Page 28 of Knot a Good Idea

“Fucking billionaires,” River mutters through a mouthful of food. “You’re really going there in a helicopter?”

“It’s safer than driving,” Landon adds, his brow furrowed. “But it’s…ostentatious.”

“You and that fucking word,” River says, rolling his eyes.

I almost smile.

Only Skylar knows the arrangement I have with Donovan. Unless she blabbed to her pack, but I doubt she did.

Besides, this is just a test run—a weekend at their house.

“And you’re sure about this?” Vincent asks, his voice low. “Do you think this is the best idea right now? You barely know the guy, and you’re staying with his pack?”

Skylar bites her lip and nuzzles her face into Vincent’s neck.

I try to ignore the stab of loneliness that pierces through me.

“It will be nice to get away,” I say honestly. “To someone that doesn’t know…everythingabout me.”

Landon joins me on the opposite side of the couch, his eyes thoughtful. “If you think this is the best for you,” he says gently, “then I think it’s a good idea.”

I smile at him. Landon is the kindest of Skylar’s pack, and I appreciate his sincerity.

I wonder what they would think if they knew the real reason I was going there.

Money for my company. And as a result, I save the café and everyone’s jobs.

And, I get a helicopter ride out of it, which I still can’t believe is happening.

“No asshole needs a private helicopter. I’m just saying,” River adds.

“And no one needs your loud ass opinion, yet here you are,” Vincent mutters. I stifle a laugh while Skylar smacks his arm.

“Let her enjoy this. April’s allowed to be happy,” she adds. “And a helicopter ride is badass.”

“Baby, if you wanted a helicopter, all you had to do was ask,” River purrs.

“You just said only assholes own helicopters!”

“Well, heisan asshole,” Landon adds. “So, it would make sense.”

I sigh and rub my forehead.

“There’ssomething you’re not telling me,” Mom says as we head to the airport Friday night.

“Hmm?” I fiddle with the zipper of my duffel bag, feigning ignorance.

“I don’t know. There’s just…somethinggoing on. I have a feeling.”

“Well, we all know what happens when we act solely on our feelings,” I deadpan, and she sighs.

“Whenever you’re ready to tell me, I’ll listen. Whatever it is.”

“I know,” I say softly.

“Just be careful, April. Whatever you’re doing…you’re safe, right?”

I nod. “Yes. Mom, it’s a helicopter. Statistically speaking, it’s safer than a car.”

---