Page 40 of Knot Your Sunshine
Rose pulls me into a hug that smells like jasmine and joy. "Thank you Mia."
"Guess I better text James and Dorian to hurry back." Elena rises slowly. "But Mia, you're absolutely sure you're okay with this?"
"Positive. Besides," I grin, "someone needs to make sure Julian's intentions are honorable."
"Oh, I hope they're not too honorable," Rose mutters, then immediately slaps her hand over her mouth.
"Mom!" Elena gasps, but she's fighting a laugh.
"What? I'm sixty-six, not dead." Rose smooths her dress with exaggerated dignity, and we all dissolve into giggles. She checks her watch. "Alright, I better go pack. You should too pumpkin, if you're coming."
She practically floats away, leaving Elena and me staring after her.
"Your mom is officially my hero," I say.
"Mine too." Elena's voice carries wonder. "I've never seen her like this."
"Happy?"
"Free." She turns to me, gratitude shining in her eyes. "And thank you. For encouraging her. For not making me feel guilty about leaving you here."
"Are you kidding? Your mom gets her romance adventure, you get quality time with her and your pack, and I'll be plenty busy focusing on business and figuring out this whole pack relationship thing."
Elena pulls me into a fierce hug. "Text me everything. Every single detail. I want business updates and romantic disasters and everything in between."
"I'll do my best to report, promise," I grin.
As I leave their suite, I hear Elena on the phone with one of her alphas, her voice bright with excitement as she explains the change in plans.
Walking back to my own suite, my phone buzzes with a notification. I glance at the screen to see a new message in the group chat with the three alphas:
Noa:Boat leaves at 7:45 PM. Do you have any food allergies we should know about?
I pause in the hallway, thumb hovering over the keyboard.
Me:No allergies. What's the dress code?
The response is immediate.
Noa:Whatever makes you feel beautiful.
Josh:That is to say, anything. You could wear a potato sack and still be the most gorgeous woman in any room.
Keanu:What he said. Can't wait for tonight.
Heat floods my cheeks as I stare at their messages. I can feel these three are going to be the death of me.
But as I reach my suite door, I realize I'm smiling. And for the first time since that conference room revelation, the anxiety in my chest has transformed completely.
Into anticipation.
Chapter sixteen
Mia
I step onto the marina dock, looking at the vast ocean ahead.
Alright. Dinner with my scent matches who are also my business partners. No pressure.
