Page 9 of Knot Gonna Give You Up

I nod, “Yeah, I’ll have tomorrow and the weekend to get us fully settled in.”

“You meanwewill get settled in.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know you’ll be helping. Just wandering along behind me and fixing what I’ve done,” I tease with a smile.

“If you did it right the first time, I wouldn’t have to,” he smiles back.

“I’m just trying to include you in my creative process.”

He nudges my knee with his, “Sure, whatever you say.”

I flush with pleasure, savoring the flirtation. Simon isn’t overly affectionate when he’s unsure about something, so this display warms my heart. I know he can be affectionate, between the two of us, and in his interactions with his family. He’s sure of them, so he openly hugs and teases them. Normally it’s the same with us, but something’s been riding him, has been forthe last week or so. It’s probably the big move. Everything feels uncertain and up in the air. I know we’ll land in the right spot, though. I have faith in that.

“Are you doing okay?” I blurt out.

Simon raises his eyebrows, “Yeah, why?”

“It feels like you’ve been a little distant,” I shrug, “I figured you’d feel more settled after the move, but you’re still distant. Like you won’t let yourself relax.”

“We only finished the trip today,” he says, a soft smile on his face.

Needing the connection with him, I turn my body and make sure I can see him fully. I meet his brown eyes that remind me so much of Josie, and that pull hits me again. We’re Pack, I just know it. Simon’s been hard to convince of that, so I don’t bring it up much.

“Please don’t hold back from me, Simon. You’re one of the most important people to me, and I don’t want to say or do anything to lose you.”

“Oh, Vic, you won’t, but I promise I’ll talk to you. You’re special to me,” he reaches out and grabs my hand, “You know that, right?”

“I might need reminding,” I smirk at him.

He chuckles and pulls me close, gently taking my lips with his. His lips caress mine, our tongues languidly stroking each other. Slowly, my pants get tighter and I groan at the building pressure between my fly and my dick. Simon rumbles in that way only an Alpha can, and I swear I melt like an Omega. I’m a confirmed Beta, but this man makes me melt.

Guilt eats at me, so I end our kiss gently. He likes to play around, and yeah, we’re special to each other, but I think my feelings go deeper than that. Of course, I’m too scared to confess that and scare him away. So I’ll keep my feelings close, and if weever get the chance, maybe I’ll tell him. I stand and hold out my hand.

“We should head upstairs, and an early bedtime is definitely called for after all that work.”

Simon quirks a brow, “Is it now? Are you ready to sleep already?”

“I saidbedtime, not sleep time.”

He grins and follows me to the bedroom, hands touching me wherever he can. Some teasing, some to spur me on faster, and when I finally turn to look at him in the bedroom, his eyes sparkle with anticipation and joy. I grin at him. It’s going to be a good night.

five

JOSIE

Ifidget again with my hair, trying to decide if I should bring a coffee cup or just get a paper one at the shop. I know bringing my own is more responsible, but it feels silly to carry an empty travel mug. Grabbing my mug, I shake my head at myself. I need to stop overthinking everything. Jesse has been really wonderful via text, so I’m sure today will go just fine. My phone is in my hand, so I take a second to re-read our messages for today. Not that I haven’t done this several times already.

Jesse

I still can’t believe you’re an 80s music fan.

Me

Better believe it! So many of the best songs written are from the 80s!

Jesse

Okay, so what’s your favorite song?

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