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The warmth in his eyes stole my breath, and I squeaked when he marched over and wrapped me in a tight hug.
“It’s not that big of a deal, Luca.”
“Yes, it is,” he insisted. “I know you. I know how hard it is for you, and I’m so proud of you that you’re thinking of opening up. I don’t even care if you chicken out later.”
I squawked, poking his ribs. “I’m not going to chicken out.”
“The point is I’m proud of you for taking the step.”
“It seems ridiculously small.”
“Lots of stuff seems small if you don’t have context,” Luca reminded me.
I stood there in his arms for a little while, trying not to be overwhelmed by how much was left to do. A company was going to come tomorrow to dismantle my hoop apparatus and other training equipment, transport it over to the new place, and reinstall it for me.
Now that I had made the commitment to the new apartment, I couldn’t wait to get the hell out of this one. I was glad they had upped security, but it wasn’t enough for me to be able to stay. I had given this place one night to test, and I had barely slept a wink, listening for someone to break through the door even though I knew that was irrational at this point.
I’d thought I would be more melancholic about saying goodbye to the first place that had been my solo home, but I was also kind of relieved that I wasn’t sad about it.
“I vote we take a break,” Luca said, kissing the top of my head. “Or we could be done for the night.”
“I am very okay with being done for the night.”
“Should I tell Auggie to order some pizza?”
“Please do.”
Auggie had insisted on hosting me until I was fully settled. Allie’s heat would be starting any moment so I had no choice but to leave their home unless I wanted to risk going into heat myself, and as much as I appreciated the two of them, neither of us wanted her alpha up in my business.
“Do you want to stay over tonight?” I asked Luca as I gathered my purse so we could leave. Auggie had made it clear that Luca was welcome as much as I was. Maybe it was just so he could see us together and get extra gossip, but the gesture was nice nonetheless.
“I can if you don’t mind me doing homework.”
“Tasty homework or book homework?”
“Book, unfortunately, but I have some snacks I can pick up and bring over.”
“Sounds like a plan.” The two of us walked down to the parking lot and each hopped in our own vehicles, me heading to Auggie’s, and Luca heading for home to pack what he needed for the night.
“Hey there, bestie babe!” Auggie grinned when he opened the door and pulled me in for a hug. “Pizza should be here in about fifteen to twenty minutes, and the pullout sofa should be plenty of room for you and your cutie pie to share.”
“Thanks, Auggie.” I kissed his cheek and dropped my bags inside.
The two of us sat down with glasses of prosecco, awaiting our food and Luca’s arrival, which came within minutes of one another.
“I hope we get to hang out more now that you’re living here,” said Auggie. “I’m kind of excited to get to know daytime Luna.”
I let out a sharp laugh. “I promise she’s not anywhere near as exciting as nighttime Luna.”
“You’re plenty exciting during the day,” Luca replied in my defense.
Auggie chatted both our ears off while we ate. By the time we finished eating, I knew who was sleeping with whom at the club, who was thinking of quitting, who was pretty sure their patrons were going to pop the question, and who the performer favorites among the patrons were. I knew bits and pieces of gossip about the other omegas I worked with at the club, but Auggie had so much information stored away in his brain it was like he was a bored suburban housewife pressed against the windows, watching her neighbors. As much as he loved gossip, he knew where, when, and to whom it was safe to spill that tea.
“We need to get you a couple hobbies,” I said when he finally finished.
“Rude.” Auggie pouted. “Don’t pretend you don’t get a kick out all of this. I’m the one looking at your face during these stories.”
“I feel like you were a bard in a past life,” Luca commented. “I can definitely see you entertaining crowds around a roaring fire.”
