Page 23 of Knot Really Engaged
“It’s not that simple,” I admit, my shoulders slumping slightly. I look down at the ring on my finger. It’s beautiful, maybe perfect. Just the thing Mom has been expecting since . . . Probably since I graduated from college.
“Why?” Max and Ethan ask simultaneously, their voices blending together in a chorus of confusion and curiosity. They exchange a glance, their brows furrowed as they wait for my response.
“Because . . .” The word dangles there. I take a shaky breath, my hands fidgeting with the hem of the top. “There are so many reasons. For one, Ben, my ex was a cheater who obviously won’t be coming. They’re going to think I made him up.”
“Well, maybe?—”
“Shut up, Max,” Liam warns him. “The asshole was married, and the wife went to confront your sister at the airport. Instead of teasing her, maybe you should be a little more supportive.”
Max swallows hard. “Sorry. I didn’t know. If you want, I can find him and kill him. I’ll make it look like an accident.”
I roll my eyes because seriously. My brother sometimes needs a reality check. “As I was saying, I’m always single, and I’m tired of our aunties patting my hand and telling me, ‘There’s someonefor everyone, dear.’” I mimic Aunt Carol’s syrupy voice, my face scrunching up in a mixture of annoyance and frustration. The impersonation earns me a snort from Max, and I can’t help but feel a small sense of satisfaction.
“Okay, so we keep up the act. But just remember, Audrey Hepburn, this isn’t ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s.’ When reality bites, it bites hard.” Max shows his big brother concern in a way I haven’t seen in awhile. He usually lets me do my thing and believes I’ll get through it without needing anyone to lecture me or remind me to be careful because the world is a scary place.
I straighten my shoulders, my jaw set with determination. “Then help me make sure it doesn’t. Or better yet, just leave us to handle it ourselves.” I say, a half-serious ultimatum hanging between us—my heart pounds in my chest, wondering if I’ve pushed too far.
Max sighs, his shoulders slumping in resignation. “Fine, I’ll keep quiet,” he mutters, his brows knitting together. He runs a hand through his hair, a gesture of reluctant acceptance. “But when this blows, I’m claiming diplomatic immunity. I’m not part of this charade.”
I feel a wave of relief wash over me.
“Deal,” I reply, my stomach doing flips. Am I relieved or more nervous now? Who knows? Iglance at Liam, whose eyes meet mine, and I can see the same uncertainty reflected in his gaze.
“It’s going to be okay. I’ll make sure of that. We’re in this together and I’ll never let anything happen to you—that includes having your family shame you for your life choices.” He mumbles, so only I can hear him.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. The weight of the ring on my finger seems to grow heavier with each passing second. The reminder that we’re creating a double life and I’m not very good at it. I know there’s no turning back now, but a part of me can’t help but wonder if Max is right and we’re making a huge mistake.
Liam reaches out, his fingers intertwining with mine. The warmth of his touch sends reassurance through my body, and I feel a sense of comfort wash over me.
And I shouldn’t be feeling this calm with him. But it’s been happening since I saw him at the airport. Maybe it’s just my broken heart searching for some kind of comfort, latching onto the familiarity that Liam provides. I take a shuddering breath, trying to push away the confusing thoughts that swirl in my mind.
Liam’s thumb gently caresses the back of my hand, and I can’t help but feel a flutter in my chest. His touch is so soothing, so reassuring, that for amoment, I almost forget the chaos that surrounds us. I look up at him, my eyes searching his for answers I know I won’t find.
“Trust me. We’ll get through this together,” he whispers, his voice low and filled with a tenderness that catches me off guard. I can see the sincerity in his expression.
I nod, not trusting my voice to speak. The emotions that course through me are too raw, too overwhelming to put into words. I lean into him, resting my head on his shoulder, seeking the comfort that only he can provide at this time.
It’s only for now, but when will I be able to find someone like him? Someone who’s always there for me in my moments of struggle and relies on me during his own.
Chapter Twelve
Liam
I lean backagainst the plush sofa, my eyes drawn to Audrey as she emerges from her bedroom. We’re now in the presidential suite of the Four Seasons, trying to come up with a good backstory. Ethan, Lily, and Max tried to help, but when Cal arrived at the penthouse, it became a party, andwe had to leave.
The suite feels like a sanctuary, a place where we can escape the pandemonium and focus on the task at hand. Am I happy that I’ll be sleeping alone? Not so much, but this is all pretend, right?
“Did you have a nice shower?” I ask, my voice softening as I take in her comfortable appearance. She’s wearing a pair of sweats and a hoodie, her hair still damp from the shower. The sight of her makes my heart skip a beat, and I have to remind myself that this is all just an act.
“Yeah, I should’ve used the bathtub—maybe you can keep the room for a few more days so I can come back?” Her smile is almost convincing, but I can see the strain behind it, the weight of the illusion we’re trying to create, and yet I haven’t been able to come up with a believable story. She tugs at the sleeve of her hoodie. “Then I’ll have my own clothes.”
She’s wearing the items I bought for her along with other stuff we needed on our way to the hotel. They’re hers to keep, but there’s no point in arguing about it. Though, the sight of her, so comfortable and relaxed, sends a warmth spreading through my chest. Audrey looked stunning earlier in the halter top and leggings, her beauty taking my breath away, but there’s something about seeing her like this, so unguarded and natural, that makes my heart skip a beat.
As she settles onto the sofa beside me, tucking her feet beneath her, my mind drifts back to the moment on the balcony when I knelt before her, holding out the ring Ethan bought for me when I called him. It’s not exactly what I would’ve picked for her, but it’s close to the ring I had in mind. Not that I should be thinking about it. I’m completely aware that this is fake.
Yet, in that moment when I was kneeling and showing her the ring I wanted to say something, not sure what though. Everything was so perfect and a part of me longed to offer her probably my heart or my soul, maybe forever. Yet I had to let the moment go because we Cohens suck at love.
What’s the point of thinking that I could be the exception?
