Page 85 of Knot Our Reality

Two more men swing around the corner, stopping to join the first. “Michael?”

Michael shakes his head. “These are three of my mates. Lawrence, Philip, and Victor.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Emilia fromHeated. These are two of my suitors, Gavin and Malik.” I wave at the three, glancing back at Michael. “A bond thing?”

He nods. “Yup.”

“I think it’s time for us to leave. I’ll have Bree let you know about glaze colors.” I march out past Lucas and Mike, my head about to explode.

As soon as we’re outside, I spin on my heel. “What the hell was that, Malik?”

“What are you talking about?”

I scoff. “You pretty much just shit all over everything Michael is building. Art isn’t masculine enough? What the fuck is that? Come on, Gavin. Let’s go find somewhere to eat. I can’t deal with this right now.”

Taking Gavin’s hand in mine, the two of us walk away with Mike at our backs. I hear raised voices and know Lucas is dealing with Malik.

Just when you think you know someone, they show just how much you don’t know them.

After my partially disappointing date yesterday, I was feeling anxious about my solo date with Dylan. Gavin and I had a wonderful time,but after leaving Malik, there was a cloud hanging over the day. I still haven’t spoken to Malik and don’t intend to until I’ve calmed down.

Hopefully, by then, he’ll figure out why I’m pissed off. Otherwise, it’s going to make for an interesting conversation.

“Emilia?”

I snap my head up, blinking at Dylan. He just grins at me, and I realize I’ve zoned out again. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. Something is bothering you. I’m happy to listen if you need to get it off your chest.”

I consider him for a minute. “I’m not sure that’s appropriate.”

He shrugs. “We already know something went wrong with your date yesterday. Malik came home before you and Gavin. Then, when you got home, you dragged Camden into your suite.”

“Into my nest,” I admit. “I just…I’m angry with the way he acted, but he didn’t seem to think he did anything wrong. Rather than yell at him, I just left. I probably could have handled it better.”

“Maybe. Or things could’ve gone a lot worse if you’d tried to talk to him then.” Dylan holds his hand out, and I place my hand in his. He pulls me over to sit beside him on the picnic blanket. “Can you eat now, or do we need to talk some more? Because I’m down for talking, if that’s what you need.”

I wrinkle my nose, hating that yesterday’s date is affecting today’s date with Dylan. “No, I don’t want to waste any more time talking about it. And I can always eat.”

Which is mostly true. I’m not going to admit to him that my stomach isn’t doing great today.

“Okay. How does egg salad sandwiches sound?” he asks, rifling through the picnic basket. “There are also roast beef or turkey sandwiches. We’ve got mixed fruit and some chips too.”

“I think I’ll take an egg salad sandwich.” That shouldn’t be too heavy on my stomach. “And I want to hear more about this book you’re working on.”

He flushes, handing me a sandwich before nodding. “Okay. I haven’t gotten very far, but this iswhat I have so far…”

Thursday finds me in Rancho Mirage once again, but this time I’m with Lee and Bradley. We’re spending the day at the botanical gardens, which is amazing.

As we walk around, we’re getting to know one another better. Or at least we’re trying.

“What’s your favorite color, Lee?” I ask, reading the sign about the odd-looking giant cactus.

He hums. “Probably red. What about you?”

“I should’ve known you’d ask me back.” I sigh, rolling my eyes. “Don’t make fun of me, but it’s black.”

“Why would I make fun of you for that?”

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