Page 12 of Mate Match: Curtis & Jae
We parted with a smile to find the attendant looking at us. They were grinning so widely I was almost embarrassed for the show we gave them. “You two are so cute! Sorry! I shouldn’t have said that.” They blushed, made their way around us to return behind the counter, then packaged up the remains of the box folded with the relevant information.
“Please, keep this for your records just in case you need to seek medical attention because of a reaction. Duostop is ninety-nine point five percent effective. I have to remind you of the legal stuff. Don’t forget to wait thirty minutes. Best set a timer now.”
“Thanks. I understand.” I took the packet and tucked it into the inner pocket of my jacket while Curtis played with his phone before showing the ticking timer to the attendant, earning him a pleased look.
Curtis held out his hand. “Ready?”
“Yes.” I took his hand eagerly. Grateful for the grounding touch.
Together we said goodbye and left the store for Curtis’ home. Nerves plagued me as we walked. Was I doing the right thing? I could go home and be miserable for three to five days while my heat played out alone. It would be shorter with an alpha, but that wasn’t the only reason to pick Curtis. I wanted to be with him. My heat was a convenient excuse. He had such a soothing presence about him. I really didn’t want to go it alone. He made me feel safe and desired at the same time.
One look at him keeping pace with me despite his longer legs, a concerned expression on his handsome face, and I knew I’d made the right choice.
Six
Jae
“Doyouneedtomove your car?” Curtis asked as we walked towards his place. He craned his neck, looking back towards the restaurant. “I don’t want you getting a ticket for parking there too long.”
Ugh, he was the sweetest. I was happy to put him at ease. “Don’t have one.” I gave a careless shrug. “I work from home, mostly. Everything can be delivered and public transport is decent. I took a ride-share to our date.”
“Makes sense. I’ve got my truck for work.” His words were a little stilted. Awkward.
I got the feeling we were both getting in our heads a little. This was a big deal. I was attracted to Curtis, sure, but I hadn’t been planning on jumping into bed with him on the first date, let alone going through my heat so soon. I had really hoped we’d have time to get to know each other better, develop a relationship first.
Still, I felt like going home alone and suffering would damage whatever we had growing between us. Me showing him this trust had bolstered his confidence. Not that it was any reason to sleep with him. I wanted to. Curtis was handsome, sweet, and I felt a need to know what he’d feel like inside me.
My hole clenched around nothing, more slick leaked. I tightened my hold on Curtis’ hand, feeling more uncomfortable than before and needing his grounding presence.
“Nearly there,” Curtis assured me. In response to my pheromones, he leaked some. His control was decent, yet faced with a dominant omega like me, he was struggling with his hold.
Sure enough, we slowed to a stop just at the edge of his property. The house was impressive. Maybe not much to most, but it had a fair amount of land either side of it to extend if necessary. There was only one floor, with many gleaming windows throwing the last of the day’s sun back at us. The window trim, wide door, and sidings were all painted a sage green. It gave the house a very homey feel.
“If you want to back out now, I can drive you home.” Perhaps Curtis took my silence for hesitation, which was why he offered me an out.
I looked at him, really studied his face. His medium brown skin was slightly flushed, a sign my pheromones were doing a number on him. His pupils were dilated and his nostrils flared as he took more of my scent in. Curtis wasn’t conventually attractive, his nose was a little wide, his mouth slightly down turned. He had full lips and a softer jawline, but I found I couldn’t stop looking at him.
Everything about him just appealed to me. He was taller than me, not difficult since I was about five foot seven. Omegas were usually smaller. Curtis looked to be maybe six feet tall. He was wide in the shoulders, slightly chubby around the middle in that soft way I’d always secretly liked, even if society dictatedalphas have a certain body type. What? I’d always liked men who enjoyed their food, okay?
Most importantly, Curtis gave great hugs, and when he kissed me, I knew I wanted more.
“No. I want you. I want to do this with you.” All I could do was be honest with him. Going home, or using a service, didn’t appeal, especially not with Curtis in front of me.
“Okay.” He turned and led me up the path and into his place.
Inside, I got to see what the home Curtis owned looked like. He’d already told me there were three bedrooms, one which he used as a home office. Due to being so close, Curtis had chosen to walk to our date. The evening was mild for spring, making our fifteen minute journey pleasant. It was nice to have the cooler air on my skin. The scent of flowers lingered in the air alongside the traffic and pheromones I was used to.
There was a small front yard, which was neatly kept. I imagined the backyard was the same. Inside was comfortable and clean. Nothing fancy, just homey. From where I was, I could see the living room. It was filled with overstuffed couches and armchairs, bookshelves, and a sturdy coffee table.
“You’ve got a nice place,” I offered as we stood awkwardly in the entryway. Curtis hung up my jacket next to his while I removed my shoes, seeing him toe his off.
“Thanks. Can I get you anything?”
“Can I shower? Sorry, I feel all gross.”
“No, that’s fine. Here, my bathroom is better.” I followed him to the main bedroom, where a massive bed with a navy comforter dominated the space. “I’ll just grab you a towel.” He showed me into the bathroom, his expression blank.
“Cool. Thanks.” Fuck, this was awkward. I wanted the easy affection of the drugstore back. Determined to fix things, I turned on the shower and quickly shed my clothes.
