Fresh As A Daisy Omega: A MPREG Omegaverse Romance (Omegas In Bloom Book 1)

by Ava Beringer

  “I’m the proprietor of this establishment, Miguel Vidal Duarte. What can I do for you?” I stared over Miguel’s shoulder, totally captivated. Miguel held out his hand and snapped me out of it. I shook it.

  “I needed to get out of the rain. I’m happy to buy something, I just need to sit for a while and call an Uber.”

  “Hmm. Technically, we’re closed, but…” Miguel looked me up and down, evaluating me. Then he looked over my shoulder and saw how I was unabashedly staring at the young omega who captured my attention. “We’re happy to open ourselves right back up for you.” Miguel did a little roll of his hips. “Isn’t that right, Colby?” The omega from my dreams gulped and looked desperately between Miguel and I. Colby. That’s his name. “I said, ain’t that right, Colby?” Miguel had a sly look on his face.

  “Ah, buh, uh guh,” Colby said. He was so adorable I wondered if love in first sight was a real thing.

  The rest of the group caught on to our vibe. They turned down the music and clambered down off the counter, surrounding me. A heavyset omega with a sweet smile laid a hand on my shoulder and stage-whispered in my ear.

  “Colby means to say he’s wide open.” Colby flushed all the way beneath his shirt and clutched the boxers to his chest.

  The flamboyant African-American omega switched over like he was on a runway. He gave me a lascivious up-and-down glance, and I got the feeling I wasn’t alpha enough for him, either.

  “Come in, come in, you’re soaking wet. You must be freezing. Your nipples are hard…”

  “Excuse me?” I said with an incredulous laugh. The flamboyant omega huffed.

  “I said your nipples are hard. Keep up, handsome.”

  “Your nips are like, impressively hard. You could polish diamonds,” said a beta woman with hair like fire, sipping straight from a wine bottle.

  Colby still hadn’t spoken, but his scent floated over to me. It was gentle and fresh, and I envisioned daisies blooming in an open field. Meanwhile, the rest of the hyena clan circled me, cackling and sizing me up.

  “Do you have a change of clothes, Magic Mike?” The slim omega with neatly parted hair and a tweed suit asked me. “Those are clinging to you like a second skin.”

  “They sure are,” said the plus-sized omega, fanning himself.

  “We can tell exactly what’s in your pockets,” the woman said, pointing. When I looked down, I saw the clear imprint of my wallet, my keys, and my…

  “It’s chilly out,” I joked.

  “That’s your hang-time when it’s cold? Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit, honey!” Said Mr. Flamboyant. I caught Colby’s eyes focusing on my package. When our eyes met, his were wide. He visibly gulped, his Adam’s apple bobbing as his eyes darted between my face and the imprint of my slacks. His scent was stronger now, and it pulled me into him like the tide. I approached him with my hand extended.

  “I’m Preston. Preston Reid. You are?” I gazed up at Colby, and it was like watching an angel float down from heaven. He chewed his lip but a shy smile came through. When he touched me, the pearly gates opened wide and glorious light shone down on me.

  “Colby Dalton. It’s, um, a pleasure to meet you. I should, maybe, get down.” I kept hold of his hand.

  “Let me help you.”

  “Oh, um, okay.” I supported him with the one hand. As he crouched to jump down, I gripped his waist with the other. His slim waist, bunched with muscle, with creamy skin that was velvety soft to the touch. He didn’t pull away, only gazed deep into my eyes as I pulled him close, body against body, and lowered him with one arm. His feet hit the floor, but I didn’t let go. I felt like I was floating with Colby Dalton in my arms. I could already tell he was different. Sweet and open, not a shark like the corporate Chicago omegas.

  When his skin pressed into mine through my shirt, my first thought was mine. I finally released him when I remembered I just came out of the rain.

  “Look, I got you wet. I apologize for that.” Colby’s blush came back with a vengeance.

  “Don’t apologize for getting him wet,” Miguel quipped behind me. I looked over my shoulder at him. I’d never seen a group of people look more smug or more entertained. “Yeah, we’re still here. And wow, it’s so nice of you to ask everyone else’s names, too. I’m Miguel, in case you forgot in your rush to feel up on Colby. This is Gabe, Ginger, Buster, and Clarke.” He pointed to the sweet heavyset omega, the ginger woman, the flamboyant omega, and the buttoned-up omega respectively. “But, you know, who gives a rip when you have a beauty like that in front of you?”

  “Miguel,” Colby hissed. It sounded like a little brother getting teased by his big brother about his crush. It was innocent and carefree in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. I wanted to be that crush.

  “Tell you what, Preston. There’s a staff room in the back. Colby will take you back there and help you get undressed. Whoops, I meant changed.” Colby gave Miguel his meanest scowl, which on him was just cute.

  “We really should, um, get you out of those wet clothes,” he murmured, looking at his feet.

  “Attaboy,” Ginger called. Colby quickly grabbed my hand and ducked his head as he led me behind the pink counter. I was hyperconscious of his hand in mine, so I looked around at the shop.

  “This is a beautiful place. Looks brand new.” Colby could only nod. “You’re a retail associate?” He nodded again and opened the door to a cushy, comfortable break room.

  “Don’t come back pregnant!” Buster called as Colby slammed the door. The way I felt being alone with him and about to take my clothes off, it was a strong possibility. Us behind closed doors probably wasn’t a good idea. Colby bustled around the room, done up with thick forest green carpet and a pink sectional couch with pink throw blankets over the chaise. Somehow the colors came together well. Every surface was covered with a plant, seeds, or soil.

  Colby hustled up to me with a fluffy pink towel thrown over his shoulder and a pained expression on his face.

  “We really do need to get you out of these wet clothes before you catch your death,” he fussed, helping me peel my shirt off and over my head. Having my dream omega disrobe me was bound to get me going, especially when he started rubbing me down with the towel. He was focused and determined.

  “Making sure to save me from that lethal common cold, huh?”

  “This is the part where you swoon and call me your hero,” Colby said with a tiny smile.

  “I better play my role, then. My hero.” My voice was high and damsel-y and it got a quick laugh out of Colby. His eyebrows furrowed as he took my hand and gently ran the towel down my arm. He was worried about me. His touch was so gentle and caring. His eyes traveled up and down the length of my arms, traveling to my chest, to my abs, and flitting around like a hummingbird. I worked hard to have an impressive body with defined arms and an eight-pack. I was glad I did because Colby couldn’t help himself from looking. Did his scent grow a little stronger, or was it wishful thinking? His fingers played in between mine for a flash, but he let my hand go, resting at my side. Did I imagine his intimate touch?

  “Now your pants,” he said expectantly, looking me up and down.

  “You want the whole show, huh?” Colby’s face went a little pink, and his scent did get a hint stronger.

  “You’re gonna have to repay my kindness somehow.” That surprised a laugh out of me.

  “Hot, sweet, and funny. I hit the jackpot, didn’t I?” I wasn’t sure why I said that, in that way, but I couldn’t stop myself. Maybe that was the smooth-talking part of me that was used to bantering with corporate omegas. Maybe I was just more open with Colby in a way I never experienced before. It didn’t take long to see he was a prize. Colby stared at the floor, the ceiling, anything but me. His innocence was cute, a refreshing departure from all the tough omegas I met at home. There was a totally different vibe between us. Omegas like Colby had never been my type before, but I saw the light.

  “Clothes. I promised you clothes,” he mu
mbled as he strode away, crossing the room to a closet in long strides. I watched his lines as he walked. I stripped down to my boxers, the cold air making goosebumps stand out on my skin.

  Colby came out of the closet with a neatly-folded stack of pajamas. He took one look at me and stumbled, spilling the clothes out of his hand.

  “Are you alright?” I asked, taking a step forward.

  “Is this part of the show?” He asked, wheezing. I laughed out loud again.

  “You’ve got some snark, don’t you? I like it.” Colby jerked his head toward the door.

  “Hang around these guys long enough, your sassy side jumps right out. We need to get these clothes on you, it’s obvious you’re still cold.” His eyes flitted to my nipples. He winced and clamped his mouth shut. He was so damn cute.

  “Don’t worry, I was joking out there. The chill hasn’t affected everything.” Colby narrowed his eyes playfully.

  “Let’s hope not,” he said giving my crotch a mock pitiful look.

  “Kitty’s got claws,” I said with a nod. Did I already say I was in trouble? I was in deep trouble.

  Colby turned away while I slid into a soft sleep shirt and blue starry pajama pants. Everything was tight-fitting, a little too snug for my liking, but they smelled like him.

  “There now, that’s better.” Colby smoothed the fabric over my chest with his palms. I was on fire. I never felt like this for an omega before. The base of my manhood wanted to swell by standing in front of him, after just an innocent touch. Whether he scented my arousal or realized he was running his hands over a total stranger I don’t know, but Colby winced and pulled away. I didn’t want that. I wanted anything but that.

  “These are your clothes.” It wasn’t a question.

  “Yeah, they’re a little loose on me, but they barely fit you. They…” he trailed off when he remembered what clothes-sharing like this meant. Our scents were already commingling in the fabric.

  “I like it. I wanna keep them on and go show your friends.” Colby gulped. I was, essentially, letting an omega I’d known for twenty minutes stake his claim on me in front of people he cared about. It wasn’t a small deal, even if I did need the change of clothes.

  “We better get back out there. They really will think we’re up to something.” He grabbed my hand without thinking and tugged me along.

  “Wouldn’t want them to think that, now would we?” I said in my naughtiest, most teasing tone. He squinted at me. I just grinned as his scent grew stronger.

  “You’re trouble. I told Miguel about taking in strays.” I let Colby lead me out, captivated by his tight little buns. I’d let him lead me anywhere.

  Back outside the music was still thumping. We got hit with a chorus of “ooh’s” and “aah’s” when everybody saw us.

  “Seven minutes in heaven,” Buster called out, waving his arms. Gabe stuck out one of his curvy hips and crossed his arms.

  “But was it, though? We know our boy’s got the goods but what about you, Mr. Soaking-Wet Mysterious Alpha?”

  “You’ll never know, because I’m keeping everything that went on in that room to myself,” Colby lifted his dainty nose into the air.

  “Since when, blabbermouth?” Miguel teased. Colby rolled his eyes and huffed a breath.

  “Fine, I’ll tell you.” Everybody rushed up to him, eager to hear about our “romp”. Colby leaned in and lowered his voice.

  “Preston got dried off. Then, he changed his clothes. Scandalous!”

  “Liars,” Ginger said, tossing her flaming hair. “You’re holding out on us.” Colby held up his right hand.

  “I swear.” He turned to me. “They’re never gonna believe that.”

  “It’ll be our little secret,” I replied. Before everybody could dive in on that one, Colby said, “Preston, you must be starving. I have baked chicken and creamed spinach if you want some. Homemade.”

  “Hear that, guys? He has baked chicken and creamed spinach, homemade. So sweet,” Clarke cooed.

  “Awwwwww,” they all said as Colby ran a hand through his hair, embarrassed.

  “Trap him with that delicious cooking, honey,” Buster said.

  “I’d love to be trapped with delicious cooking,” I said to Colby. He nodded and grinned down at the floor. He was such a nurturer and I needed that in my life. Don’t get ahead of yourself, Preston.

  There was a loud clunk as Miguel set a huge brown bottle on the pink countertop. Liquor sloshed inside.

  “Drinks first. You get a better buzz on an empty stomach. The better your buzz, the more we can grill you.”

  “And the more of a bad influence we can be,” Ginger added, smiling like a predator.

  I had no idea there was a song called “Shots,” but the next thing I knew I’d had three in fifteen minutes and was dancing on the pink counter with my tie wrapped around my forehead. It flapped in my face as Gabe pressed against my back and Buster danced in front of me and boy could he move. I was having the time of my life, but I wanted to get to Colby, who was in front of Buster.

  I got a front row seat to watch how he rolled his hips and shook it to the music. He peeked over his shoulder and caught me watching. He held my eyes a moment, just enough to beckon me to him, then his shyness came back and he broke eye contact.

  Buster and Gabe noticed. They smiled and nodded to each other, Buster slipping past me as Gabe nudged me into Colby. I was off balance and ran into him, wrapping my arms around his waist to keep us both standing. It felt so good and so right. Colby took that as his cue and backed it up on me.

  The beat thumped in my chest as we moved rhythmically with each other, against each other, in a dance that quickly turned primal. Colby’s firm behind ground against my thigh, warming me up, making me firm up even more. Colby tossed me another saucy-shy look, and I knew he felt it.

  I was right where I wanted to be. How could I feel that way with an omega I’d only known for an hour, tops? My hands ran up and down his sides, over the soft skin on the backs of his arms. I leaned in close, tucking my nose behind his ear, breathing in his scent as my lips descended to meet his shoulder.

  The music cut off. The lights cut on. We all stood in eerie silence and brightness. We were frozen, caught in the act.

  Just inside the door stood a huge white man with a blond buzz cut, one foot kicked up over the other. He wore a smug grin on his face and a baby on his chest. Miguel had a happy meltdown.

  “My babies!” He leaped off the counter and ran to his husband and child, sweeping the baby up and giving his mate a lingering, passionate kiss. When they finally broke it off, the alpha grinned at me.

  “Corrupting strangers off the street now, are we?”

  “We corrupt anyone within a five-mile radius,” Ginger slurred, holding up a wine bottle. “A toast to bad behavior.” I untangled myself from Colby, who was dying from embarrassment. I only did it for his sake; I loved it.

  I jumped off the counter, my bare feet hardly making a sound as I landed.

  “How’s it going, man?” The alpha asked. I shook his hand. Had I not been a strong alpha who knew how to give a crushing handshake, it would have hurt.

  “Better, since I stumbled into your mate’s shop.” I looked back at Colby, who could barely look at me. “Preston Reid.”

  “Hunter Blake. I belong to this one.” He jerked his head toward Miguel, looking like the proudest alpha on the planet, as he should. He had a fine family. The baby babbled, imitating his A-Dad’s speech pattern as he flailed his arms and legs. Hunter’s eyes softened when he looked at the talkative baby. My heart ached. I longed for that kind of love. The new ache to be a mate, and furthermore a father, pushed its way to the surface. “What brings you in?”

  “Business conference,” I said. “I’m VP of Marketing for Portland, Co., an asset management company out of Chicago.” Hunter nodded slowly.

  “I’ve heard of it.”

  “Your name is familiar. I’ve heard of you.”

  “I bet you have,�
� Miguel said. He didn’t explain and I didn’t ask. Colby’s face had fallen. That’s right; we lived a couple thousand miles away from each other. The realization hit me like an arrow in the heart. I wouldn’t be able to just drop down into Miguel’s Fabulous Flowers and see Colby whenever I wanted to. I only had three days. Technically, two. It was getting late and I needed sleep and a shower to get to work sharp enough to nail down the details of my agreement with Kaplan in the morning. I had to leave.

  “Honey, we didn’t sell anything today,” Miguel pouted, poking his lip out and resting his forehead on Hunter’s shoulder. “The stupid storm messed up my party and my opening day. It ruined everything.”

  “It was an awesome party,” I said. “I’m grateful for the storm, because otherwise I wouldn’t have ended up here. It’s not right that you didn’t sell out on your first day, though.” A light bulb went on in my head. “Know what? You just did.” Miguel’s mouth dropped open.

  “Huh?” He said.

  “I’m buying everything on display.” Miguel’s eyes shone.

  “You are? Oh my god!” Everybody in the store cheered and hugged each other. Hunter gave me a high-five while the baby let out a happy shriek. I pulled out my credit card, which Ginger snatched out of my hand to ring me up before I changed my mind.

  “Which bouquet is the biggest?” I asked Miguel. Miguel shuffled around, opening the refrigerator door with a suck sound and a puff of cool, sweet-smelling air.

  “Let me see here. Oh! Daisies.” He pulled out a massive glass vase with fresh daisies towering a foot in the air and a foot wide. His cold fingerprints lingered on the glass and he handed the cold, heavy vase to me.

  “Perfect,” I said, setting the bouquet down on the checkout counter. Right in front of Colby. “All to him, please,” I told Miguel. I plucked the tallest, brightest, widest bloom and held it out for him. The whole store went silent and still, even the baby, as Colby slowly, cautiously, reached out and wrapped his fingertips around the spring-green stem.

  I didn’t know why I did that. I didn’t know how to read Colby, or the rest of the group, because everyone just stared at me, silent and open-mouthed. Maybe I went too far, I lost my cool, but I couldn’t help it. Not around Colby.