Page 44 of Hot Knot Summer
“You told her if she was in such a hurry, you’d be happy to call her a medic vehicle pre-emptively,” Atlas corrects, shaking his head.
“Customer service,” River insists, loading his bread with butter. “I was anticipating her needs.”
The chatter continues, and despite my intention to keep my distance, I find myself smiling, then laughing at their easy rapport. There’s something comfortable about sitting here with them, as though I’ve found a place where I fit without even looking for it.
Dangerous thoughts,Emma.
I catch Claire watching us from another table, her expression unreadable. Her warning echoes in my mind, tempering my enjoyment of the moment.
“So, Emma,” River says suddenly, fixing me with that bright, focused gaze that makes me feel like I’m the only person in the room. “About your living situation.”
“River,” Atlas warns, his deep voice cutting through the chatter around the table.
“What?” River asks innocently. “I’m just making conversation.”
“Subtle as a sledgehammer,” Levi mutters beside me.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” River continues blithely. “I was simply going to mention that staying in a fire station long term might not be ideal. The sirens alone would drive anyone crazy.”
“My living situation is temporary,” I say carefully. “Until I figure out my next steps.”
“Exactly,” River nods enthusiastically. “And in the meantime, you need somewhere comfortable. Somewhere safe.”
Atlas pinches the bridge of his nose while Levi smothers what might be a laugh behind his hand.
“The station is safe,” I counter.
“But is it comfortable?” River challenges. “Do you really want to live in a place where the alarm could go off at three a.m.? Where there are constantly people coming and going? Where privacy is, at best, a theoretical concept?”
“River,” Atlas says, his tone making it clear this is the finalwarning.
“Fine, fine,” River relents, raising his hands in surrender. “I’ll stop. But the offer stands.”
“What offer?” I ask, though I have a sinking feeling I already know.
“Our cabin at the edge of town,” River says simply. “It’s private, secure, and much more comfortable than the station. Plus, no sirens.”
“You want me to move into your cabin,” I say flatly, glancing at Claire, who raises her eyebrows in an ‘I told you so’ expression.
“Temporarily,” Atlas interjects, shooting River a look that would make most people wither. River just grins back, unrepentant. “Until we can find a more permanent solution for you.”
“That’s... very generous,” I say carefully. “But I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Why not?” River challenges.
“Because I barely know you?” I reply, my voice rising slightly. “Because three Alphas and one Omega living together is a recipe for disaster? Because I’m not looking for complications right now?”
The table falls silent, and I realize I’d been louder than I intended. A flush creeps up my neck as several heads turn our way.
“Sorry,” I mutter, pushing my chair back. “I need some air.”
Before anyone can respond, I’m up and moving toward the door that leads to the small patio area outside. The cool evening air hits my heated skin, and I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.
What is wrong with me? I’m not usually this reactive, this emotional, but something about these three men pushes all my buttons—good and bad.
I hear the door open behind me and tense, expecting River with more of his persuasive arguments. Instead, it’s Levi who steps out, and my breath catches involuntarily.
There’s something about him in the evening light—the way it catches on the sharp angles of his face, highlighting those high cheekbones and the line of his jaw. Levi’s appeal is more subtle, more dangerous for how quietly it sneaks up on you.
