Page 49 of Knot His Reality

“I’m okay,” I assure him. “Just letting my mind run away from me. I’m good now.”

He looks like he doesn’t totally believe me as he nods, but I can already hear the limo pulling in. By the time it comes to a stop in front of me, I have my thoughts and breathing back under control. I even have a smile on my face as the limo door swings open.

A man steps out, an easy smile on his face as he meets my gaze. He’s really tall, probably close to six and a half feet, and while he’s a big guy, he’s not massive. With wide shoulders and a tapered waist, the tux he wears hugs every part of him perfectly. His dirty blond hair is on the longer side, long enough to brush his chin before he runs a hand through it and pushes it back. His jaw is covered in a short beard, neatly trimmed. Even from this distance, I can see how pale his blue eyes are behind the large black frame of his glasses.

Yup, he has glasses, making him even hotter.

I bite my lip as he saunters over, the smile never leaving his face. “Hello, Remington. I’m Aubrey Winslow.”

“Well, hello, Aubrey Winslow,” I say, my voice husky as hints of his scent hit me. It’s not a combination I’d expect from an alpha, which he certainly is—peach, something citrus, and vanilla. It’s an amazing scent, but something I’d expect from a beta or omega. Or maybe from a female. Either way, I love it. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too,” he says as he offers me his hand.

Taking it and giving it a firm shake, I’m floored by how much larger his hand is than mine. I’m not what anyone would consider petite, but his hand seems to dwarf mine.

“I really like your glasses,” I blurt as my face warms. What is it with me and glasses? It turns me into putty every damn time. “Ummm…maybe you can tell me a little about yourself?”

Aubrey reaches up as if to adjust his glasses but stops himself, letting his hand fall back to his side. “Of course. I’m twenty-nine and an alpha. I’m a systems analyst at a telecommunications company. I have a brother who’s a year older than me and a beta. My mom is an alpha and Dad is a beta. All four of us work with computers in one way or another. Umm…as far as hobbies, I enjoy video games and tabletop roleplaying games—“

“No way? Me too!” I grin at him. “Do you have a favorite system you like to play?”

And down the rabbit hole we go as we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different systems we’ve played. I’m so lost in Aubrey and the conversation that I don’t notice Reginald trying to get my attention at first.

By the time my eyes meet his, his eyes are wide and filled with frustration.

Oops.

“So…I think we might have gotten a little caught up in our conversation, and we might have run over our time. It’s been fantastic chatting with you, but I have three other suitors tonight. We’ll definitely have to continue this conversation later.”

Aubrey’s smile is huge as he nods his agreement. “I look forward to it. I knew from the information they provided us you enjoyed some of the same things as me, but I didn’t realize how much.”

Awesome. I totally just geeked out in front of the cameras. At least I wasn’t alone in it. I should just be grateful for that.

When Aubrey steps away to join Tessa, my eyes find Reginald. He’s shaking his head. “You’re such a nerd.”

“Yup.” I shrug. How else am I going to respond to that? He’s right. Hopefully, he doesn’t notice just how red my face is turning right now.

Luckily, I can already hear the next limo arriving, so I don’t have to focus on the beta host anymore as he smirks at me.

Jerk.

The limo door opens as soon as it comes to a stop and a woman steps out. She’s tiny—even smaller than Brooke. If she’s even five feet tall, I’d be surprised. She reminds me of a pixie with her short, light blonde hair that stops at the base of her neck, combined with her petite stature. Her dress isn’t like any the other women have worn. It has thin straps and is fitted to her waist before flaring out into layers and layers of material in a cream color. I bet the dress would twirl around her if she were to spin.

She moves with effortless grace as she makes her way over to me, a small smile gracing her lips. She stops in front of me with her head tilted back so she can meet my eyes. The hints I can get of her scent over the blockers are earthy and calming. If it weren’t for her scent, I’d think she was an omega, but it confirms she’s a beta. Her eyes are a dark, soulful brown, and I don’t want to look away.

“Hi.” Her voice is soft, just loud enough I don’t have to struggle to hear her.

“Hello. Who might you be?”

She brings her hands up to her cheeks as her pale skin flushes. “Oh, right. I should introduce myself. I’m sorry. I’m Gracie. Gracie Lively.”

“It’s wonderful to meet you, Gracie.” I offer her my hand and she takes it in both of her, turning it until it’s palm up.

Her small fingers graze over the lines covering my palm, licking her lips as she stares down at them. “Oh, yes. You’re right where you need to be, Remington. This is a major turning point in your life, and it looks like you’re already choosing well. That’s excellent.”

All I can do is gape at her. What is she talking about?

She giggles when she sees my expression, the sound like the tinkling of bells. “Don’t mind me. I’m into a little bit of everything, including palm reading. I can already tell you’re a good man, Remington Montgomery.”

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