“I need to leave.” Mitch kissed my temple. “The plumbers are coming in to install the new dishwasher today.”

My arm instinctually held him tighter, not wanting him to leave. “Saturdays are for sleeping in.”

“Then that is exactly what you should do, love.”

I relented, loosening my hold on him. It was selfish for me to expect him to disregard his responsibilities because I wanted snuggles. Ever since that night at the bar when those omegas thought it wise to take Swelter, we’d spent most nights together.

It still boggled my mind how some omegas thought that was a good idea. Sure, you got the needy high only achieved during your heat, but with it came the out of control hormone surge that put them at so much risk. I could see people using it to help conceive, but for fun—I preferred to be safe.

Although, if they hadn’t come in that night, I might never have told Mitch what he needed to hear—that I wanted him—just him. I hadn't meant to give him mixed messages. I allowed my insecurities to rule my actions, and it was the unfortunate side effect. A side effect that might’ve cost me the man who had grown to mean so much to me in such a short period of time.

“No, I want to get up. We can save water by showering together.” Wiping the sleep from my eyes, I pushed myself up with the intent of starting the day all soapy and naked with the sexy man that by some miracle called me his. My plan was a hot fail as soon as the bile burned the back of my throat, and I sprinted to the bathroom just in time to purge my body of the Thai food from the night before.

“Kaden, baby, what can I do?” Mitch’s concern-filled voice came from behind me as his hand settled on my lower back, forming small circles of comfort while I wretched again.

“Sorry,” I mumbled as I flushed the toilet. “I didn’t want you to see that.”

“And I didn’t want you to experience it, so we’re even.” He stood, holding his hand out to help me off the floor. “Want me to run you a shower?”

I nodded and went to the sink to get the gross out of my mouth as he set the water temperature.

I instantly felt so much better after emptying my stomach—not perfect but not wishing for death either. It didn’t feel like a stomach bug. It was more like bad Thai. I crossed my fingers it was going to be a one and done.

“It’s ready when you are.” Mitch opened the shower curtain for me to climb in, and then he followed behind me.

The sexy shower for two I’d had in mind washed down the drain as soon as I worshipped the porcelain throne, but our shower managed to be so much more intimate as he washed my hair and body. By the time we got out, I almost felt normal.

“I’m going to make you some tea,” Mitch announced more than asked before he walked out of the bedroom while I got dressed. He was too sweet…and also running late.

I threw on my jeans quickly and made my way to the kitchen just as the microwave dinged, indicating my tea water was hot. “You’re late.”

“And you’re sick. That’s more important.” He put the tea bag into the water.

“I’m fine. Just bad Thai.” I grabbed the cup, holding it with both hands, enjoying the warmth. My stomach started to get a little queasy but nothing like what it had been in the morning.

“We ate the same thing.” He held up a bag of bread and quirked an eyebrow.

I nodded and held up one finger, indicating one piece of toast. I wasn’t sure if it was the best plan, but my father’s advice of tea, toast, and bananas for a sick tummy had me willing to give it a try.

“Go to work. I’m fine.” The last thing I wanted on my plate was the guilt of everyone having to hand wash all the cups at the bar because I was too needy to let Mitch leave.

“Not leaving you alone.” There was no room for negotiation if his tone was any indication. He turned his back long enough to put the bread in the toaster.

I was torn between thinking he was the sweetest man ever and being pissed off. Sweet won out in the end.

I realized he could have both. “Then I’ll get my shoes on.” The dishwasher could be installed and he could keep an eye on me.

The toast popped, and I grabbed it on my way to get my shoes but was stopped when he caged me in his arms with a smile on his face.

“Stubborn omega.” He leaned in, kissing my forehead before settling his forehead on mine.

“Your stubborn omega.”

His eyes darkened. “Mine.”

I nibbled on my toast as we drove to the bar, my stomach settling with each bite. It wasn’t how I planned to spend my day, but I could think of no better person to spend it with…even if we were going to be watching some guy working in the kitchen.

“You know, we probably don’t have to stay in the kitchen,” I teased, my hand running slowly up Mitch’s thigh. “I mean, if we wanted to, we could go hang out in your office. I bet you have some things you could do on your desk.”

My mind was already creating a thousand ideas for how to utilize that alone time, my stomach woes forgotten.

“What is it with you and my desk?” His voice deepened the way it did so deliciously when he was filled with desire.

“It isn’t the desk—it’s you.” My hand continued the rest of the short journey to his cock just as we pulled into the driveway.

“Behave.” He faux scolded.

“You like me naughty.” I gave him a squeeze as he put the car in park.

“Yes. Yes, I do.”

And before we could do anything about that, the plumbers drove in.

Of course they did.