Page 28 of Knot in Bloom
“I take care of Sadie,” Levi replies simply, but his stance shifts wider, claiming space. “Have been for months.”
The casual dominance makes my knees wobble. More slick gathers between my legs, and both men’s nostrils flare as theycatch the scent change. Two alphas tracking my arousal like their lives depend on it.
I break off a piece of scone with trembling fingers, hyperaware that they’re both watching my mouth as I eat.
“This is very thoughtful,” I whisper, not trusting my voice at normal volume. “Both of you thinking of me.”
“Been thinking about you all night,” Levi says, his voice dropping to that rough tone that makes my core pulse with need.
Reid’s scent sharpens at the obvious intimacy. Instead of backing down, he steps closer to the counter. “I brought the good pastries. From Maeve’s special selection.”
Are they really doing this? Competing over coffee and pastries while I’m standing here trying not to moan from their combined scents?
“I’m here for that arrangement pickup,” Reid adds, but his attention never leaves my face. “Though I have to admit, I may have misjudged the situation. I assumed you were...unattached.”
Levi’s jaw tightens, and I can smell the shift in his scent—more possessive, more territorial. “That assumption would be incorrect.”
Reid’s eyes sharpen with interest rather than disappointment. “I see. Do you have a pack, or...?”
The question hangs in the air, loaded with possibility. My breath catches because he’s not backing down—he’s asking if there’s room for him in whatever’s forming between Levi and me.
Levi’s scent spikes with something that might be surprise. “No pack. Not yet.”
“Interesting,” Reid says, and his smile turns almost predatory. The way he looks between us suggests he’s very much considering his options.
“While I’m here,” Levi says, moving closer until his cedar scent wraps around me like a possessive embrace, “I’ve been thinking about getting arrangements for the bookstore. Something that makes people want to stay close. Like last night.”
My breath catches all over again. He’s really going to reference last night with Reid standing right there.
“I’ll put together samples,” I manage, my voice barely above a whisper.
“I’d appreciate your personal attention,” he says, and the way his gaze drops to my mouth makes it clear we’re not just talking about flowers anymore.
Reid clears his throat, but there’s heat in his eyes now. “Perhaps I should increase my weekly order. Make it worth your while to give me the same...personal service.”
They’re bidding for my attention with flower arrangements, and my body is responding like they’re offering to claim me right here in my shop. Fresh slick pools between my thighs and my scent spikes so sweetly that both men’s pupils dilate further.
The bell chimes and Mrs. Woodbury comes in, immediately taking in the scene with sharp eyes.
“My goodness! Two handsome gentlemen bringing you coffee. How lovely, dear.”
I busy myself gathering her usual arrangement while she examines both men with obvious approval, asking Reid about his work and complimenting Levi on his window displays. She’s clearly delighted by the attention I’m receiving, but I can barely focus on the conversation over the pounding of my heart.
“Such nice young men,” she tells me as I hand her the flowers. “It’s about time someone recognized what a treasure we have in you, Sadie.”
After she leaves, the shop feels supercharged with tension.
Reid lingers while Levi heads out with promises to call later, but not before giving me a look that promises we’re not finished with whatever started last night.
“Well,” Reid says quietly once we’re alone. “That was illuminating.”
Heat floods my cheeks. “Reid, I?—”
“You don’t owe me explanations,” he says, but there’s something more focused in his expression now. Something that looks almost predatory. “Though I have to admit, I’m curious about the dynamic I just witnessed.”
Before I can figure out how to respond to that, my phone rings with perfect timing.
Tessa Lang. Festival Committee Chairwoman.
