Page 112 of Knot a Good Idea

I could swear I catch a flicker of hurt in Donovan’s eyes, but it’s gone as soon as I notice it.

Still. The barb affected him.

“I know the feeling,” I tell him. “Work is my life. It keeps me going. And you’re right; my neck is a little sore. I should go to sleep.”

His light blue eyes slightly widen. “I could walk you to your room, if you like,” he says softly.

Hunter snorts, and I shoot him a look.

“Sure. I haven’t seen you all day,” I say to Donovan.

And he smells so delicious that I’ll use any reason to stay near him.

Liam and Hunter together smell delicious. They’re spicy and earthy.

But Donovan’s scent has always been different. I wouldn’t saybetter, but it’s the one I notice immediately when all three of them are together.

The thought of him walking me to my room sends shivers down my spine. I’ll be alone with him, breathing in his scent…

I stand and stretch my arms. “Goodnight, guys. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Liam looks up at me from the gazebo bench and smiles. “Sleep well, April.”

“Dream of me, babe,” Hunter adds.

Donovan scoffs and rolls his eyes. I move to stand at his side, and he places his hand at the small of my waist, leading me back inside.

As soon as we’re through the sliding glass door, I turn to face him. “Hey. Do you normally work that much?”

He shrugs. “It’s what I’m used to. There was not much before…”

His voice trails off, but I know what he means to say.

Before you.

“Hunter and Liam always find something to do,” he admits quietly. “I just usually stay behind at the office.”

“That’s how I’ve been at the café. Skylar has her pack, and our friend Devyn hangs out with her, mostly.”

I’ve been a shit friend.

Skylar’s been through trauma as well, but I’ve shut down and been defensive every time she tries to bring it up.

But it’s because she came out better from it.

I didn’t.

Why would she want to remain friends with someone that can’t even deal with their own issues?

And poor Devyn is so kind and supportive that it’s easy to snap at her.

I need to be better for both of them.

We head into the kitchen, which is now spotless.

“I appreciate you cleaning up,” I say. “You know I could have done all that.”

“And you know it’s not your job to do everything. You were sleeping when I came home. I was happy to do it.”

---