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I glower. “Fuck—”
A horn honks, distracting me. Chaz laughs and turns away, striding to the door. The bells chime as he yanks it open and flicks his tongue between the V of his fingers, the gesture grossing me out.
“Scarlett? Is that the beta Jonah and Leo told me about?” Adrian hangs his head out of his window.
“Yeah, but it’s not a big deal. Ms. Sandy warned me that she had to call him to come in for a shift. She won’t let him bother me.” I drop the paint rag back on my pallet. “What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were picking me up this evening. Is everything okay?”
Adrian tightens his jaw, looking past me into Beach Brew. “It’s fine. Just a slight schedule adjustment. I know I told you we wouldn’t be leaving until tomorrow, but there’s been a change of plans. We need to go tonight. How much longer do you need? I can grab a cup of coffee and wait.” He doesn’t say it, but the look he gives the door behind me speaks volumes. He caught what Chaz did and might want to say something.
I release a deep breath. “I’m actually at a good stopping point. Just give me a couple of minutes.”
Who knew I’d be thankful for a change in plans? Especially ones that involve going home.
I guess that’s what asshole beta guys do.
All I want now is to get away.
10
Adrian
Homecoming
“Flowers,no.Wine,yes.Jewelry, yes. My mom loves anything luxurious. Consider her spoiled.” Scarlett strolls in front of me, drawing her finger along the rack of scarves.
It’s customary for all packs under the Pack Clearwater hierarchy to bring a gift any time one of its members is being hosted, even if it’s a family of a pack we’re marrying into. I hate to admit it to myself, but I do hope Scarlett’s family approves of me. As a pack under Pack Carlisle’s authority and a subset of them, I want to ensure everything goes smoothly. My allies within Carlisle have been clear about how special Pack Steele is. I know that they have already agreed and accepted the dowry for our proposal, yet if it turns out that any of her family has a problem with us, things will be difficult for Scarlett. She claims that she doesn’t like to be home or around her mom, but she has never talked badly about her fathers or her sisters. I would hate for her to lose her bond with them, so I’ll do my best to make a good impression. Even if it means showering her mother with material things and feeding her ego.
“What do you think about this?” I ask, motioning toward a designer handbag displayed on the wall of the upscale boutique.
Scarlett picks up the purse and poses with it. “Actually, this is perfect. My mom loves handbags.”
I pick up a wallet and a diamond-studded compact mirror. “These will be an exquisite addition to the gift.” As for her fathers, I’ll bring an expensive bottle of tequila and whiskey, because Scarlett couldn’t remember which they drink most of. And of course, wine. I’m counting on her mother drinking and hopefully turning in early.
Scarlett smiles at me, strolling around the boutique. She lingers at the jewelry case, looking at several sparkling pieces. She presses her finger to the glass above a ruby ring, her eyes lighting up.
“Why don’t you pick out a couple of things for yourself?” I say, sliding my hands around her waist. She never asks for anything, and I want to know more about what she prefers. She didn’t even glance at the diamonds, so I know her tastes are bolder and more vibrant than classic. She also gravitates toward vivid colors and whimsical prints. That is unless she’s wearing jeans and a T-shirt.
Scarlett offers me a smile. “I wouldn’t even know where to start. I’ve always done my shopping online and could only get what my mom approved of.”
“Why don’t you start with something to wear and go from there.” I motion toward the racks of dresses displayed on the back wall. This boutique has everything a woman who enjoys fashion could desire. “And if you can’t decide, we’ll take whatever you choose. There are no limitations for you, Scarlett.”
She beams a smile, turning toward the store, her gray eyes wide as she peers around.
Is it strange that I disapprove of her mom? Perhaps. I disagree with how obediently trained omegas are in our society. It’s why I liked the idea of someone out of the normal age range of omegas looking for a pack. Though after meeting Scarlett, I realize how perfect she is. Because she might have been trained to be an omega, but she is also adaptable. She’s a quick study and has really opened up since our first night.
It’s strange. At first, I felt old due to my personal insecurities about the age difference. In reality, Scarlett makes me feel young. Giddy. I never thought I’d be excited about even glimpsing someone the way I do with her. My emotions run rampant like a mass of butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I get jitters over being alone together. I’m full-on smitten knowing she’s a Hart. Has my heart, too. And watching her now gets to me in the best way possible. Who knew a man of my age and stature could have a crush? More, even. With each passing day, I fall harder for this spectacular woman.
Peeking over my shoulder, I wait for Scarlett to select a couple of dresses and then head toward the fitting room. I expect her to call me over, but she doesn’t, and I’m glad for it. My favorite part of the morning is to see what she chooses to wear, and I admire every inch of her incredible body.
Plus, I want to get her a surprise too.
I wave my hand at an associate dressed in all black. “I’d like to see this ring right here.”
The man unlocks the case and pulls it out for me. “This is a four-carat, pear-shaped ruby from Mozambique. Stunning clarity.”
I take the white gold ring and study it with the eyeglass he offers me. “It’ll look magnificent on my omega, don’t you think? I’d like it to be a surprise, so please be discreet. She is in the fitting room.”
“Yes, sir,” the man says, retrieving the ring for me and gathering a crystal box to place it in.
