Page 9 of Knot a Good Idea

“What was that all about?” I hiss over the grind of the machine. “You could have helped him just fine.”

“No, I couldn’t have,” she chirps. “I was fixing the display. The macarons were out of alignment.”

“You and I both know they were already perfectly aligned.”

“Yes, I know, because I did them.” She grins. “He’s cute, huh?”

I sigh. “Devyn, I’m not interested in some?—”

“Why not just talk to him? There’s no harm in that, right?”

Skylar appears next to me, sipping an iced coffee as I pour the coffee grounds in the machine. “What’s up with that guy? You should go talk to him, April.”

I glare at my friend, annoyed at her betrayal. “Why? I’m not interested in some finance bro or whatever he is.”

“Because it wouldn’t kill you to socialize more,” Skylar says, quiet enough for only me to hear. “I’m not saying you have toblowhim, but…I know your type. And that guy is definitely your type.”

I bristle. “What, entitled?”

“No.” Skylar rolls her eyes. “Someone who appears to have their shit together. Responsible. Handsome. Stable.”

I chance a glance at the Alpha who is seated at a table in the corner, quietly taking a phone call. He looks up at me, an eyebrow cocked, and I turn my head, my cheeks flaming.

“This is ridiculous. I’m not a teenager,” I mutter as I grab a paper cup for his coffee.

But my conversation with Sandy plays in my head.

I should talk to new people—especially if it's someone that likely doesn’t know who I am.

I’m making a big deal over nothing. There’s no reason to overthink it.

And heisattractive. Skylar was right—looks wise, he’s exactly what I’m attracted to. And his scent…

It wouldn’t kill me just to hand him his coffee and tell him to have a nice day. Even if he’s a dick about it, I will still have done it.

It’s baby steps towards becoming a functioning adult again.

Devyn hands me a chocolate chip cookie on a napkin, her eyes twinkling in delight.

I frown. “What’s this for?”

“For him.”

“I’m not giving him a random cookie, Devyn. That’s weird.”

“No, it’s cute.” Devyn practically has hearts in her eyes. “And it’s a sales technique! He’s a new customer and he should know about how great our cookies are.”

Skylar snorts behind me.

“That’s evenweirder. I’m not going to pitch to him. No.”

Devynpouts, her eyes wide, and I’m reminded of the conversation I had with my mom.

Unless I can find a way to save her job, we’ll have to let her go.

The least I can do is this.

Guilt consumes me as I take the coffee and cookie and head over to the Alpha’s table. When I approach, he ends his call and looks up at me, his icy eyes piercing. His scent envelops me, comforting and delicious as I place the cup and cookie on the table in front of him.

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