Page 13 of Knot That Serious

Jack swiped a thumb over the condensation of the water glass. “It’s not like it happens a lot. I was going to take the bike, but there was a stupid moving truck blocking the parking garage. I had to run.”

“Rough way to start the morning.”

Jack studied Beckett. His blond swooped hair, his pretty blue eyes. He seemed so nice and… guy-next-door, if not for the slutty shirt he was wearing. Jack could see his fucking nipples!

“Wasn’t too bad,” Jack murmured. “Met you, after all.”

Now that line Beckett liked. He even shifted in his chair!

Too bad it wasn’t a line at all, but the honest fucking truth. If Jack hadn’t woken up a smidge too late and gotten stuck in the parking garage before abandoning his bike and footing it to the bakery, he never would’ve run into Beckett.

Never would’ve spent the past two days flirting and laughing at every text they exchanged.

Wouldn’t be here, maybe not failing at seducing Beckett after all. Wouldn’t be sharing a knowing smile as the waiter sat their drinks down.

The mountain of whipped cream on their drinks was stacked higher than should be physically possible, and Jack couldn’t help the little spark of delight that lit in him.

“Have you had these before?” Beckett asked.

Jack picked up his long-handled spoon, dipped it in the whipped cream, and brought it to his lips.

He grinned around his mouthful, swallowed. Knew Beckett was watching him.

“Yeah. Eli and I come here every now and then, treat ourselves. Been a while, though.”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Just did,” Jack retorted, then winked.

Beckett rolled his eyes, and the easy teasing twisted Jack up inside.

“Of course you can,” he added, softer.

“You and Eli…”

Jack glanced up.

“Co-owners. Roommates. Are you a couple?”

“Nah.”

“Any particular reason?”

“I don’t know,” Jack answered honestly. “We’ve just never…”

Beckett arched a brow at that. “Not ever?”

Shaking his head, Jack stirred his drink, mixed up the whipped cream with the bubblies and watched it turn paler and paler. “Nope. I don’t think she’s interested in alphas, to be honest. Only ever seen her date betas.”

“What about—no, that’s too personal. Never mind.” Beckett shook his head, turned his attention to his drink.

“No, what is it?” Jack asked, curiosity piqued.

“I was going to ask about heats, but—it’s none of my business. I just want to make sure I won’t be causing any problems,” he said softly. “You guys seem close.”

“Oh, we are. I’ve already texted her my location and a photo of you, so she knows who to blame if I go missing.”

Beckett’s lips twitched. “When did you even take a photo?”

---