Page 174 of Knot Happening Again

The day flies by in a blur of nerves and anticipation. When I hear my phone buzzing, a part of me wonders if Leon is going to say he changed his mind about the date or something came up.

When I see it's just Natalie replying to the last cat video I sent her, I feel more relief than I want to admit.

My phone buzzes again as I'm stepping out of the shower. I wrap a towel around myself and check the screen, seeing another text from Natalie complete with screaming shock emojis.

OMG Effy, have you seen the latest headline about you??

Before I can type out my usual response—that no, I haven't seen it, and I really don't want to for my own sanity's sake—an image pops up on my screen. It's the cover of some trashy gossip magazine, emblazoned with a headline that makes my stomach churn.

CARVER PACK'S NEW OMEGA WITH AN ESCORT PAST: GOLD DIGGER OR TRUE LOVE?

Beneath it is a candid photo of me leaving a boutique with Mace and Leon, both of them laden with shopping bags. I look small between them, almost fragile, and there's an awkward, forced smile on my face.

It's not a flattering shot. I remember exactly when it was taken, too. The last time we went shopping, and a reporter ambushed us from behind a pretzel stand. Mace and Leon chased him off, but I guess the damage was done.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. Until that moment, I hadn't realized just how much the pack was shielding me from ever since the big fight. But I should have known it was only a matter of time before something slipped through.

My phone buzzes again. Natalie.

Want to grab coffee and talk about it? I'm free all evening!

I sigh, guilt twisting in my gut. Natalie's been nothing but supportive through all of this, even if she does come on a little strong at times.

Sorry, Nat. Raincheck? I actually have plans tonight. With one of the guys.

Her response is immediate.

Ooh, which one? ;)

I hesitate, my thumb hovering over the keys. Finally, I admit it.

Leon.

There's a long pause before she replies.

Oh. Where are you going?

Not sure. It's kind of a surprise.

Another pause. When Natalie's next message comes through, there's something off about it. Maybe it's just my imagination, but her enthusiasm seems forced.

Well, have fun! Be safe! ^_^

I frown at my phone, a nagging sense of unease creeping up my spine. But I push it aside. Natalie's my friend. She's justlooking out for me, even if her methods sometimes stress me out. She's always been there for me, through everything. I'm probably just projecting my own anxieties onto her.

As if on cue, another text comes through.

This time, it's from Leon.

Ready, gorgeous? I'll be there soon.

My heart does a little flip in my chest. I glance at the clock—barely an hour to get ready. Panic starts to set in. I text back, already rifling through my closet.

You haven't told me what to wear.

His response is immediate.

You'll look stunning in anything. But bring a jacket.

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