I was standing close enough I could almost feel his pulse starting to race as he swallowed again, obviously picking up on my subtext. “I haven’t…I mean, we haven’t talked about couples. I don’t think…I didn’t realize that was…something that people might be interested in.”
Before I could respond with more than a nod, he took a deep breath and charged back in, finally finding his footing. “Do you think it would be something you’re both interested in? You might be getting mixed signals if you haven’t already talked about it.”
Oh yes, the sweet sub had a spine of steel under that tousled hair and sexy scruff.
“Yes.” No flirting, just full eye contact and utter honesty.
When he nodded slowly, I kept going. “We’ve always talked and while I know we’reunconventional, it’s something we both want.”
“But finding the right…club has been hard?” He seemed to be fighting the urge to look over at Graham, but he took another long breath and focused on me as he spoke.
“Sometimes we think we’ve found…a club that fits, but they’ve never been the right place for us. We want a long-term relationship…with the club, and most places are just looking for…entertainment for the night and not something special and permanent.” Two alphas were okay for some fun but not on a full-time basis.
Jonah’s face tightened. “That’s not right. You shouldn’t look for something like that without being prepared for it to get serious. Emotions can get more easily involved in that type of…well, club.”
He couldn’t seem to decide how his speech should end, but it was so sweet I just wanted to wrap my arms around him. But since we’d technically just met, that wouldn’t be the most polite thing I could do.
“Some people simply don’t realize that.” I shrugged it off, but I knew Graham was hanging on every word. “But that doesn’t mean you stop looking. Some things just feel too right to give up on.”
Jonah nodded slowly, finally giving in to look over at Graham. He must have guessed some of what was going through G’s head because he smiled faintly before turning to me. “I know how you feel. Sometimes you know how things should go even though you’ve never found it.”
“It takes time.” I looked at Graham’s stiff pose and I could feel my smile softening. “But when things are right, you just know it.”
As I moved my gaze back to Jonah, I saw he was giving me the same sweet smile. Nodding, he didn’t hide how cute he thought we were. “I agree. Sometimes that takes a while to find.”
“And sometimes it stumbles right into your lap.” I winked and leaned against the table, jostling it enough that Graham had to stop playing at ignoring us and look up. Graham was still a bit overwhelmed and lost, so I turned back to Jonah.
“I know all you’ve had a chance to do lately is work on the club. I bet that hasn’t left much time for a personal life.” Anyone would be able to see the not-so-subtle request for information in that bullshit.
Jonah chuckled, raising one eyebrow questioningly. “You’re right. Between this and real-life stuff, it hasn’t left much time to do anything but hang out with my friends.”
Perfect.
“Well, maybe we can take you to dinner tonight. It’s not a date at a BDSM club, but it’s a start and could be fun.” I chuckled as he grinned, blushing faintly.
“That would be great, but I actually have plans.” He hurried on when Graham stiffened beside us. “Austin and Silas are going to be on the news later, one of those gossipy kinds of things about all the rumors around him. We’re hoping it distracts them from the club and gets some attention for real omega rights. We’re all meeting at Wade’s house to watch it.”
So real plans, not just something to put us off.
Graham relaxed again, finally finding his voice. “How about dinner this weekend? We’re having dinner with Shane and Tanner on Friday, but Saturday is open.”
Much better. There was the alpha I knew.
Jonah gave him a slightly bashful smile, barely nodding. “I’d like that.”
Glancing over at me, he gave me the same smile. “I’d like that a lot.”
It wasn’t a declaration of love or even admitting he was willing to date two alphas at the same time, but it was a damned good start.
Chapter 4
Jonah
I had a date.
Well, maybe a date.
I hoped it was a date.
