Page 75 of Hot Knot Summer
Almost.
With a force of will I didn’t know I possessed, I slip from the railing and step to the side, putting precious space between us.
“Goodnight, Atlas.”
Before he can respond, before I can change my mind, I hurry around the balcony to the stairs. I take them carefully in the dim lighting, my legs still unsteady from what just happened.
I rush through the living area, past Levi and River, who are chatting in the kitchen. They both look up as I enter, and something in my appearance, flushed cheeks, mussed hair, the scent of arousal I’m sure they can detect, makes their conversation halt abruptly.
“Everything okay?” River asks, concern evident in his voice.
“Fine,” I manage, aiming for casual and missing by a mile. “Just tired. Goodnight, boys.” I don’t wait for their response, just continue to my room on legs that still feel like jelly. Once inside, I close the door and lean against it, my heart hammering in my chest.
“Oh God,” I whisper to the empty room. “What did I do? Why did I do that?”
But even as panic and regret swirl through me, I can’t deny the truth—it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever felt. His mouth, his tongue, the way he lookedat me like I was something precious, something worthy.
I slide down the door until I’m sitting on the floor, knees pulled to my chest.
I’m in so much trouble.
14
EMMA
Istep out of the police station into the blinding mid-morning sunshine, hands still shaking from the hour-long interview. The detective’s questions loop through my mind like a broken record. “Did you leave any candles burning? Any electrical devices on? Could you have accidentally knocked something over? Did you have any visitors over?”
No. No. No.
At least, I don’t think so. But now doubt has crept in, worming its way through my certainty. I’m almost positive I blew out the candles before bed. Almost.
God, what if this was all my fault?
“Emma.”
I glance up to find Atlas, Levi, and River waiting at the bottom of the steps. The sight of them, these three Alphas who’ve inserted themselves into my life with alarming speed, sends a jolt of something hot and primal through me that I desperately try to ignore.Except right now, I couldn’t be more relieved that they are waiting for me, and I’m not alone.
“Hey,” I manage, forcing a smile as I descend the stairs. “You guys didn’t have to wait. I feel bad. You must have work to do.”
“We took the day off,” Atlas admits, both hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans. He stands there so casually, as if he’s stepped straight out of a men’s fashion magazine, looking entirely too intoxicating for my peace of mind. After last night’s... explosion between us on the balcony, I can barely look at him without blushing furiously.
“All of you?” I ask, surprised.
River shrugs, offering me an easy grin. “The town hasn’t burned down yet. We figured it could survive one more day.”
“We wanted you to know you’re not alone,” Levi adds, giving me a wicked grin.
Something tight in my chest loosens at their words. It’s been so long since any guy has shown up for me like this, not just offering help but actually being present when I need it.
“How did it go?” Atlas asks.
I shrug, trying for nonchalance. “Fine, I think? They asked about a thousand questions, made me go through everything step by step.”
River slings an arm around my shoulders. “And now that the boring police stuff is done, we have plans.”
“You said yesterday we’re going to the SummerFestival?” I’m aware of the heat pouring from him as he’s pressed against my side. What’s wrong with me today? It’s like every nerve ending in my body is dialed up to eleven.
“Yep,” Levi answers with a small smile. “Best event of the year. And you, Emma, are our guest of honor.”
