Page 10 of Knot The Only Onee
“Are you okay, Bridget?” Alena asked as she moved her horse alongside mine. Simon kept up with her, appearing on her other side as he trotted back toward the barn.
I nodded and forced a fake smile back on my face. “Wonderful. Just enjoying being back on a horse and taking in all the fresh air.”
It wasn’t far from the truth. I was enjoying riding again, and I did love the fresh air, but my thoughts were mainly focused on my new bosses and how the hell I was going to keep avoiding Noah and his alpha essence.
James tensed in front of me, and I could tell he knew I was lying, but thankfully, he didn’t say anything as we moved back toward the barn. I rested my forehead against his back, taking a deep breath, breathing in his scent.
Lucas met us at the barn as we got back. His bright hat was the first thing I noticed as we got closer, and I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. He waved when he saw us. James visibly relaxed in front of me. He obviously was comfortable with Lucas.
“Welcome back, darlin’.” His soft drawl made my heart quicken, but I swallowed, pointedly ignoring it. Before James could get off Sage, Lucas reached up, placed his hands on my waist, and pulled me off her without so much as a grunt.
My hands came to rest on his chest, and I looked into his bright eyes with a blush. “Hi.”
His grin was infectious. He had a dimple on his right cheek. My knees felt like they wanted to knock together.
“You came in at just the right time!” Lucas squeezed my waist before looking at the others. “Lunch is ready. I hope you like cheese ravioli and garlic bread.” His chest puffed out a little.
My stomach decided to make a noise at that second. Thankfully, the only one who noticed was the man whose hands were still holding me. Lucas’s eyes widened before he winked mischievously at me.
Clearing my throat, I stepped back, running a hand through my curly blonde hair that decided to come loose from the ponytail.
James took the reins from Alena and Simon before going into the barn. He looked over his shoulder at Lucas. “I’ll be in after I take care of the horses.”
Lucas grabbed my right hand in his left before pulling me toward the main house. Simon and Alena followed behind us, speaking quietly between themselves.
“So, after lunch, we’re going shopping.” Lucas squeezed my hand as we went up the stairs on the porch. “We need to get you your things.”
“Might as well just do as he says.” Simon held the door open for us and Alena. “When Lucas gets excited about shopping, nobody is safe.”
Well, crap.
CHAPTER6
Bridget
Lunch had been a grand affair with everyone around the table. The food was delicious, even with its simplicity. Lucas preened with pride when I complimented him. Noah and James–who had returned to the kitchen once we were nearly done eating–were amused with Lucas’s excitement. The three men were obviously close.
It hadn’t escaped my notice when Lucas said ‘their’ bedroom was upstairs, implying they all slept in the same room.
When we’d finished, Lucas, Simon, Alena, and I traveled to a large department store in the next town over from the ranch. Noah and James still had work to do, so they didn’t come with us.
The guys pushed the carts as Alena walked with me, looking at things I might need. I was still wary about getting anything. I didn’t have enough money to rub two nickels together. Even if I was getting an advance, I wasn’t sure I wanted to waste it on things like new clothes or items for my nest.
My fingers tingled when we walked into the plushie aisle. Oh no. This was going to test my resolve. I couldn’t resist a good plushie. Especially Squishmallows.
Alena suddenly gave a high-pitched squeak and rushed down the aisle in excitement. “Simon! Look!” She stopped in front of a medium-sized plushie that doubled as a pillow and was shaped like a flamingo. “Can we bring him home? Pinky needs a friend!”
My friend chuckled as he gave his omega tenderly. “You know you don’t even have to ask, love.” He took the flamingo from her and decided to carry it for her.
A hand slid along the small of my back, making me jump slightly. Lucas leaned over me, and his lips brushed my ear. “Look around. There are so many cute stuffed animals here that need a home. Why don’t you pick a couple, my treat.”
My body shivered as I became distracted by his touch. It was like I was standing under a waterfall with the onslaught of feelings that cascaded down onme. I could even feel my slick build, and that’s what shocked me out of my daze.
That wassonot going to help things. I needed to make sure to get my suppressants right away. I frantically looked around at all the different signs, looking for the pharmacy. A big store like this had to have them, right?
“Bridget, baby, what is it?” Lucas asked as he drew back in confusion. There was a delicate V in the middle of his brows, and I desperately wanted to run my thumb over it to relieve the stress.
I took a deep breath and looked for Simon. “Uh, just a second. I need to go ask Alena something.”
