Page 12 of Down Knot Out
Taking the checkered blanket off the top of the basket, I spread it out onto the damp sand, the fabric settling with a soft sigh. I take off my boots to leave at the corners and anchor the light material and gesture for her to do the same so we don’t track dirt onto the blanket.
Then we sink onto the fabric, sitting close enough for our shoulders to touch. The blanket provides minimal cushioning for the sand beneath, but it’s enough to keep our clothes clean and somewhat dry.
When I open the picnic basket and pull out the containers Holden prepared, we find cucumber sandwiches cut into precise triangles, cookies wrapped in wax paper, and thermoses that steam when unscrewed.
“He even packed napkins,” Chloe says, touching the cloth ones embroidered with tiny blue flowers. “Holden thinks of everything.”
“He shows love through details.” I arrange the food in front of us. “Always has.”
The sound of soft waves fills the space, a rhythmic backdrop that allows for unhurried conversation, the silence as meaningful as what’s spoken. Water rushes toward shore, hesitates at its peak, then retreats with a sigh.
Chloe leans into me, her body warm through the layers of my jacket and her clothes. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
The breeze lifts strands of her pink hair, dancing them across my cheek, and I press my lips to her temple, tasting salt on her skin. “Thank you for coming with me.”
Her fingers find mine again, and I revel in the current that runs between us, stronger than the ocean’s waves, more persistent than the tide.
We haven’t spoken of it yet, but it’s building, the bond humming stronger every time we touch.
When Chloe’s Heat comes, she’ll be ours. It’s only a matter of time.
Chapter Four
Chloe
Ireach for the last triangle of sandwich at the same time Nathaniel does, and our fingers brush, shooting off sparks that leave me tingling all over.
I turn to him with a mock frown. “A gentleman would let a lady have the last piece.”
“A gentleman wouldn’t point out that a lady already ate two-thirds of the sandwiches,” he teases before drawing his hand back. “I suppose you can have it while I start on the cookies.”
With a gasp, I lunge for the container. “No, you can have the sandwich!”
He laughs as he holds it out of reach, forcing me to climb on top of him, hands grasping.
His arm comes around me, tugging me close. “Nuh-uh. You made your choice. Live with the consequences.”
“But I have regrets!” I bounce in his lap, trying to reach higher. “Sandwich regrets!”
Nathaniel’s arm tightens around me with a soft growl, and I look down, realizing how close we are, our faces only inches apart.
My cheeks warm, and I blink. “Oh, hello.”
“Hello.” His nose nudges mine, and my breath hitches. “Might I suggest a compromise?”
I lick my lips. “I like compromises.”
“How about we share the last sandwich and open the cookies together?”
“I like the way you think.” I turn in his arms and settle in his lap instead of returning to my spot beside him on the blanket. I wiggle my ass to situate myself and grab the last triangle of cucumber sandwich, lifting it to his lips. “Big bite.”
Hand on my stomach, he leans forward and takes a bite, his lips brushing my fingers in the process and sending a shiver through me.
“Delicious.” He swallows and nuzzles my neck. “Are you cold?”
I start to protest, but he’s already moving, reaching for the thermos set beside him. The lid pops open, steam curling out in lazy ribbons thatmake my mouth water even before I smell the chocolate.
“Here.” He pours, his steady hands not wasting a drop as he fills the metal cup. “It’s still hot.”
