The Weather Outside: A Holiday MM Mpreg Romance Read online

  “You got it where it needed to go.” I pull into the drive and gasp as I notice the house for the first time with lights all around it.

  “You approve?” he asks.

  “It looks amazing. Where they on when we left? I don’t remember seeing them.”

  Brayden holds up his cell phone. “I forgot to turn them on before we left. Luckily, I have everything plugged into smart plugs. Can you imagine having to walk around and unplugging them every night?”

  “No, I honestly would probably be sick of it after the first night.” As we walk into the house, the lights strung throughout all the garland handing around the house and on the banisters are almost too perfect. If it wasn’t for the man standing next to me, I’d probably be gagging from the feeling of being in a Hallmark movie.

  But for some reason, with Brayden here, it’s just the way it should be. And I’m not ready for this night to end yet. I turn to him as we stand in the foyer. “I know I should be tired, but I was thinking about sitting up a bit longer.” Nodding toward the living room, I ask, “Care to keep me company?”

  “That would be great,” he says as we walk into the room. He sits on one of the large sofas, illuminated by the Christmas lights sparkling from the tree. “Tell me more about your promotion.”

  “Hopeful promotion,” I correct him.

  “Well, we’re keeping our fingers crossed…so, you have to get it, right?”

  I sit on the sofa opposite of him, wishing that I’d chosen to sit on the same couch with him. I have to remind myself that there isn’t any sense in trying to get close to him, especially since the weekend is going to pass by quickly and then we will probably never see each other again. Hell, I probably should have just said goodnight and went to my room, but I wasn’t ready to leave him yet.

  Even though we haven’t even known each other for twelve hours, it seems like the two of us have known each other for a lifetime… Well, that is if you forget that neither of us know anything about the other one or our past lives. But the feeling is still there. I trust him and believe that he has nothing but good intentions for everyone he meets.

  “It’s a management position. I’m hoping to keep moving up that corporate ladder and make junior partner within the next five years. This is just another rung I need to climb to get there.”

  “Do you ever get frustrated with it? Having to play the corporate game, that is?”

  I glance over to the fireplace, studying the stack of logs Brayden placed inside it earlier. “Sometimes,” I reply honestly. “It can be stressful, but I know that if I keep up the hard work, it will all eventually pay off. I think it’s just knowing that I’m not the only one playing. Another guy is in the running, but he doesn’t have the same years’ worth of experience. I’ve got to keep thinking that I’ve done enough to get the job.”

  “And then what?” His question is simple enough, but oddly, I don’t have an answer prepared. Thoughts swirl in my head. What is the end game? Sure, I want to be partner, so that I have a stake in the company and more profits coming in… But what do I want to get out of all this work long term?

  “I don’t know, really,” I finally say. “I guess a good life, take care of my family… Maybe even do some traveling.” In reality, I don’t have a bad life now, and I don’t have a family to take care of right now… Life’s been too hectic to even think about dating. Besides, going out in the city isn’t what it used to be. Most of the omegas in the city use Growler to find hookups, but it just isn’t for me. I like the flirtation, the back and forth, and the discussion you have when you meet someone physically.

  But going to the bars leaves me finding a lot of omegas who are in Brayden’s same situation. Abandoned by their alphas and desperate for someone to knot them. I’ve heard that it’s like a drug for an omega, something they desperately need, or it drives them crazy. Maybe not mentally crazy, but I’ve heard it can interfere with their lives until they get it and that all they can think about until they do is sex. But Brayden doesn’t come across as desperate. I’m not sure what makes him different, maybe he’s already getting a knot from someone else.

  Brayden smiles back at me. “That sounds nice. I’m sure everything will pay off. I hope it does.”

  “You do?”

  “Sure, why wouldn’t I? I mean, look how much you’ve helped me today. We barely know each other, and you’ve saved me twice.”

  “I’m sure you would have been fine on your own.”

  “I’m not so positive. Don’t get me wrong, I know I can put some tables up and throw tablecloths on them.”

  “And make a mean pot of soup,” I tease.

  “Yes, my cooking skills don’t suck.” He shifts in his seat, moving one leg up under himself and sitting half-cross legged. “But you saw me with that wood. I’d probably still be out there swinging at that same piece.”

  “You just need some practice. I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it once you do it some more.”

  Brayden smirks. “Not if I pay some kid to come do it for me.”

  “This is true,” I agree. “Where did it all come from anyway? There must have been a whole tree piled up before we started. Why don’t you just get it all pre-cut.”

  “Trying to save a bit of money, I guess. It’s been there since last May. I just haven’t thought about it.”

  “Nothing wrong with saving money… I’m all about it.” I give him a wink.

  “Very true.”

  “Besides, with the weather having been so warm here, I’m sure you haven’t needed a fire.”

  He glances across the room to the large opening within the stones creating the hearth. “No, and since I haven’t had anyone staying here, there hasn’t really been the need to create any ambiance for special gatherings or occasions. Although, sometimes I did just like to have a fire going, even if no one else was here.”

  “That can be nice and relaxing.”

  “I just hope I can get it started. It’s been there since last year and there were several pieces that didn’t burn well. I kept having to add more to it in order to keep it lit.”

  “Well, the wood we cut today was nice and dry. I’m sure it will blaze well when we get some burning tomorrow night.”

  Brayden nods his head. “I’ve just got to stay more on top of things, especially now that I’m getting a quick start with your group.”

  “I’m sure you’ll be back in the saddle in no time.”

  “I hope so.” Brayden gives a little yawn.

  “I’m sorry, I’m sure you’re tired after today’s activities. Thanks for keeping me company.”

  Brayden pulls himself up from the couch. “I should be thanking you. For everything but especially the company. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed having someone to talk with.”

  “Well, I guess this is goodnight then.” I start to leave as Brayden pulls up the app on his phone and begins turning off the Christmas lights around the house.

  “Yes… No, wait,” Brayden says.

  I start walking toward the staircase when he stops me. “I know this sounds weird, but I was going to do a load of laundry in the morning. I know you probably didn’t pack a lot and certainly didn’t plan on performing manual labor when you did. I’d like to wash anything you need cleaned.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” I say, holding up my hand. “I was happy to help.”

  “I know, but I want to. If it’s not too weird, that is.”

  “Only if you insist,” I say with a grin. “I mean, what man in his right mind turns down free laundry service.”

  Brayden smiles a toothy grin. “Good, it’s settled then.” He reaches out and places a hand on my shoulder. It’s the first true contact we’ve had, and it causes electricity to surge through me, sending a shiver up my spine.

  It takes everything within me from keeping my wits about me and not just ravish him right here at the bottom of the stairwell. I want to lean into him, take him into my arms, and kiss him so badly. My cock thickens in m
y jeans and my fantasy from earlier flashes in front of me.

  “I’ll see you in the morning then.”

  He drops his hand from my shoulder, and his face barely registers the change in the atmosphere between us before he masks it with a smile again. “I’ll have breakfast ready.”

  I head up to my room, battling the thoughts inside my head. How easy it would be to head back downstairs and still take him. He looked so rejected when I didn’t respond to his touch. But I know I can’t do it. I can’t mark him as a cheating omega, no matter how disregarded he is by his mate. Because if the guy comes back and finds out he’s been knotted by another alpha, things would go terribly wrong.

  And even though we’ve just met, I already care too much about Brayden to ever do that to him.

  No matter how badly I want it.

  8

  Brayden

  It’s nearly eleven by the time I lay in bed and pull the covers up around me. My body is sensitive to the fact that Corey is sleeping in the next room only a few yards away. But it’s obvious that he doesn’t want me.

  Sure, we had a wonderful evening of conversation at the bar, but when we arrived back at the house, I thought for certain he would try to make a move. I even sat on the couch so that he could take a seat next to me, but he moved to the other side, farther away than I would have liked.

  I didn’t know where the night would lead, but as the evening lingered, I was almost positive Corey was into me. If I learned anything from the brushoff that he gave me when I touched his shoulder, it’s that the man may just have a flirty disposition, but he isn’t into giving me his knot. If figures that with a little liquid courage in me and the thought I might be ready to have sex again, the first man I try to make myself available to doesn’t want me.

  Maybe my fears about moving on from Alex too quickly are justified. The fact that I haven’t been interested in anyone or even trying to put myself out there has been because I didn’t want to just move on from the love of my life.

  And if it hadn’t been for Rachel’s encouragement, I probably wouldn’t have opened myself to the possibility of getting with this guy. Like she said, there isn’t anything wrong with wanting to get laid. I stare at the ceiling, upset more with myself for acting like a fool and hitting on the first guy who walked through my doors. He’s a nice guy who probably just flirts with everyone. I’ve encountered men and women, alphas and omegas who fit the profile. But that doesn’t mean they automatically want to sleep with the people they flirt with.

  “God, I’m such an idiot.” The words don’t make me feel better as they float into the air above me, practically hovering like a warning sign flashing a warning of my stupidity. “Alex,” I say softly into the room. “Is it okay? I don’t want to tarnish what we had by trying to move on. I know everyone thinks I’m supposed to, but maybe I’m not. I’m not even sure if I can.”

  I fall asleep thinking of Alex, wishing that he’d send me a sign that would let me know I am going to be okay. But the next morning, I awake to chilly surroundings, realizing that my life isn’t any closer to being better than the night before.

  “Great,” I say as I toss aside the covers and quickly move across the frigged room to my closet to grab a robe. The air is practically frosty as my mind panics at the thought of the heater going out with a full house arriving tonight. Fearful that the heater may have broken, I grab my phone and pull up the smart app. It shows that the unit is running, but when I walk over to one of the vents, no air is blowing from it.

  “Just fabulous.” I look at the clock on my nightstand before calling the local guy who installed the new HVAC system in the spring. It’s only six-thirty, so I’m hoping that he’s already awake.

  “Brayden, how are you doing? I was so sorry to hear about Alex.” He picked up after the first ring, so at least I know I didn’t wake him.

  “Thanks, Jimmy. Listen, I’m sorry to bother you so early, but I think my heat has gone out in the house. Can you come take a look?”

  Jimmy chuckles into the phone. “I take it you haven’t looked out your window yet.”

  “No, why?” I ask. “Are you already here trying to fix it?” I ask with a laugh. I step to the nearby window and look outside. “Holy… What happened?” Thick snowflakes are falling from the sky and have already covered the ground. Based on the amount coating the utility shed behind the house, over a foot must have accumulated already.

  “Some freak cold front swooped in last night. I guess mother nature is paying us back for the warm weather we’ve been having lately.”

  I moan. “How bad is it through town?”

  “Normally, we’d be prepared for this. But since no one knew it was coming, I don’t think they are going to be able to clear the roads as quickly. I’ll try to get out there as soon as I can, but right now, it looks like everyone is stuck where they are.”

  “No, I understand. I appreciate anything you can do. I’m supposed to have a large group arriving tonight.”

  “Best hope they weren’t flying in. South of us got a lot of ice and froze over during the night from the rain that moved in. The airport is shut down.”

  “Seriously?” I ask in disbelief. “This cannot be happening.”

  “Yeah, it’s a mess. But I promise, as soon as they clear some of the roads, I’ll head your way. Try to stay warm until then.”

  “I will. Thanks, Jimmy.” I hang up and call Rachel.

  “Morning, sunshine. Have you looked outside?” I’ve never been a morning person, but Rachel must rise with the sun.

  “Yes, and it’s ruining my day.”

  “How in the world is a beautiful coating of snow ruining your Friday already?”

  I quickly explain the heat situation and the fact that I don’t even know what’s going to happen if the airport is shut down. I think several of the guests who were supposed to be arriving were flying in. But since the roads aren’t cleared yet, it may not matter anyway.

  “I’m sure they will get things cleared off soon.”

  “I hope so. It’s coming down pretty heavy. If it doesn’t stop, I’m not sure if their efforts would make a difference.”

  “When did you become such a pessimist?”

  “Since my life went to shit,” I reply sarcastically. “I guess I need to keep a check on things throughout the day.”

  “And in the meantime, being stuck in the house with hottie alpha isn’t so bad, right?”

  I guffaw. “If only he wanted me.”

  “Did you find out if he’s taken yet?”

  “He says that he’s single, but that didn’t seem to make a difference when I tried to make a move last night.”

  “You did!”

  “Kinda… Maybe? I don’t know. But whatever it was that I thought I was doing clearly didn’t work since he brushed me off and ran to hide in his room.”

  “I’m sure that’s not true. You’re a catch.”

  “Well, I’m going to try not to focus on it. I have bigger problems to deal with if I have a group of people trying to come in and the roads aren’t clear, and the heat doesn’t work.”

  “Just breath and take things one hour at a time. I’m sure everything will work out like it’s supposed to.”

  “Thanks, Rachel. I’ll call you later.”

  Resolved to try and keep the weather from affecting my day, I head to the kitchen to prep things to fix breakfast for myself and my guest. I hope after last night, today isn’t awkward between us, and I’m determined not to let my disappointment show. After all, he’s a guest, and it wouldn’t be professional to sleep with one of the men visiting my establishment. Maybe it’s best that things ended the way they did last night.

  It’s nearly eight by the time Corey comes downstairs. Turning on a smile, I greet him as he walks into the kitchen. “Good morning. I hope you slept well.”

  “I did,” he says with a frown. “But can you believe it snowed overnight? It wasn’t even that cold…”

  “I know. I don’t know how th
is will factor into everyone’s travel plans.”

  Corey looks at the small spread I’ve placed on the island. “Help yourself,” I say, motioning to one of the plates I’ve set out.

  “Thanks.” Corey piles some bacon and eggs on his plate before picking up a few slices of toast. “I called my boss this morning, and it looks like they have a lot of ice in some of the rural areas of the city. She’s hopeful that the sun will come out and melt a lot of it so they can still make it tonight, but she also mentioned that the airport is shut down. So, the partners who were originally going to fly in had their flights cancelled.”

  “What a mess.”

  “Yeah. I just hope things clear up by this afternoon.”

  “Me too. And I’m sorry about the chill. The heater doesn’t seem to be working, and the guys can’t come out to take a look at it until the roads are cleared.”

  “Have you had any problems with it before?”

  “No,” I reply. “It’s a new unit they installed in the spring.”

  “Hmmm.” Corey takes few bites of his eggs and sips on the orange juice I place in front of him. “Did they verify the heat would turn on when they installed it or just the air conditioning?”

  “You know, I’m not sure.”

  “It could just be the wiring of your thermostat. Especially if you changed system types. I’d be happy to take a look for you.”

  I stare at him in amazement. “Is there anything you don’t know how to do?” I ask.

  He smirks. “Yes, and that’s what Google is for. Seriously, I just look up a lot of stuff and try to do it myself if I can. It saves me money.”

  “More for investing, right?”

  “Exactly,” he says with a grin.

  “I guess I need to start learning how to do more on my own too.” I grab a plate after the muffins I baked come out of the oven and begin eating. “Maybe I can even get you to show me how to invest some. I’ve never done anything with the stock market before.”

  “Yeah, I can help you with that for sure. This is really good, by the way.” He points his fork toward the plate before reaching out and taking one of the muffins. “Really hits the spot.”