Page 68 of Knot My Band: Part One
Dax helps me throw the anchor over the edge.
Oli comes up between us once we are secure in our spot.
“Show-off,” she teases, bumping her shoulder against mine, and I can’t help the grin that breaks free.
I rub my hands together. “Time for a swim!”
Grabbing Oli, I swing her into my arms and enjoy the feeling of her skin against mine. I lean in to whisper, “Can I toss you in, little rose?”
She giggles and nods before I throw her into the water with a splash.
As expected, Dax and Jack are on me in seconds while Aiden jumps in after her.
“What the hell, man?” Jack grabs me around the neck.
“Are you crazy?” Dax growls.
I laugh in their overprotective faces. After our beach date, I know Oli can swim and likes a little thrill. If it makes her happy, I can shove some of my overprotective alpha instincts to the side.
“Yes.” I dive in, and the cool water shocks my system.
Aiden is treading water near Oli, and I swim over to them, wrapping her legs around my waist and treading for both ofus.
“You having fun, little rose?” I ask her.
She grins and squeezes me tighter. “It’s been a perfect day so far. Thank you, Chase.”
“And thank you for including all of us,” Aiden adds, grabbing Oli’s hand and squeezing.
Oli doesn’t know it, but she’s good for our pack. She brings us closer than we’ve ever been and repairs the damage without even knowing it.
We splash and tease, the mood easy and carefree. But there’s always someone keeping an eye on Oli. When she ventures a little too far, it’s Dax who’s swimming by her side, guiding her back. When she dives under, Jack’s gaze doesn’t leave the spot where she disappeared until she resurfaces.
And when she’s floating on her back, eyes closed to the sky, Aiden is right there.
“Race you to the boat?” I suggest, and her eyes snap open, revealing a competitive glint back in full force.
“You’re on, Chase,” she accepts, and we’re off, slicing through the water with determined strokes.
Climbing back onto the boat, I shake my hair free of water droplets. I know my next idea is going to be a tough sell, but Oli will love it, and that’s what matters.
Jack hands her some water, making her drink half of it before he will take it back.
“You know what would crank this party up another notch?” I say, grabbing a towel and flashing a grin at my pack.
Aiden wraps a towel around Oli before asking, “What?”
“Tubing.”
The guys freeze, but Oli bounces on her toes, her wet rose gold waves catching the sunlight, and she claps her handstogether. “That sounds so fun!”
“Wait a second—tubing?” Jack’s tone brings a momentary pause to her excitement, his protective instincts kicking in hard and fast. He approaches me, his towering frame casting a shadow over the boat. “You expect me to let you drag my omega behind a boat attached by only a string?”
“Jack,” Oli teases, poking him in the chest with a slender finger, “I might be smaller than you muscle-bound alphas, but don’t forget, I can handle myself.”
The concern doesn’t leave those blue eyes.
“Maybe we should just swim again,” Dax adds.
