He scoffed. Unlikely.
But what other option did he have?
As if in answer, his stomach twinged with a mild cramp. It began there before radiating to his back. A wave of nausea followed. Zinn breathed through the unpleasant sensations. Even if he wanted to confront his parents, it would need to wait a few months.
Until after his heat.
He’d taken his last suppressant the week before. Dr. Shey had warned him he couldn’t take any more. It wasn’t safe. The alpha doctor had stern words about his suppressant usage, along withother things. Zinn couldn’t even think about it today. He forced himself to drink some water before tying a short apron around his waist. In the main kitchen, he plastered on a smile.
His boss, Calder, waved at him. “Hey, Zinn. Are you okay hanging in the back today? The two wedding cakes need detail work.”
Usually, Zinn didn’t mind covering the front and chatting with customers. But he welcomed the reprieve today, along with the reminder that he had a useful skill. Calder had taught him the basics of cake decorating a year ago, and within months, Zinn had surpassed the alpha’s skill.
Zinn was lucky to have found a good job at the bakery, and now that he was able to use his artistic skills as Felton’s primary cake decorator, he’d discovered his calling as well. Creating beautiful designs that made people smile gave him joy and purpose. And helping the bakery develop its reputation for producing unique cakes allowed him to do something meaningful for Calder, who had taken a chance by hiring a single omega who’d never held a job.
“I’m happy to finish up those cakes,” Zinn replied. “It’s been kind of a rough morning, so it’ll be good to have a task that gets me out of my head.”
Calder paused taking inventory, studying him with concern. “You okay, sunshine?”
“All good, cap.” Zinn’s insides warmed as they exchanged the familiar nicknames. “Working will help.”
Calder put his clipboard down, placing a reassuring hand on Zinn’s shoulder. The alpha’s pine and clove scent invaded his senses, heating his omega blood more than it usually did. He bit the inside of his cheek.Stupid impending heat.
The cold metal of the main workstation pressed against Zinn’s back as he peered up at his boss.
“I’m here if you want to talk,” Calder said seriously, his tone low enough to be dangerously close to analpha voice. “I’m here if you need…anything.”
Zinn nodded, mesmerized by the severe set of the other man’s jaw and the flecks of gold in his bright green eyes. It wasn’t as though he’d never noticed how attractive Calder was. Of course he had, along with most of the customers.
He’d just never been so overwhelmed by it before.
Usually, he liked their playful banter and enjoyed the low-level pull between them. It felt safe, because he knew it wouldn’t go anywhere. Calder Rosen was eleven years older than him, a widower with two teenage sons. He had a thriving business and was a respected member of the community. He was only friendly because he was a kind man, which was good because Zinn had nothing to give him.
He didn’t even have a past.
Still, Calder’s hand comforted him. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d craved someone’s touch. Without thought, he angled his head and nosed the alpha’s knuckles.
Calder sucked in a breath. The pulse in his neck ticked visibly as his fingertips pressed down. The beginning of a rumble emanated from his throat.
“Oh, hey guys, I was just looking for the jar of chocolate chi—”
Lolo, the bakery’s longest-tenured staff member, entered the kitchen, stopping short at the sight of Calder’s hand on Zinn.
Zinn jerked back.
“Uh…sorry…I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Lolo stammered.
“You didn’t.” Zinn slapped his palms over his apron. “Calder was just letting me know I’m on wedding cake duty.”
The alpha said nothing but continued to stare. Zinn widened his eyes, silently pleading with him to stop looking so severe.
Finally, Calder softened his stance. He reached behind Zinn to grab the chocolate chips off the shelf, holding the jar out to Lolo. The beta grabbed it quickly and scurried into the main room.
“Sure you don’t need my help with anything, sunshine?” Calder asked, his rough voice competing with the hum of the refrigerators.
Zinn raked his gaze across the alpha’s broad chest and powerful forearms. The heat hormones taking root in his body wouldn’t allow him to do anything other than imagine touching all those bumps and ridges, sinking into their embrace and allowing himself to be taken care of for a while.
He banished the thought. Flirting was one thing, but he couldn’t involve himself with an alpha. Especially not his boss. No matter how kind he was.
