Page 30 of Knotting else Matters

Ada returned the smile, softer now, and I could see the strength in her eyes, the way she’d built herself back up after life had knocked her down. It was admirable. Painful, but admirable.

Sophie, sensing the heaviness of the moment, gently steered the conversation to lighter waters. “So, Ada, I finally picked a color for the ladies’ dresses.”

Ada’s eyebrows lifted in interest. “Oh? What did you go with?”

Sophie shot me a hesitant glance, almost as if asking for permission before speaking. “I didn’t dare pick anything without consulting Liv. I figured whatever color or style I chose, she’d kill me.”

I rolled my eyes, leaning back in my chair. “That’s stupid. It’s your special day, Soph. Whatever you want, I’ll wear it. Pink and fluffy, blood red, doesn’t matter. You say it, I’ll do it.”

Sophie’s face lit up with a wide, almost disbelieving smile. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah.” I shrugged, taking another sip of my iced tea. “I’ll even wear sequins if that’s your thing. I mean, it’s not every day your baby sister gets mated. Go crazy.”

Sophie beamed, her whole face lighting up. “Well, I did tell the other girls they could wear lavender, but I didn’t want to make you wear something you’d hate…”

I snorted. “Lavender? Pfft. That’s nothing. I was expecting hot pink tulle or something.”

Ada chuckled, and Sophie looked genuinely relieved. “Really? You’d wear it?”

“Yes, Soph. I’ll wear whatever you pick. Lavender, sequins, a dress made of feathers. It’s your day. I’m not going to be the jerk who complains about a dress.”

Sophie’s mouth dropped open in mock shock. “When did you become so nice and considerate of other people’s needs?”

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “Don’t get used to it. This is a one-time deal.”

She shot me a knowing look, and for a second, memories of last night flashed through my mind—Adrian’s hands gripping my waist, his mouth tracing hot lines down my neck, his growl when I pulled his hair just right.

My cheeks heated, and I quickly sipped my drink, trying to drown the memory with iced tea. I’d worry about the whole lavender dress thing later. I didn’t even know where to get a dress that color.

Ada and Sophie continued discussing flower arrangements, and I tried to follow along, but my mind kept drifting back to Adrian. His voice. His touch. The way his possessive hands had pinned me against the wall, his growl rumbling through my entire body.

Gods. What the hell was wrong with me? One wild night, and suddenly I was acting like a schoolgirl with a crush. I needed to get my head on straight. Preferably before dinner tonight.

But as much as I tried to push it away, the memory of Adrian’s lips on mine kept burning its way back into my thoughts.

After lunch, Sophie dropped me off at the hotel with a cheerful wave and a promise to see me later, her little pearl-colored car zipping away toward her massage appointment. I stood on the curb for a moment, watching her disappear into the bustling street, then turned and made a beeline for the concierge desk.

The lobby was its usual blend of sleek sophistication—polished black marble floors, tall, arched windows, and a chandelier that looked like it belonged in a castle. The kind of place where everything was meant to impress and nothing was meant to feel like home.

“Hi,” I greeted the woman behind the desk, a neatly dressed brunette with a warm, professional smile. “I need a favor. I’m looking for a store that sells dresses but… you know, not the kind that requires a second mortgage.”

Her smile didn’t falter. Not even a hint of judgment in those polite brown eyes. “Of course, Ms. Carter. Let me see what we have nearby.” Her fingers danced over the keyboard, her gaze flicking to the screen. “Are you looking for something formal, semi-formal, or more casual?”

“Formal-ish,” I said, trying to keep the anxiety out of my voice. “Lavender, apparently. Long story.”

“Got it.” She typed a little faster, her expression calm, and I felt a tiny bit of the tension in my chest ease. Maybe this wouldn’t be a disaster.

I leaned against the counter, my eyes wandering over the sleek, monochrome design of the lobby. It was beautiful, elegant, and absolutely funereal. If they added a casket, this place could double as a luxury mausoleum.

“Here we are,” the concierge said, her voice warm, pulling me back. “There’s a lovely boutique about fifteen minutes away, excellent selection, and their prices are very reasonable.”

“Perfect. Thank you.”

But before I could take the little map she printed out, a tall shadow swept over me, a familiar scent wrapping around me before I even turned.

Of course. Adrian.

I didn’t need to turn to know it was him. That calm, commanding presence, the faint scent of cedar and something darker. I closed my eyes for a split second, steeling myself, then turned.

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