“Is that how a good omega behaves?” I grinned as Tanner snorted.
“A good omega wouldn’t be hard when you said shit like that.”
“Oh, I don’t know. I think people just have the wrong idea about what good means.” He hadn’t moved away, so I kneaded one cheek and pulled him closer. “I bet you have lots of ideas about what a good omega would do for an alpha.”
Tanner’s breath seemed to catch in his throat. I had a feeling that was a very strong indication that he had a lot of interesting ideas about how to be good for me.
“I can’t wait to hear all about what interests you. I have a feeling you have lots of wonderful ideas for that club of yours.” But if he thought he was going to be meeting other alphas there to explore submission with, he was crazy.
“You’re trying to kill me, right?” Tanner’s response was just like the drama I’d seen with his friends and nothing like how he usually talked with me. It sent an unexpected thrill through me. He was finally sharing the private side of himself he never brought to work.
“No, but I’m going to love seeing your reactions when you tell me all the dirty ideas you have behind that oh-so-proper exterior.” Then I leaned down and kissed the side of his neck. “Because you already smell incredible.”
One of the side effects of heat suppressant was that it made it harder to detect an omega’s natural scent. It made working less distracting for alphas and omegas, but it also made being close more intimate. An omega’s scent was now almost delicate…private.
Tanner made a low whine and stiffened, trying to hold himself back. “You’re making it impossible to behave.”
So of course I had to kiss him again, that time licking up his throat and nibbling at his ear. “If you’re too good, then I won’t get to punish you.”
“Shit.” Tanner stepped back.
For a moment I thought I’d crossed the line, but then I saw the desire in his eyes and the stiff way he held his body. He took several deep breaths and closed his eyes. “I can’t go out to dinner with cum in my pants.”
He was priceless.
“I think you could. But I won’t make you.” Then I paused. “This time.”
He moaned again.
Being good at something was a bit addicting, no matter what the skill. Even something like teasing Tanner and getting delicious responses. “I’ve learned all kinds of things in my research. But for now, dinner and we’ll talk.”
I knew I had a lot to learn about what Tanner wanted, but since most of it seemed to be centered around someone else being in control and making decisions, I thought it was time I made a few. “Get whatever you need to take home with you.”
He’d worked enough, and if it was up to him, I had a feeling he’d be there a few more hours.
Tanner looked around at his desk. “I really should—”
Taking his hand again, I pulled his focus back to me. “You’re the boss, but I think you need someone to tell you when the day is over. You push yourself harder than you need to.”
Tanner was driven and passionate, but he needed to know when to breathe.
He stopped and seemed to be considering what to say. Different emotions flashed over his face and it was like watching some kind of private negotiation within himself. Finally, he squeezed my hand. “Do you want that responsibility or do you just think it’s what I want?”
Now he had me thinking.
I tried to sort out the jumble of emotions in me, but it was difficult. “My first reaction was to say it’s what you need, and that felt right.” I wasn’t one to overshare, but I knew I had to keep speaking if he was going to understand. “One of the things I like best about my job is taking care of you. Maybe it’s making sure you eat or maybe it’s by encouraging you to delegate, but that’s what it seems to boil down to.”
When he didn’t seem surprised, I continued. “A lot of what I read about domination and submission seems to be different ways I would take care of you. So maybe a bit of both. I want the responsibility of making sure you do what you need to, and I think you’d like it as well.”
Tanner seemed to be taking in what I said. He stood there quietly, watching and thinking. Normally it was a client on the other end of that stare, but now it was me.
“I’ve never had anyone who wanted to watch over me like that.” Tanner swallowed nervously, then stepped closer again and rested his hand on my chest. “Thank you for doing your best to understand what I need.”
“You’re welcome.” I leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “I’m ready to start our date, are you?”
Tanner smiled and then stretched up to press a gentle kiss to my lips. “Yes.”
I reached up to stroke my thumb over his lips, loving the soft texture. “One day it’s going to be ‘Yes, Sir’ or maybe even ‘Yes, Master.’”