Page 110 of Knot a Good Idea

“Count.”

I stare at the plate of colorful macarons, counting in my head.

“Seventeen.”

“How many of each color?”

I let out another breath, but stand up straighter, no longer leaning against the island. “Three red, ten green, four pink.”

Liam reaches out and tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “How many macaron flavors can you name?” His voice is soft and tentative, his eyes kind.

Then, I realize what they’re doing.

Sandy has had me do it before in sessions.

Counting, color naming, reciting facts…they’re grounding exercises.

Liam must know how to use them, and because of that, I’m sure Hunter does, too.

“Strawberry,” I whisper as Liam gives me a tentative smile. “Blueberry, pistachio, chocolate…”

“Oh, shit, you can make chocolate ones of these?!” Hunter asks, much too excitedly. I can’t help but laugh, and Liam’s smile grows.

“Mint chip, mocha, raspberry…”

I rattle off flavors until the panic gradually subsides. I eventually stand straighter and let out deep exhales.

“There you go,” Hunter murmurs. “Good girl.”

Liam watches me carefully, and I turn to him, facing away from the counter.

“Fresh air helps me, too,” he says quietly. “We could go outside if you want.”

“Only if we take these, though.” Hunter swipes the plate of cookies, and I raise an eyebrow.

“I should grab a sweater,” I insist. “And clean up first.”

Hunter scoffs. “Fuck that. We’ll clean up later. Also, you don’t need a sweater. I’m as warm as a furnace. Remember? That’s what you said last time.”

I catch Liam furrowing his brow.

“So, your plan is to what?” I step back from the counter and look between him and Liam. “We just go outside and have a big cuddle fest?”

Hunter shrugs. “Why the fuck not?”

“Only if you want to,” Liam says gently. “I mean…I think Hunter has a pretty good idea.”

His earnestness breaks the last of my resolve.

“Let’s go, then,” I say with a smile.

Liam takes my hand while Hunter follows with the cookies.

By the time we’re in the backyard and under the gazebo, my worries have dissipated. I take the space in between Hunter and Liam, laying my head on Liam’s chest and stretching out so my legs are on Hunter’s lap. He idly plays with my foot, running a hand up and down the arch, causing delicious tingles to race through me.

The night air is crisp and chilly, but my body is overheated.

Hunter’s hand is warm and so is Liam’s chest.

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