Page 97 of Knot a Good Idea

I was too distracted with feeling sorry for myself.

“I did. I don’t mean to impose, of course, but I figured it would be appropriate to ask your mom, as well.”

The smile doesn’t leave his face, but I catch his foot slightly shaking.

He’s nervous.

“April’s an adult, you don’t need my permission for anything, Liam,” my mom says patiently.

I swallow and sit on the couch, taking the cushion opposite from Liam.

I forgot how handsome he is. His dark green eyes are earnest as he looks at me.

“It’s good to see you,” he says quietly. “You look lovely.”

My face burns. There’s no possible way he thinks that—my hair is tangled, and my face is makeup less. I’m sure there are dark circles under my eyes from the nightmares of being locked in rooms with no doors.

But my inner Omega preens and drinks up every word.

“It’s good to see you, too,” I tell him honestly. “I missed you.”

And for the first time, I catch a flicker of something besides suspicion in my mom’s eyes.

Her expression softens as I take Liam’s hand, hoping to calm his nerves.

“I’d like to steal your daughter away for a few weeks,” he says, looking at my mom. “I know she works at your café, and since you’re the manager…”

My mouth falls open as my mom shakes her head and quirks her lip.

“I’ve heard long-distance relationships can be hard,” she says simply. “And April does overwork herself.”

I can’t seem to close my mouth. I gape at Liam, trying to understand what he’s implying.

“Where are we going?” I manage to ask after I pick my jaw up off the floor.

“Stay with us,” he says softly, gripping my hand. He intertwines our fingers. “We have so many events coming up, and it would be easier if you were at the pack house.”

“I…” I blink at him.

I was just talking about this with Skylar an hour ago.

How I knew they wouldn’t want me to move in with them, and this was all for show.

It still is…right?

“I’m not asking you to move in permanently,” Liam adds quickly. “But I think it would be nice for us to spend some time together. If you’re okay with it, of course. I know work is important to you.”

But I can tell by the way his eyes brighten that he’s hoping I’ll say yes.

“Hunter and Donovan want this, too?” I ask softly.

“Just as much as I do. As long as it’s what you want.”

I pause.

What do I want?

I haven’t asked myself that in a long time.

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