Page 41 of Knot Really Engaged
“Two. It was only two months ago,” I correct her, not sure why I feel as if it’s important to keep the facts we’ve been giving them straight. “And as she said, we wanted this to be in person. Well, it was mainly me who wanted to wait. I apologize for not thinking about the consequences of my actions.”
Audrey shoots me a grateful look, her hand finding mine.
“Yes, and it’s been hard not to tell you. But you need to understand this is news you share in person. It’s not just me anymore. I have to coordinate schedules with Liam. We were too busy to come sooner, so we decided to do it after your party,” Audrey explains.
“And yet, Susie learned about it first.” Her mom’s voice is laced with hurt, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, but I can hear the reproach between the lines.
I flinch because I didn’t think that Mom learning about the news would be a problem—fuck I didn’t think of much when I came up with the lie. “Again, my fault. After learning about Grandma . . .” I trail off, throwing an arm around Audrey’s shoulders. We exchange a look, but I can’tunderstand what she’s saying. Does she want me to come clean?”
“She’ll be fine. Grandma Cohen will be fine,” Mrs. McCallister says, her voice filled with hope. “We’re going to pray for her and she’ll go to treatments.” She reaches out, patting my hand in a gesture of comfort.
“Let’s just eat breakfast,” Audrey suggests, steering us toward the safety of eggs, pancakes, and syrup. “We have to pick your grandparents up after we eat.”
We settle into our seats, the clinking of silverware and the hum of conversation filling the air. Audrey loads her plate with a mountain of food, her movements quick and efficient. I can’t help but admire her determination, the way she refuses to let the whispers and speculation get to her.
“Nothing like mimosas to kick things off,” she adds with enthusiasm that borders on theatrical, raising her glass in a mock toast.
“Make sure it has no alcohol,” Max chimes in.
“Don’t start on her,” I warn him.
He glares at me, and I can practically hear the cogs turning in his head. He’s onto me, and thank fuck we’re dodging that bullet all day.I don’t want to keep pretending that she doesn’t mean anything to me.
We wrap up breakfast way too soon. I don’t blame Aud for wanting to leave the place so fast.
As we stand to leave, I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her close. “You’re amazing, you know that?” I murmur, my lips brushing against her ear. She shivers, leaning into me, and for a moment, I forget about the lie, about the pressure and the expectations. This is just me, doing what I feel in the moment. Her in my arms, as if it’s the most natural thing.
“Too much fucking PDA.” Max glares at me.
I smirk.
“Fuck off, Maximilian,” Audrey says. “And if I find out you were the one who started the preggo rumor I’m going to kill you.”
“This time I won’t stop her.” I smirk.
And with that, we leave hoping that by the time we’re back the pregnancy rumors are put to rest.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Audrey
As we pullup to the hangar, I can’t help but gape at the sleek private jet waiting for us on the tarmac. It’s like something out of a movie, all gleaming white and chrome. My heart races with excitement, a giddy smile spreading across my face.
“Business is finally booming, huh, Cohen?” I say jokingly, nudging him withmy elbow. The warmth of his body seeps through his shirt, making my skin tingle.
Max makes sure to let everyone in the family know that his company is fucking awesome—his words. I adore my brother, and it makes me happy that he’s doing so well, but can he be less show-offy? I roll my eyes, a fond exasperation washing over me.
“We do well enough,” Liam confirms, a hint of pride in his voice. “Max, Ethan, and Caleb, along with some of our agents, are the ones who use the fleet during missions or to transport clients under their care.”
“And they lent us their toys, huh?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. “I’m impressed, since Maxy doesn’t usually share.” I pout playfully, batting my lashes at Liam.
Liam chuckles, the sound low and rich, sending a shiver down my spine. “He’s not the only one who has a say in the company. Actually, I’m in charge of those assholes, so I have more of a say than they do. Although, we’re just using it for the day. It’s faster and less daunting to bring Grandma and Grandpa. We’ll fly Dad and both of them back on Sunday.”
“Would they let us bring it to San Diego?” I ask, my heart skipping a beat at the thought of jetting off with Liam, just the two of us. “This onedoesn’t fly to the West Coast. We have a bigger plane for that and I won’t use it for leisure.”
“You’re strict,” I say teasingly.
“I could show you how strict I can be if you want. But just so you know, I’ll fly you first class again when we head back to San Diego, babe,” he says, leaning in close.
