The Weather Outside: A Holiday MM Mpreg Romance Read online

  “Yes, thank you. I was wondering if I could look at the dining area?”

  “Sure, follow me,” I say and then lead him through the door I just entered. With the extra room taken in, the dining room is a large twenty-five by fifty-foot room, which isn’t nearly the size of any banquet hall, but it suits our needs fairly well.

  “This is nice,” he says, exploring the area. “No table?” he asks curiously, looking at the empty space in the center of the room.

  “We have tables that I can set up based on what you’d like. Some guests want a full-blown large table at the center for everyone to sit around, while others want them separated where people sit at different tables.”

  “And if we want it more set up where people can mingle?”

  I point to a large buffet on the side of the room near the kitchen entrance. “We can set up a buffet there and put out tall, circular tables that the guests can place their plates or drinks while they talk. There’s a sound system that plays through speakers built into the ceiling,” I say, pointing upward. “So, if you have a playlist, I can put that on.”

  “That would be great. I want everything to be perfect.”

  “I’ll do my best and hope that you’ll all be pleased. I understand the caterer is also setting up an open bar, so please let me know where you would like that. They will be here starting tomorrow afternoon, right?”

  “Right. It’s McAvoy’s Catering in town?” I try to remember the name Misty gave me.

  “They’re great. I know the owner. He’s done several events for us here, so I know you’ll be pleased.” A beeping sound comes from the kitchen, so I look over at Corey. “Would you like to see the kitchen? I’m being summoned,” I say with a laugh.

  Corey follows behind me as we walk into the large kitchen right off the dining room. A large island sits in the center. Along the walls, long stretches of cabinet space are available near the farmhouse sink and the six-burner gas stove. “This is nice, too,” Corey says as I step over to hit the timer and stir my soup.

  “Thanks… Would you like something to eat?” I ask, pointing toward the large pot.

  “I didn’t think a bed and breakfast provided dinner,” he says, quirking an eyebrow.

  “We usually don’t,” I say with a slight giggle, but I think tonight I can make an exception. I’m like my grandmother, I can’t make anything in a single batch. You’d think I am feeding a family of six.”

  “Then I’d love some, if it doesn’t put you out.”

  I shake my head and point toward a set of barstools on his side of the island. “Have a seat.” I pour up two large bowls full of the steaming soup and bring them to wear he’s seated. Then I grab another glass and fill it with tea.

  “Thank you,” he says, taking a spoon from me and carefully taking a bite. His eyes light up as he scoops up another spoonful. “Delicious.”

  “I’m glad you approve.” We eat for several minutes in silence. “So,” I ask between bites. “What is it that you do?”

  Corey wipes his mouth with a napkin before responding. “I’m an investment specialist. Basically, I help people invest their money based on their future goals.”

  “Sounds interesting.”

  “I like it. I’m actually up for a promotion.”

  “Good for you. I’m sure it’s something you’ve been working toward.”

  He nods as he scoops the last bit of soup from his bowl. “For a long time. I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that I get it.”

  “I’ll keep mine crossed for you too.” I pick up his bowl and refill it without even asking if he wants more. But he doesn’t refuse it when I bring it back, and I’m glad for the company.

  “But your life here must be exciting. I’m sure you meet a lot of interesting people in your line of work.”

  “Definitely. Very interesting, and I learn about so many different cultures and customs from the people who stay here.”

  Thinking about my guests, I change the conversation back to his company’s event. “Not to pressure you for a decision, but do you know how you might like the dining room set up? I’d like to get a head start on it if I can.”

  Corey nods. “I think having the high tables scattered throughout would be fine. And just plan on the bar being wherever you think is best. I know some of the partners are only coming for the evening, but with their spouses, I’m sure we’ll have around thirty people here.”

  “I thought several must be driving in for the evening since I only have six more rooms available.” I chuckle and take a swig from my glass.

  “You live here too, right?”

  “Yeah. I’m in the master sweet on the third floor.”

  “At least you don’t have to commute to work every day.”

  I smile. “True.”

  “I guess people can use the den as well if they want to sit?” He hands me his empty dish, so I stack it with mine and carry them to the sink.

  “Absolutely,” I say. “You should feel free to use the entire space.”

  “I’m sure Misty will love the fireplace. God, I can’t imagine how much wood you must need to keep that thing going.”

  I freeze, dread overtaking me as my eyes droop. Firewood…

  “What’s wrong?” Corey springs from his chair and rushes over to me. And as much as I appreciate his protective nature, it doesn’t help with my current situation.

  “Nothing… Sorry, I’ll get it handled.”

  “Get what handled?”

  I look up at him, his eyes filled with concern. “I totally forgot about the fireplace. There’s a stack of logs on the side of the house that need to be cut. I’ll get it done, though. Don’t worry.”

  Corey looks around and then back to me. “How many staff do you have working here?”

  “Do I count?” I ask with an embarrassed expression.

  “Yes,” he says slowly.

  “Then, one.”

  “No one else is helping you set up or run the place?”

  I nearly burst into tears, the realization that Alex isn’t here like he always was to take care of things. “Alex... My…”

  “Mate?” he asks quietly.

  I nod, mist coating my eyes as I hold my tears at bay. “He’s not here to help me like he used to be.” I grit my teeth and straighten my jaw, wiping quickly at the corners of my eyes. “But, please don’t let that concern you. I promise, I’ll get everything ready for your company. Please don’t worry.”

  “Look, let me help you.”

  I shake my head, appalled that a guest would even offer to help me with my own business. “No, thank you, but I couldn’t let you do that.”

  “Why not?” he asks, crossing his arms in front of his chest. His muscles bulge beneath the fabric, and I suddenly find myself wishing I could bury my face in his chest and let him hold me.

  “Because, you’re a guest here. I can’t have you working,” I say, trying to laugh to keep from crying.

  “You can’t stop me from helping,” he says, a newly determined look on his face.

  “It wouldn’t be right.”

  “Brayden, I know you’re trying to do everything on your own, but I need this weekend to go as smoothly and perfectly as possible. So, if I need to get my hands a little dirty to help make sure that happens, then count me in.”

  I try to protest again, but he tightens his face into a scowl, his authority as an alpha overtaking my ability to deny his request. “Fine, but you have to let me pay you or at least not charge your room for the night.”

  But he waves me off. “My company is paying for the room. And besides, you just fed me… Helping out is the least I can do.” He gives me a wink, which makes me feel a bit better.

  “But let me change into something more comfortable. It’s been a while since I’ve split wood, but I’m pretty good with my hands.”

  He moves from the kitchen to head upstairs while I put away the remaining soup and clean the dishes. Yes, Corey… Something tells me you are very good with your
hands. The thought brings a smile to my face as I finish my tasks and head outside to find the axe and maul.

  5

  Corey

  How could an alpha abandon his omega like this?

  The thought has me more than upset. The scared, vulnerable look at the mention of his mate not sticking around to help him is bad enough, but it’s obvious the guy isn’t just off on a business trip. My heart practically broke watching Brayden trying to be brave.

  The poor omega is trying to hold his business together singlehandedly while his alpha is off doing god knows what and with whom. I’ve heard stories before of an alpha leaving his omega, but the tales come few and far in between. Once you’re mated, the union is considered more sacred than even wedding vows. Alphas and their omegas mate for life, so if an alpha abandons their omega… Well, the omega is looked at like dirty goods that no one wants.

  I can’t even fathom how someone could leave Brayden. I know the two of us have only talked for a short while today, but I can tell he has a pure heart and sweet soul. The fact that someone could leave him for anyone else is completely insane, which must describe the mental state of his alpha.

  When I reach the top steps of the third floor, I slowly move toward my room, taking a moment to look at the door across from mine. When he paused earlier in the day, he must have been deciding if he wanted me across from him. After all, I’m a stranger in his home where he’s living alone.

  But the fact that he put me across the way makes me believe that he is probably just lonely…and perhaps even happy to have someone close by. And if that’s the case, I’m happy I can give him a little bit of comfort at least for the short period of time that I’ll be staying here.

  After opening my door, I walk to my bag, grabbing a pair of jeans and a light pullover to put on. I’m glad I brought a pair of tennis shoes in case I wanted to go for a run, since working in my dress shoes would be a little impractical. Once laced, I check out myself in the mirror, suddenly wanting to make sure I look my best, despite the fact that I’m going to be chopping wood.

  When I’m back downstairs, I see Brayden through the window. He’s in the side yard, struggling with a large hunk of wood. With the axe in his gloved hands, he swings it, barely meeting the wood with his landing. Unfortunately, his force isn’t strong enough to embed the axe head into the wood, but he looks completely adorable while he tries. After watching for a few moments, I decide I need to rescue him from his anguish.

  “Here, let me help.” I race toward him once I’m outside, just in time to catch him land the axe in the center of the piece of wood he’s working on.

  “I did it!” His exclamation is even more adorable since I know that he has been working on this single piece for several minutes and just finally made the first real hit.

  “That’s awesome. But let me…” I take the axe from him. He runs to a nearby windowsill and picks up an extra pair of gloves, offering them to me.

  I take the piece he’s been working on and set it aside. He looks at me in confusion as I toss several smaller pieces to the side until I find a large piece measuring about two feet in diameter. “It helps if you have something more solid to put the wood on to split it.”

  “Oh,” he says, looking slightly embarrassed. He’s obviously never had to chop wood before, but I don’t blame him for not knowing. Hell, if it wasn’t for the fact that my grandfather showed me how when I was younger, I wouldn’t know what to do either.

  Taking a small chunk of wood, I prepare to swing, mustering all the energy I can into my arms as I force the axe into the wood with a thump. The wood splits as the axe head becomes embedded approximately half-way into the round log. I pull it out and set it up again, taking another swing and driving the wood apart.

  “Let me get a small pile together and then you can start carrying them to wherever you want to store them.”

  Brayden smiles. “Okay. I know I can do that.” His laugh is sweet, causing me to chuckle. I continue splitting the wood, moving piece after piece onto my large base and then tossing them into the growing pile. Brayden begins picking them up, loading them into his arms and carrying them around to the front of the house.

  We follow the same pattern until nearly an hour must have passed. And as much wood as I’d split, the pile of wood waiting for my axe doesn’t seem to have gotten any smaller. Despite the cool temperature, my shirt is practically drenched in sweat. As Brayden takes another armful to the front, I strip of the T-shirt I’m wearing and try to find a dry patch to wipe my skin with.

  Brayden is gone longer than normal, but it’s not long until I realize why. He walks around from the front of the house with two large glasses of what appears to be lemonade in his hands. I catch the slight startled stance he takes as he walks around the corner, and I can’t help but chuckle while I watch him avert his eyes from my naked chest. I’m not the most buff or fit guy out there, but I like to think I keep my baseball-player build fairly nice.

  “Here, I thought you might want some.”

  “Thanks,” I say, taking the glass from his outstretched hand. “I guess we’ve both gotten a little hot.”

  Brayden mumbles something as he lifts his glass to his lips and takes a sip. “Do you think we have enough? I’ve filled up the bin in the house and even stacked a lot in the fireplace.” He points to the small pile still waiting to be carried away. “By the time I take that to the porch, it should have the holder up front filled as well.”

  “I’ll try to get a bit more done. If you don’t have room for it up front, we’ll make a little stack next to the house. Just so you’ll have it for next week.” I smile then take another huge gulp from the glass before handing it back to him.

  “I really do appreciate it.” His eyes look at me with sincerity, and they pierce through me. It’s the same look I would expect from someone who hasn’t had a lot of kindness given to him by his alpha lately. I’ve seen it before in the faces of omegas gathered at the local bar who are hoping to get something their alpha will no longer provide…a knot.

  I study his face, beads of sweat gathered on his forehead. He smiles shyly and it almost makes me wish that I could do more for him. But this isn’t my omega. And although I hate that his alpha has left him in such a state, I can’t presume to step in and take the guys place. After all, Brayden is taken, and the only thing worse than having an alpha leave his omega is an alpha who sleeps with another alpha’s omega.

  And I couldn’t do that to Brayden. I can’t leave him with my scent in his skin for everyone to know that he’s been abandoned by one alpha and used by another to get off. No, the only thing I can do is help ease his burden a bit today. Besides, I’m not being totally selfless. I need Misty to see that things have been handled here. Even though not having firewood wouldn’t be my fault, I don’t want her to blame me for any upsets that may occur if something isn’t absolutely perfect for the partners this weekend.

  “No worries,” I say, picking the axe back up and stepping over to the pile. “Happy to help.” Brayden takes my cue and sets down the glasses before starting to pick up the wood again. We work for another hour, until I’m satisfied with the stack of wood neatly piled next to the side of the porch by the house. It’s not a lot, but it should help him with any guests he has next week until he can figure out how to get more cut.

  Once we call it quits, it’s starting to get dark outside. I grab my semi-dried shirt and toss it back on before helping Brayden put the tools back where they belong and following him back into the house. When we step inside, he looks down at the two empty glasses in his hand. “Did you want something more to drink?”

  “I think I should shower. I’m sure I smell rancid.” I chuckle, aware that I’ve worked up a world of sweat that needs to be washed away.

  “You don’t smell bad, but I know what you mean.” He looks from the glasses and back to me. “Well, I don’t know how to thank you, but I’ll let you get cleaned up. There are fresh towels in the bathroom. Just let me know if you
need anything else.”

  “Thanks,” I say, rubbing my palms against my jeans trying to wipe away the slick that seems to be building from our proximity. “I’m sure you’ve provided more than necessary.” God, I’m pathetic. After succinctly failing at trying not to flirt yet somehow managing to be awkwardly flirting with him. “I’ll get cleaned up. Maybe I’ll see you a little later?”

  “I hope so,” he says with a grin. I swear I see a twinkle in his eyes when he answers, but I don’t want to read into anything. All I know is I’m skirting a dangerous line that I don’t want to become tangled in. I simply smile and then I head toward the staircase. It’s not until I get to my room and grab a few toiletries that I finally catch a full breath again.

  I grab a pair of shorts along with my small bag of toiletries and head down the hall to the guest bathroom. I turn on the water and let it get warm as I strip from my dirty clothing. My cock is already getting hard as my mind drifts to thoughts of Brayden’s face when he saw me shirtless. Lust was definitely in his eyes, and I can’t help but wish circumstances were different. Stepping under the cascade of water, I let the flow pound my back, massaging my neck and shoulders, which I’m sure will be a bit sore from the exertion placed on them today.

  But my arm isn’t too tired when I lather up my soap and begin rubbing my slick hand across my body. I pinch my nipples as I glide my fingers across my chest, then dip down toward my stomach. My fingers trace the edges of my abs as I inch further down until my soapy hand is grasping my now throbbing shaft. My eight inches are thick and protruding as I make a fist around it with my hand and begin thrusting.

  I may not be able to have him in real life, but in my imagination, I can take that omega and make him mine. And as I push into my fist, that’s exactly what I do. This afternoon plays out a little different as Brayden comes around the house and takes note of my body. When he comes with the glass of refreshing liquid, he hands it to me, but then uses his palm to wipe the sweat across my chest.

  My body reacts to his touch as my cock thickens beneath my jeans, tenting at the zipper and pressing for release. “Let me help you with that.” His rich voice is practically begging me to have an orgasm without even touching my cock. I study him carefully as he moves his hand to the button of my jeans and releases it. Then he pulls down the zipper, his face mesmerized as he watches the bulge in my underwear.