Page 86 of Knot a Good Idea

My mom watches from the doorway as I climb into the SUV, feeling out of place in my old clothes.

I don’t belong here.

The driver is kind enough but doesn’t bother to talk much on the drive.

The longer I sit in the back of the car, waiting to arrive at the destination, the more my head swirls with worry.

What if Donovan finds out about what Hunter and I did?

How would Liam feel?

By the time the driver stops, my mind is a mess, and I can’t help the feeling of guilt that pools in my stomach.

But when he opens the door for me, my worries are forgotten.

The warehouse is filled with children and a few adults, who I assume are their parents.

Some of the kids are on the floor, painting on giant canvases. Others are standing to paint on large wood slabs.

In the middle of them, sitting with a little boy, is Donovan.

He’s dressed in a light grey sweatshirt stained with splotches of yellow paint. His hair isn’t perfectly styled; instead, it’s slightly messy and a few dark strands fall into his eyes.

I catch the smile he gives the boy as he leans in and says something to him as he paints.

It’s the most relaxed he’s ever looked.

He stands when he sees me and wipes his hands on his faded jeans, his lips pulled into an almost smile.

I could swear he looks happy.

His scent is welcoming and delicious as he walks toward me, and I fight the urge to step into his arms.

“Thank you, Thomas.” He nods at the driver. “She won’t be needing a ride back.”

I swallow. That means he’ll be driving me home.

“Was it necessary to send a fancy car to get here?” I gesture at the warehouse as the SUV drives away. “I could have driven here myself.”

He shrugs. “I couldn’t pick you up, so I sent someone.”

I make a face. “You didn’t have to.”

“April.”

I stare at him as he crosses his arms and his smirk falls. “Just…let me do these things for you.”

The last time we spoke, he acted like he couldn’t stand me.

But the Donovan in front of me is vulnerable and open, so I decide not to argue.

“Where are the others?” I ask, peering at the warehouse.

“Liam and Hunter couldn’t make it.”

“What do you mean?”

Donovan shrugs innocently. “Hunter gave Liam the wrong day, and they already had a meeting scheduled today.”

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