Page 38 of Knot That Difficult

“This is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” I murmur, delicately touching the petals. They’re not as soft as a normal flower would be, but slightly sturdier.

And they smell like him, too. Instead of a floral scent, I sense a hint of chocolate and coffee.

Mmm.

I catch him staring at me, still standing in the doorway to my apartment, and smile at him.

“Come in!” I chirp. My nerves dissipate, pleased with my unique gift and Connor’s kind demeanor.

His eyes crinkle at the corners as I step aside, leading him into the apartment.

Then it hits me. Connor is well off, and this apartment is probably nothing compared to where he lives. I’m proud of it, of course. It’s the nicest place I’ve lived, and Ben and I have made sure to decorate it with unique items we’ve found thrifting and at craft fairs.

It’s unique, quaint, and safe.

But I’m not sure Connor, who drives a fancy car and dresses in perfectly tailored clothes, would feel the same way. An ounce of shame races through me as I place the pricey vase and exquisite bouquet on my tiny kitchen island.

But when I turn to Connor again, he’s not looking at me.

Instead, his eyes are taking in everything in the kitchen and front room, regarding my place with fondness.

“I know it’s not the best?—”

“It’s a home,” he murmurs. “It’s very peaceful here.”

My breath catches.

He’s obviously out of place in his rich-boy outfit of a dark blue sweater and gray slacks, but somehow he fits anyway. My half-burned candle is behind him along with a scuffed photo of me, April, and Skylar, and it’s a perfect sight.

He doesn’t look uncomfortable or out of place.

It’s as if Connor has been here a thousand times before.

I beam at his compliment. That’s one of the best things someone could tell me—that I have a home, not just a house.

That’s what I’ve always wanted.

My face hurts from smiling as I grin at him like a goofy idiot. “Good! I always want people to feel like that when they come over.”

His smile matches mine. “Ace and I are the same way. There’s a big difference between a place where you sleep and eat, and somewhere you’re comfortable and able to be yourself.”

My eyes go as wide as saucers.

Just like Ben, Connorgetsit.

He doesn’t even know my backstory, but we’re on the same page.

My inner Omega does backflips, then climbs up the wall and hangs upside down.

Instead of hugging Connor like I want to, I nod enthusiastically at him. “Exactly. Um, do you want anything to drink? How about coffee?”

He frowns. “Isn’t it a bit late for coffee? Do you normally have caffeine this late?”

He looks at my hands, which are now slightly shaky.

“I mean…yeah.”

His eyes narrow. “That’s not healthy for you, is it?”

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