Chapter 28
By the time we’ve made the thirty-minute drive to Nesting, my cheeks hurt from laughing, and I’m testing the slick absorbing capacity of my fancy omega undies.
Jackson is even better than I’d imagined. Yes, there was an intrinsic comfort I experienced when I smelled his scent card, and I know I can trust him after he took care of me so well during my heat, but spending time with him, and getting to see more of him, is a delight.
It feels like we’ve known each other for years.
When we pull into the parking lot of the megastore on the outskirts of the city, I’m actually excited to explore it with him instead of dreading the challenge of figuring out what the hell to buy.
He’s out of the car and rounding over to my side to hold a hand out to me before I can get out on my own, and we both chuckle as he does a little bow.
His hand is warm and comforting around mine, and that feeling spreads up my arm and suffuses through my body when he doesn’t let go.
Jackson holds my hand as we walk to the entrance like it’s the most natural thing to do in the world. Which, honestly, it might be.
I always scoffed when Astrid professed she knew Jeff was “the one” after their first date. I chalked it up to her romantic side and rose-tinted memories.
But now?
I think after that car ride, I already know Jackson is meant to be mine.
It’s not the same as what I have with Ambrose—that chemical level pull that leaves me struggling to control my omega and not climb into the older alpha’s lap and rub myself against him.
Jackson’s earl gray tea with a splash of sugar and cream scent makes my omega very happy, but it doesn’t cloud my logic with base neediness.
Instead, it’s all of Jackson that has me wanting him—his wit, silliness, kindness, and, yes, his good looks and the way he makes my stomach flutter and fill with desire.
Never in a million years would I have dared to match with Jackson on a dating app or go up to him at a bar. He’s so far out of my league, he might as well be in space. And that would’ve been a shame, because after a half hour car ride, our compatibility is inarguable.
“Thoughts on where we should start?” Jackson gives my hand a gentle squeeze.
I flush, realizing he caught me gazing at him in a besotted stupor. Though, I’m not as embarrassed when he returns the look with an equally adoring grin.
Jackson tugs me closer, and I stumble over to him, bracing a hand on his firm pec so I don’t collide with him. Leaning down, he brushes his lips against my cheek, barely making contact, then brings his mouth to my ear. “Cami, you can’t look at me like that if you want me to keep my promise.”
Goosebumps erupt all over my skin and heat pools between my thighs. I look up at the gorgeous beta, his warm brown skin somehow glowing under the fluorescent lights of the store entryway.
“Sorry, you’re just ridiculously handsome,” I say, sounding breathless.
A wide grin stretches his lips. “Oh yeah? You like how I look?”
I roll my eyes at his cocky smile, which helps to ease some of the sexual tension. I give his chest a soft push. “I’d have to be blind not to. Now stop fishing for more compliments and get your game face on.”
Jackson presses his lips into a firm line and nods solemnly. “Yes, ma’am. Serious omega shopping only from here on out.”
With a chuckle, I tug him inside. As soon as I see the expanse of departments filled with anything and everything an omega might need, I freeze.
Jackson almost collides with my back, stumbling to a stop beside me. “You okay?”
I look up at him, eyes widening a little as stress bleeds back in. “I didn’t expect it to be so big.”
The goofy beta’s mouth quirks. “I get that a lot.”
His joke melts away some of the tension, and I shake my head at him. “Is this whole trip going to be you making dick jokes?”
“That depends,” he says, tapping his chin thoughtfully.
“On what?”
“On how long it takes to get you relaxed enough to enjoy this.” He releases my hand to place his palm on the small of my back. “Let’s check out the nesting materials first.”
His steady, easygoing presence bolsters me as we wade down the first aisle that appears to be dedicated solely to bedding of every color, fabric, and size.
It’s a staggering amount of options. I’d tried looking at nest inspo boards and articles with tips on making the best nest for you, but got intimidated and gave up almost immediately.
My eyes flit around, unable to focus on much of anything. “I thought maybe it’d be easier to choose in person, but I think this is worse than shopping online.”
Jackson waves a hand at me. “Nonsense! If you were shopping online, you wouldn’t be able to feel how…” He reaches out and grabs a fuzzy blanket at random and instantly recoils with a grimace. “How clingy and awful that feels. Bad example. But you know what I mean.”
I giggle at his distaste for the blanket, but take his word for it. I’m not a fan of the burnt orange color, anyway.
I scan around us, willing my nerves to subside as I recall Daisy’s advice when I was panicking about making my heat nest. Begrudgingly, I try to let my omega come to the surface to guide me.
After a few deep breaths, a pale pink velvety throw with a small flower pattern draws my eye and I reach out to touch it hesitantly.
Jackson stays quiet. Maybe he can sense how hard I’m concentrating, or maybe he doesn’t want to influence me. It’s sweet, but I should get his opinion since he’ll be spending time in my nest if things go well.
When my fingers connect with the fabric, a small purr erupts from me, and I clap a hand over my mouth in surprise.
“That good?” Jackson asks, raising a brow at me.
“It’s nice,” I say, noncommittal, even though it’s the softest blanket I’ve ever felt in my life. If I could cocoon myself up in it right now without drawing attention to myself, I would.
“Get it.” He reaches out and places his hand over mine, his thumb stroking over the back of my wrist before sliding down to touch the blanket. “On second thought, get a couple. That’s soft as fuck.”
“Yeah?” This first choice feels monumental.
I know it’s a goddamn blanket, but now that I’ve let my omega out a bit, picking the right things for my nest is of the utmost importance.
I glance around at some of the other options, many of them in more muted earthy tones.
Much more sophisticated. My brow furrows as I peer back down at our hands and the delicate fabric. “You don’t think it’s too… immature?”
Jackson scoffs. “No. And even if it was, who the fuck cares? It’s your nest, Cami.”
“I guess you’re right, it’s just…” I sigh, frustrated with myself that I’m making this more difficult than it needs to be.
But it’s hard to let go of a lifetime of attempting to appear professional and polished.
My natural instincts seem determined to guide me toward getting things that are the exact opposite of that.
Jackson grabs three of the blankets and cradles them in his thick arms. “Okay, new rule. You told me not to fluster you while we’re here, and I’m telling you you’re not allowed to second-guess anything. If you like it on first instinct, we’re getting it.”
“Jackson, I can’t…”
“Fine, then I’m going to rile you up until you’re begging me for a quickie in the bathroom. And you know I’m not one to rush.” His grin is wicked, and he does a slow deliberate scan of my body, leaving a trail of heat everywhere his eyes land.
“Dammit, okay. Fine,” I huff.
Jackson pumps his fist in victory, dropping two of the blankets in the process. “You keep looking. I’ll go grab us a cart.” He goes up on his toes to survey the wide expanse of the store. “Two carts.”
Almost an hour later, we’ve only made it through half of the store. While I’m trying my best to abide by Jackson’s ridiculous rule, it’s a struggle.
The amount of stuff in my carts is absurd. No one person needs this much stuff, let alone for something as frivolous as a nest.
My omega protests that assessment and I let out a sigh at my internal battle between being my typical practical and cheap self, and accepting that, while outwardly silly, getting this stuff is good for my mental health now that I’m an omega.
Still, my wallet is weeping. I have a decent job and some savings, so I can afford to splurge a little from time to time, but this is way more than a splurge.
I don’t really need that sheer canopy with the floral embroidery, do I?
Or that ridiculously expensive set of wedge pillows that are designed with pack bedroom activities in mind.
“Nope, put it back,” Jackson rumbles as I try to return a stack of things from the top of the cart he’s pushing when his back is turned.
“Do you have eyes on the back of your head?” I huff, returning the items to the cart with a huff.
“Nah, you’re just terrible at being sneaky.”
I scowl at him and cross my arms over my chest.
“It’s time for a snack break, I think,” he declares out of nowhere.
Huh. I didn’t notice until he brought it up, but I am feeling a bit hungry. I glance at our carts, then at the whole other side of the store left to go. “Uh, I didn’t bring any snacks, did you?”
He shakes his head. “Didn’t you see the cafe when we came in? It’s over near the entrance. You take a look around the bath and body products while I go grab us some coffee and treats.”
“Wow, this place is crazy,” I say with a bemused laugh. Part of me wants to push through, but a coffee and something to eat sounds like heaven. “Okay. Thank you!” Before I can overthink things, I close the distance between us and go up on my toes to press my lips to his.
Jackson lets out a little sound of surprise, which melts into a small groan as he wraps an arm around my waist and deepens the kiss. When we pull apart, his cheeks are burnished and his eyes sparkle.
“Fuck, you’re perfect,” he murmurs, his voice a blend of awe and sincerity.