Page 8 of Knot Really Engaged
“Hey, none of that,” I nudge her gently, my shoulder brushing against hers. “Your ex doesn’t deserve the air you breathe. Don’t let him ruin your nice trip to see your parents get married.”
“Thanks, Liam,” she says, the corners of her mouth lifting ever-so-slightly. She turns to look at me, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Always the charmer.”
“Speaking of which,” I segue with a sly grin, my eyes twinkling with mischief, “since we’re practically family, how about cutting me a deal on your consulting services? I could use someone to whip the marketing team into shape. What do you say? Family discount?”
Audrey snorts, rolling her eyes so hard I’m afraid they might stick that way. She crosses her arms over her chest, her lips pursing in a way that’s both adorable and infuriating. “Family discount? Right, because nepotism is exactly the kind of message I want to send to my clients.”
“Can’t blame a guy for trying,” I chuckle, leaning back. I stretch my legs out in front of me, feeling the satisfying pop of my joints.
“Keep dreaming,Liam.” She leans her head against the seat, the barest hint of a smile still playing on her face. Her eyelids flutter, and I can tell she’s fighting to stay awake.
“Will do, Auds,” I reply, feeling the warmth of our rekindled connection. “Will do.”
The cabin lights dim further, and her head starts to tilt forward in slow motion. I adjust her direction toward me. It’s like watching one of those old black-and-white movies where the heroine falls gracefully onto the hero’s shoulder. Except this is Audrey, and she’s dozing off mid-debate, not swooning after a grand romantic gesture. Her hair brushes against my neck, the soft strands tickling my skin.
“Looks like someone’s been burning the candle at both ends,” I murmur, but she’s already halfway to dreamland, her breath evening out. Her lips part slightly, a soft sigh escaping as she settles against me.
Her head lands gently on my shoulder, and I can’t help but think how right it feels. The weight of her, the warmth radiating from her body, it’s like a puzzle piece clicking into place. I stay perfectly still, not wanting to disturb her slumber. The warmth from where she rests against me sends a ripple of contentment through my veins, spreading from my chest to the tips of my fingers.
“Sleep well, Audrey,” I whisper, letting thesteady rhythm of her breathing sync up with the hum of the plane. And just like that, I realize this flight might just be the longest—and shortest—five hours of my life.
I shift in my seat, angling my body to offer a makeshift pillow with the bulk of my shoulder. The airplane’s drone is a lullaby that seems to be working its magic on Audrey. Careful not to jostle her, I ease into a more comfortable position for the both of us. She sighs, the sound mingling with the soft whispers of the air vents, and snuggles in closer without waking. Her hand falls onto my thigh, the touch light and unintentional, but it sends a jolt of electricity through my body.
“Better?” I whisper, though I know she’s too far gone to answer. My voice is low, rough with an emotion I can’t quite name.
Under the dim cabin lights, I can’t help but study her face—relaxed, innocently unaware of the world passing by at thirty thousand feet. Her lashes fan out against her cheeks, dark against the pale skin, and there’s this unexpected surge of protectiveness that swells in my chest. I want to shield her from the hurt, from the heartbreak that brought tears to her eyes earlier. I want to be the one to make her smile, to make her laugh until she’s breathless.
I remember the countless times we’d play in her backyard as kids, how I’d pretend to be the knight slaying dragons to save her when Max, Ethan, and Caleb didn’t want to play with her. Funny how some things never change. Now here I am, years later, still wanting to shield her from anything that could cause her pain—like dragons or heartbreaks.
“Who knew Audrey McCallister would grow up so much?” I muse softly to myself, chuckling under my breath.
But I know I can’t go there. She’s Max’s little sister, and I’m just the guy who’s never had anything serious with a woman. And yet, with her head on my shoulder and her hand on my thigh, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to kiss her.
To do a little more with this precious woman.
I close my eyes, trying to push the thoughts away, but they linger like the scent of her perfume, sweet and intoxicating. I take a deep breath, letting the recycled air fill my lungs, and try to focus on the present moment. Audrey is here to see her parents and just broke up with a guy. I need to keep my pants on and my focus on anything but her.
The world outside is a blur of clouds and sky as I watch Audrey sleep, her breaths steady and calm, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. I justrecall her concerns, how her family is going to think she made up the boyfriend—fucking asshole.
I know she’s got that whole brave face thing down to an art—the McCallister special—but I can’t shake the feeling that she might crumble under the weight of her family’s expectations. The furrow between her brows deepens, as if even in sleep, she can’t quite escape the stress.
“Got your back, Audrey,” I whisper, more to myself than to her. It’s a silent promise, one I intend to keep. My hand twitches, itching to reach out and smooth away the worry lines, but I resist the urge.
She’s always been the type to put everyone else first, to ignore her own needs for the sake of others. And it’s not just because she’s the youngest child; it’s just who she is—selfless to a fault. I remember all those times when we were kids, she’d give up her last piece of candy or skip her turn at bat if it meant someone else would smile. Admirable, sure, but sometimes I wish she’d just be a little selfish.
I wish she’d put herself first, just once.
As the captain announces our descent into Boston, I feel the plane begin its gentle tilt toward the ground. The sudden shift pulls me back from my thoughts, reminding me that it’s time to bring Audrey back to the land of the living. I take a deepbreath, steeling myself for the inevitable loss of her warmth against my side.
“Hey, Sleeping Beauty, time to wake up,” I tease, nudging her shoulder lightly. My voice is soft, tinged with a fondness I can’t quite hide.
Her eyelids flutter open, revealing those familiar hazel eyes that always seem to hold a hint of mischief. “Mmm, do I at least get a prince out of it?” she mumbles, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Her voice is husky, thick with the remnants of her nap.
“Sorry, princess, you’re stuck with the court jester for now.” I grin, watching her stretch and yawn, her body arching in a way that makes my mouth go dry. I force myself to look away, to focus on the seat belt sign that’s just pinged on.
She sits up, blinking owlishly as she takes in her surroundings. “How long was I out?” she asks, running a hand through her hair in a futile attempt to tame the sleep-mussed strands.
“Long enough to drool on my shoulder,” I tease, pointing to an imaginary spot on my shirt.
