Page 90 of Knot So Sweet
"Hey there," she says. Catches my stare. "You going to let me in or just stand there?"
"Depends." I move to help with her coat. Hands find her shoulders. "Are you dessert?"
Her laugh is husky. "Behave. We have an audience."
"When have I ever behaved around you?" My mouth finds her ear.
She shivers. "Garrick."
“Garrick drove like a maniac," Liam says from behind us.
He has a big mouth!
She sets the brownie plate on the counter. Turns in my arms. Hands come up to my chest. The casual touch makes something settle. Can't explain it. Don't want to.
She stretches up. Presses a quick kiss to my mouth. "Glad you're safe too."
Liam clears his throat. Loud. "Some of us are trying not to watch you two."
"Then stop watching," Violet calls back. Doesn't take her eyes off me. "Problem solved."
"Can't. It's like a car accident." But he's grinning. "Fascinating and horrifying."
Xaden's already moving toward the back. "We playing cards or watching Garrick make eyes at Violet all night?"
"Hell." I turn to glare. Don't remove my hand from her back though. "I don't make eyes."
"You absolutely do." Violet pats my chest. "But don't worry. I think it's sweet."
She pulls away. Grabs the brownie plate. "Now come on. I want to learn poker so I can take all your money."
"You've never played?" Liam asks. Following her.
"Nope. Complete beginner." She shoots him a look over her shoulder. "Though you promised to teach me. Among other things."
The innuendo is clear. Liam's grin turns predatory. "Did I now?"
She disappears into the back room. Leaves three alphas standing in the bakery.
"This is going to be a disaster," I mutter.
"Absolutely," Xaden agrees. "But a fun one."
"She's going to distract us all night," Liam adds. "We won't get through a single hand."
"Probably not." But I'm already following her. Drawn by her laugh as she examines the setup.
The back room looks good. Table center. Chairs arranged. Chips organized. Cards ready. Space heater glowing in the corner. Warm. Intimate.
Violet's already claimed a chair. Settling in like a queen. "This is cozy."
"It's a back room." I take the chair to her left. Close enough to touch. Intentional when I arranged the seating.
She leans over. Fingers trail along my arm. "I like it. Private."
Xaden takes the seat to her right. Boxing her between us. Liam settles across from her. Picks up the deck.
"Alright, gorgeous," Liam says. Shuffles cards. "Let me teach you poker."
