Page 45 of Hot Knot Summer
His dark hair is swept back from his forehead, revealing more of those unusual amber eyes, which seem almost backlit from within.
“I apologize for River,” he says simply. “He can be... overwhelming.”
My gaze drops traitorously to his mouth—the surprisingly full lower lips that call to me.
“It’s fine,” I sigh, leaning against the railing to steady myself. “I overreacted.”
“Your reaction was perfectly reasonable,” Levi counters, coming to stand beside me but maintaining a respectful distance.
The sleeve of his dark t-shirt rides up slightly, revealing a powerfully strong forearm. When he places his hands on the railing, I notice small, silvery scars across his knuckles.
“We’re asking you to trust us with your safety when you have very little reason to do so.”
There’s a slight roughness to his voice that wasn’t there yesterday, as if he’s been up all night thinking about this about me. His throat works as he swallows, and I find myself mesmerized by the movement.
My heart stutters in my chest.
“Then why ask?” I manage, struggling to keep my voice even.
When he turns to face me fully, I’m reminded that his lean frame hides considerable strength. The t-shirt stretches across his shoulders, revealing the outline of so many muscles.
He touches the bridge of his nose briefly, a thinking gesture I’ve noticed before, and despite everything, I find myself wondering what it would be like to feel those hands moving over my skin with that same attention to detail.
He draws a breath to answer, and I find myself holding mine, suddenly aware of how much I care about what he’s about to say.
“Because it makes sense,” he replies after a moment. “The station isn’t designed for anyone to live here long term. There’s no privacy, sirens going off at all hours, volunteers and shift workers constantly coming and going; it could be dangerous.”
I bite my lip, thinking about the unfinished manuscript saved on my laptop. The deadline is looming. The fact that returning to Moonshell Bay is impossible with the authorities still investigating the fire at the cabin… and right now, I technically don’t have a place to live back home with Chad most likely having packed up my stuff. Bastard hasn’t even called me…
Regardless, I need to start writing for my deadline, as everything has derailed my writing completely.
“Besides,” Levi continues more gently. “Wouldn’t you rather spend that time somewhere with actual decent water pressure, a kitchen that doesn’t smell like firefighter boots, and the best view in town?”
Despite myself, I smile a little. “The shower pressure here is pretty terrible.”
“The cabin has the best shower in three counties,” he says, a hint of his usual charm returning.
“You’re really selling this hard,” I observe, studying him. “Why?”
He looks at me for a long moment, all pretense falling away. “Because none of us like the idea of you being alone right now. Not after everything you’ve been through.”
I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly feeling exposed despite the station walls surrounding us. “You don’t even know me.”
Levi shrugs. “It’s our job to help people in danger, but that wouldn’t be entirely truthful.”
“Then what’s the truth?” I ask eagerly.
Before Levi can respond, the door opens again, and Atlas and River step out.
“Everything okay out here?” Atlas asks, his deep voice rumbling in the quiet night.
“Just getting some air,” I reply, straightening up. “And listening to Levi’s perspective on your... offer.”
“And?” River prompts, looking unreasonably hopeful.
“And I still think it’s a bad idea,” I say firmly. “Look, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but I can’t just move in with three Alphas I barely know.”
“Is it because of what Claire told you?” River asks.
