this week?”
Cecil shuddered. “Like the fucking plague. God. Can you imagine? It’s going to be like the seventh layer of hell over there. At least Allie is ten. She’s old enough to be cool now. But the drool factories and diaper-filling machines? No thank you! I’m gonna have to nope right out on that scenario.”
I grinned, liking this guy more and more by the second. It was like a refreshing breath of air to meet an omega that wasn’t looking to settle down and have all the babies. It startled me a little when he looked up at me and spoke bluntly.
“So now that we’ve established where we stand on procreation, wanna get out of here? I have a drawer full of condoms, so you can even double up if you want.”
Without hesitation, I nodded with a grin. “Let’s do it. Only problem, I don’t have a car here because I’m not driving today, are you?”
He shook his head and pulled out his phone, tapping away as he spoke. “I’ll use the ride app. I didn’t drive today either. Weddings always make me want to drink more. Something about all the schmaltzy feelings and crap always makes me want to either get drunk or punch something. Drinking is the more socially acceptable option, thus no car today.”
After another moment, Cecil looked up with a blinding smile. “The car will be here in five, let’s sneak out the side before any more babies find their way to my hair.” I reached out and brushed his hair back. “To be fair, those curls do look crazy fun to play with and sink your hands into.”
He grinned up at me and spoke just softly enough for me to hear but nobody else. “How about I let you be the judge of that when my mouth is full of your dick?”
My eyebrows just about reached my hairline as I looked back at him in shock. “That sounds like the kind of offer that I’d be a fool to refuse.” Cecil winked at me and all but swaggered as he led me out the side door to catch our car.
I’d always wondered about my buddy Rafe’s attraction to his mousy little Milo, but now I was starting to get it. Maybe the quiet ones were the guys to watch? I hadn’t come to the wedding with the intention of leaving with anyone, especially not a mildly awkward little omega.
But in the short space of time that we’d already spent together, I could tell that this guy was nothing like anyone I’d ever met before. I couldn’t deny it. I was definitely intrigued. If tonight was anywhere near as cray cray as I had a feeling it would be, this would definitely go down in the books as the best wedding I’d ever attended.
Nutmeg Spiced Omega #10
Chapter 1
Gabe
I smiled wistfully as I pulled up in front of my brother’s large country manor. So many wasted years. Rafe and I had been strangers longer than we’d ever truly been brothers, but I was ready for that to change. Two decades of jet-setting around the globe had worn me out, especially after losing my mom a while back. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car. I had no idea what kind of reception I was going to get, but hopefully, Rafe wouldn’t slam the door in my face.
Grinning to myself as I skirted around a bike that had been left lying on its side near the front walk, I took care not to destroy a chalk hopscotch pattern that had been perfectly outlined on the walkway. Yes, it was more than evident that children lived here.
Stepping onto the elegant welcome mat, I took a deep breath and straightened my tie before ringing the bell. I held my breath, trying to ignore my racing heart as I waited for someone to answer the door. I was just about to ring the bell again when the knob turned and the door opened. Blinking up at me through thick-rimmed glasses was the kind-looking omega I remembered as being my brother-in-law. His mouth fell open as he immediately recognized me. I held out my hand. “Hello again, Milo. Is my brother home?”
“Wow… What are you doing here?” He paused and shook his head while taking my hand and quickly shaking it. “I’m sorry, I’m just… wow. It’s a shock to see you after all these years.” Milo blushed as if embarrassed to have pointed out the lengthy absence since the last time he’d see me. “I mean, there isn’t a wedding or a funeral right now so I suppose I’m just surprised to see you on my doorstep. But please, come in. Forgive me, I’m so shocked that I’m being rude.”
“Not at all,” I chuckled with a breath of relief as I walked inside. “You make a good point, it’s not right that I’m not a part of your and my brother’s lives. I’m here to change that, if Rafe will allow it.”
“If Rafe will allow what?” My brother came walking down the stairs, pausing briefly when he spotted me then continuing on as if it were no big deal. “Ah. Greetings, Gabriel, was I expecting you? I haven’t missed word of a family wedding or funeral, have I?”
I dipped my head slightly as I acknowledged his greeting. “Hello to you too, big brother. Don’t worry, I’m not offended by the lack of a warm welcome. And I won’t even try to justify myself by saying that the phone works both ways when I’ve been habitually difficult to reach.”
Rafe stepped forward and regarded me silently for a moment before holding his hand out to shake mine, as though we were merely acquaintances. “Touché, Gabriel. At any rate, welcome to our home. I suppose it’s good to see that you are alive and well. Why don’t you join me for a cup of tea while you tell me what brings you to Hollydale.?”
“Honey, you and your brother go on out to the patio, I’ll put a tea tray together and be right out,” Milo offered with a quick smile.
Rafe bent to kiss his husband’s cheek. “Thank you, baby. You might want to tell the kids their uncle is here. I’m not sure how long Gabriel will be around and I’m sure they’d love to see him.”
“Actually,” I smiled nervously, afraid that my brother would shoot me down before hearing me out. “I was hoping that maybe I could stay with you for an extended visit.” I turned my brother-in-law and held up a hand. “Unless of course you’re not set up for unexpected guests, in that case perhaps you could point me toward the nearest hotel?”
Milo’s shy smile widened. “Are you kidding me? Have you seen the size of this house? Please. We have plenty of space and would love it if you’d stay for a nice, long visit.” He turned to Rafe and shooed him toward a set of French doors at the opposite end of the dining room we were facing. “Take your brother out to the patio; I’ll be right along with the tea.”
Rafe was silent as he led me through a formal dining area and outside to a charming little patio area. There was an abundance of plants and greenery out here, and a casual feel that told me this was where the family spent their downtime. Wisteria vines climbed and wrapped around the support pillars and the eastern side of the patio had been walled off with a long trellis that simply dripped with fragrant flowers. Rafe motioned for me to take a seat at a large, round table that stood off to one side.
Taking my seat, I was quiet while I got my bearings. Sitting there silently, I looked around the yard, smiling at the sight of a faded, well-worn playhouse that sat across from a large, redwood play structure. Looking at the twisty slide, jungle gym, and swings, I wondered how many afternoons had been spent with Rafe sitting in this lovely spot and enjoying the sight of his children at play. After a moment, I realized that my brother was watching me as closely as I’ve been inspecting his yard.
When I looked up, Rafe frowned slightly as he drummed his fingers on the tabletop for a moment. Finally, Rafe leaned back in his chair and voiced his thoughts. “Why are you really here, Gabriel? Surely you haven’t run through your trust fund, right? Forgive me if I sound callous, but I can’t imagine what a playboy like you could possibly find of interest here in Hollydale. Cut the bullshit and level with me—what do you really want?”
“What do I really want,” I repeated thoughtfully. Rafe stared me down with a lifted brow until I shrugged and caved. “I want what you have, and I figure it should be easy enough to get it for myself, right? I want to find an omega, stick a ring on it, and presto change-o, I’m a family man like you. It shouldn’t be too hard, right? And while I’m waiting to find my omega, I thought that maybe you and I could pick up where we left off and finally be brothers again.”
“I’m sorry, Gabriel. It’s not that easy, and honestly? I just don’t know you. While you’ve spent your life chasing the next party and blowing through money like it’s water, I was busy building a family and a future. I’m not trying to be a jerk, I just don’t see what we have in common other than genetics.”
I'm a happily married mom of one snarky teenage boy, and three grown "kids of my heart." As a reader and big romance fan myself, I love sharing the stories of the different people who live in my imagination. My stories are filled with humor, a few tears, and the underlying message to not give up hope, even in the darkest of times, because life can change on a dime when you least expect it. This theme comes from a lifetime of lessons learned on my own hard journey through the pains of poverty, the loss of more loved ones than I'd care to count, and the struggles of living through chronic illnesses. Life can be hard, but it can also be good! Through it all I've found that love, laughter, and family can make all the difference, and that's what I try to bring to every tale I tell.
Peppermint Spiced Omega #3
Champagne Spiced Omega #4
