Page 37 of Tides of Love

“Then I’m glad you have these events.” Lucky reached across to rest a hand on his thigh, giving a reassuring squeeze that made Antonio smile.

“I’ve never brought anyone before.” Antonio admitted, “My family is not here anymore, just Mateo but he works with me. And nothing ever got serious enough.” He rambled, unable to rein in his tongue until Lucky squeezed his leg again. His words ran out; tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth.

“We’re serious enough, and I’m really, really excited to see more of your world.” Lucky’s words were soft. “You’ve joined me on a turtle crawl. This is kind of our next official date, isn’t it?”

Antonio smiled, “I think I like that. Two dates involving our work… Not exactly typical but it works for us, right?”

“It works for us.” Lucky echoed.

The drive up to their headquarters was pleasant. Lucky kept the window rolled down and they played music softly. Antonio was nervous, his insides twisted and squirmed, but it was a good feeling. He was excited to introduce Lucky.

As he pulled into the gravel lot, they could already hear chatter and music drifting from the side of the building. All the garage doors were thrown open, the larger rescue vehicles sitting neatly in their bays.

Lucky breathed in, grinning at Antonio as he helped the omega out of the car. “I smell something good.”

“Steaks, hopefully.” Antonio patted his stomach, “Pork too.”

“Is anyone going to judge if I gorge myself?” Lucky sighed and batted his eyes. Antonio wrapped an arm around Lucky’s waist and pressed a kiss to the top of his head.

“They shouldn’t, considering half the budget came out of my pocket.” He snorted.

As they rounded the corner, Antonio was unreasonably happy to see his crew. They were still a small unit. Fourteen people, split into shifts with him and Mateo picking up the most consecutive hours to ensure there was never a moment Paradise was left unguarded.

Picnic tables were already stacked with side dishes brought by various members. Cups for fresh made juices and bottles of sugary sodas were scattered about. A few kids ran around, and someone brought their dog who instantly ran up to sniff at them. Instantly people shouted greetings, but it was Mateo who cut through the crowd with a wide grin.

“Tonio! You’re late!” Mateo grabbed him by the wrist, pulling him into a swift hug before turning grey eyes on Lucky. “And you must be the illustrious Lucky Wilde. I have heard quite a bit about you, and Tonio did not lie about your beauty, sirenita.”

“Mateo…” Antonio sighed, a pleading warning in his voice that was ruined by Lucky’s mischievous grin.

“So, you’re the Mateo I have heard so much about. I’ve been quite excited to meet you.” Lucky accepted Mateo’s hand, laughing as the man bent to press a kiss to his knuckles.

“The pleasure is entirely mine. If you ever need blackmail material on Tonio, I’m the one to ask, yeah?” Antonio groaned audibly but Mateo persisted, “My mother has a charming collection of photos from our childhood that I’d be happy to share with you at any time.”

“Absolutely not!” Antonio cut in, grumbling.

At the same time Lucky brightly chirped, “I look forward to it!”

Mateo snorted, releasing Lucky’s hands to raise his own in mock innocence. “And here I thought you’d be excited to share pictures of your first mohawk…”

Antonio sighed dramatically as Lucky burst into giggles. “I should make you file reports as overtime for a month.”

“Only if you want Misha to murder you, cabrón.” Mateo grinned but Antonio could see the tension around his friend’s eyes. The old arguments never ceased. He knew he was more than a little blessed to have Lucky who, so far, had no issues with his work schedule.

“Why will I be murdering Captain Saavedra this time?” Misha, Mateo’s spouse, appeared by the man with a bored look on his face. His blond hair was perfectly styled, and his designer clothes stood out amongst the casually dressed attendees.

“Antonio was threatening Mateo with overtime.” Lucky hummed, offering his hand to the other omega, “You must be Mateo’s partner. It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m—”

“Lucky Wilde.” Misha cut in, shaking Lucky’s hand lightly, “Everyone knows you, or at least they do at the moment. Rumors are swirling that you’re running a little petition to get the new hotel project canceled.”

“I wouldn’t call it little…” Mateo murmured but dropped his head when Misha gave him a look from the corner of his eyes.

“Well, I suppose I don’t mind being famous for this.” Lucky shrugged.

“Lucky is going to set up a place for everyone to sign and take fliers. I hope you’ll take one as well, Misha.” Antonio encouraged.

“Perhaps. I suppose I’d be happy if there was less competition for Melody Resort, my boss is getting an ulcer over the whole thing. Worried a new resort will cut into our margins.” Misha shrugged, “And turtle snorkel trips do well in the excursion package.”

“Misha, let them get settled. We can talk more later, yeah?” Mateo encouraged, offering Antonio a tired smile.