Page 11 of Knot His Reality

I focus on my food, shoveling it into my mouth even after the three join me at the table once more. I’m almost finished eating when Daniel walks in.

“Good morning,” he grunts as he makes his way over to the free chair opposite Milo. I watch him as he pours himself a cup of coffee, lifting it to his lips without adding anything to it. My nose crinkles because it might be damn good coffee, but not adding anything to it?

I just can’t understand that.

“Good morning, Daniel. If you’re hungry, there’s a buffet of food behind you.” I point with my fork as if he couldn’t see it if he turned around.

He offers me a tight smile. “I really only do coffee for breakfast, but thank you, Remington.”

I nod as his scent hits me full force—the cedarwood, fir, and juniper berry has a bite of coldness to it, making it a very wintery smell. I love it.

Part of me wants to lean over and bury my face in his neck so I can suck in a lungful of his scent, but that would be inappropriate.

Damn, being an omega sucks when one actually starts actively looking for a pack.

I’ve never noticed anyone’s scents the way I have the four people sharing the table with me. Surely, I’ve come into contact with others who smelled good.

Yet, when I try to think of any, I come up blank.

Was I really that oblivious to the world going on around me that I never noticed anyone’s scents?

As much as I’d love to deny it, it sounds like me.

“Are you okay, Remington?” Daniel asks softly.

I blink at him, realizing once more I’ve been staring. I give him a tight smile and a shrug. “Just fine. I guess I got lost in my thoughts, wondering why the hell you torment yourself with black coffee. Oh, and please call me Remy.”

Daniel tilts his head to the side before laughing. “I happen to like the way coffee tastes without adding anything to it. I definitely don’t think I’m torturing myself.”

“To each their own, I guess.” I shrug, my smile feeling more natural now.

Conversation picks up around me, and I join in here and there but mostly just listen. I’m better at listening than talking—unless it’s about my work. Then I can talk for hours and hours on end.

“So, what’s the plan for the day?” Milo asks, breaking me from my thoughts.

“Oh, ummm…well, when I was planning these initial dates, I wanted to choose things I love to share with my suitors.” I set my cup down and sit up straighter in my chair. “Today, I thought we’d go to an arcade. Don’t worry, this isn’t an arcade for kids. Adults only, and of course, the whole place has been rented out for us.”

Milo grins. “Now that’s what I’m talking about. I love arcades.”

“I love video games, but I used to love going to the arcade before I got too busy.” Excitement rises in me at his obvious joy. My attention turns to the alphas beside him. “What about the two of you?”

Victoria shrugs. “I’m not big on video games in general, but arcades are always fun—especially if they have Skee-Ball.”

“I don’t think I’ve been to one since I was a kid,” Eric says. “But I look forward to seeing if it’s anything like I remember.”

My eyes drift to Daniel, who’s still sipping his coffee.

“Like Eric, I haven’t been since I was a kid. I don’t really have time for video games with my job, but I’m all for checking it out. Anything that lets us get to know you better.”

I practically preen at their words, glad they appreciate what I’m trying to do.

Tessa and Bree walk in, standing in the doorway with smiles on their faces. “Good morning, everyone. Are you all about ready to head out for your date?”

“I’m ready!” I jump out of my seat, excited to head out as soon as possible. It’s been years since I’ve done something just for fun, like going to an arcade.

Yes, I play video games when I can, but this is different. Arcades are about more than just video games. There’s usually something for everyone at an arcade. I haven’t been to High Score before since this is my first time in the area, but I can’t see it being too different from other arcades I’ve been to.

Eric, Milo, and Victoria also stand, but Daniel continues to sit at the table.

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