Page 122 of Knot a Good Idea

I place my phone down and sigh. I think Skylar is the only person on the planet who thought it was a good idea to put her slick in the batter.

But her pack eats them, so I guess it works out?

My best friend is bizarre, but I still love her.

Downstairs is transformed.

The furniture in the main room has been rearranged to create more space, and a bar is set up in the backyard. String lights hang from the gazebo and connect to the outdoor dining table.

Even the indoor décor has changed. Sleek tables with delicate floral centerpieces are near the walls filled with differentappetizers. I spot a spectacular charcuterie arrangement, something I could only dream up with an unlimited budget.

It’s the ideal setup for a cocktail party.

I find Donovan outside speaking to the bartender with his arms crossed and his face pulled into his usual frown. But when he turns and sees me, his eyes soften.

The dress I chose is the perfect complement to his midnight black suit. It’s tight in the front, showing off my bust, but slightly flows from the waist to my calves, giving me room to move.

It’s dark and flowy enough that if somethingslickrelated happens, it’s an easy fix.

Despite its functionality, it’s still elegant.

I really need to figure out what stylist Donovan used to stock my closet because the dress is made of the softest material I’ve ever felt.

As I step closer to him, I almost fall over from the intensity of his scent.

Shit.

I thought I had a few days before my Heat.

But now…

Get through the party. That’s all you need to do.

Donovan’s arm wraps around my waist, and he brings his lips to my ear. “You look lovely,” he murmurs, and a shiver races down my spine.

“Thank you,” I breathe, my voice embarrassingly shaky. “You do too.”

There’s a scoff behind me. “I would never use that word to describe him.” Hunter stands at my other side and hands me a glass. “Hey, baby,” he says softly. “You look better than lovely. You lookperfect.”

Hunter cleans up well. His grey suit along with his white button up shows off his broad chest and trim waist, and my mouth waters as I take in the sight. The gold of his eyes shinesas the light of the sunset hits them, and his grin takes my breath away.

Donovan mutters under his breath in annoyance, but Hunter just grins as I sip from the glass. A hint of floral lavender mixes with zesty, carbonated lime on my tongue. “What is this?”

“Liam created it for you,” Hunter says.

I stare at the lilac-colored drink in surprise. “Really?”

“Really,” a third voice adds, and Liam walks up to us, dressed in a navy blue suit so rich it makes his green eyes almost appear blue. “Lavender is meant to be calming. I thought you might like it.”

He watches me, waiting for approval. “I do,” I say earnestly. “I love it.”

He gifts me one of his tender smiles and his eyes light up.

“You ready to get through this?” Hunter asks. “We only have to suffer a few hours, maybe less if Donovan can convince that kid’s parents to work with us early enough.”

“When is everyone coming?” I take a swig of the lavender concoction, hoping to calm my nerves.

This is more intimate than a gala and more professional than a painting session.

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