Page 99 of Knot a Good Idea

I nod. “I love you, too. But I need you to believe me. I’m not in danger. I’m safe. And I genuinely like all three of them.”

My mom nods and uncrosses her arms. “After everything, I still get scared for you,” she says softly. “And when you act out of character…”

“I know,” I murmur. “I know this isn’t normally like me. But they make me happy. Or at least, I’ve been happier.”

“You are. You have more color to your face and you’re eating. Don’t think I don’t notice those things, April.”

I wipe a stray tear that falls down my cheek. “Okay. One day we’ll talk more about this, okay? Just not now.”

“Just not now,” my mom repeats, her own eyes glassy. “I can work with that.”

I sigh. “Okay. You want to help me get packed up?”

She helps me with my duffel bag and suitcase, then walks me to the front door.

“I love you, honey.”

“Love you too, mom.”

I head out the door to meet Liam, who waits patiently in the driveway, his eyes bright with joy.

21

LIAM

I almost forgothow beautiful she is.

I mean, I had her image in my mind since I last saw her, but it pales in comparison to seeing her in real life.

And she’smoving in with us.

We’ll be sharing the same roof for the next few weeks, and I’m so excited my heart won’t stop racing in a good way.

April is…everything.

She’s lovely, she’s smart, she’s funny, and she even senses when my anxiety is high.

Her scent grounds me, and I want to be around her at all times.

Even her mother likes me.

I’m just…so…fuckinghappy.

After this contract, after the wedding, after all the stupid events we have to attend, I’ll do everything I can to remain in her life.

If she wants me only as a friend, it’ll kill me, but I’ll be the best damn friend she’s ever had.

There’s no possible way I’m letting her out of my life after this.

When she walks out the front door, her duffle bag on her shoulder and rolling her suitcase, I immediately grab them and help her.

“I can’t believe you drove three hours to get here,” she grumbles. “You shouldn’t do that, Liam.”

“I don’t mind the drive,” I tell her honestly. “Besides, if it means I get to you, the trip’s worth it.”

She chuckles and rolls her eyes. “Stop being so sweet,” she says. “You don’t need to say all those things just to win me over.”

“But that’s the thing,” I say as I place her suitcase and bag in the trunk, “there’s more I want to say, but I’m afraid it’ll be too much for you. In fact, I’m tryingnotto tell you everything I’m feeling.”

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