Page 163 of Knot So Lucky

I pull up a visual representation, showing how the suspension compression affects weight distribution.

"See here? This graph shows the load transfer during braking. We want aggressive initial response—that's this sharp curve—but then progressive resistance to prevent bottoming out. The art is finding the exact values that give us both."

Adrian is one hundred percent concentrated, his amber-and-vanilla scent intensifying slightly in a way that suggests genuine fascination rather than polite interest.

I continue explaining, getting into the technical details of spring rates and anti-roll bar adjustments, damper velocitycurves, and ride height optimization. The words flow easily, my passion for this work evident in how quickly I can articulate complex concepts.

Adrian asks intelligent questions, proving he's not just listening but actuallyunderstandingand processing the information at a deep level.

"I've known about you for a while," he admits during a pause in my explanation. "Read your name in articles, heard other techs talk about 'Rory Lane' with the kind of reverence usually reserved for master craftsmen. But reading about you and seeing you in your element are completely different things."

The admission makes heat creep up my neck.

"It's fascinating," he continues, and there's something in his voice that has nothing to do with the technical work and everything to do withme. "Watching how your mind works, how you see problems and solutions that other people miss. The way you explain complex concepts with such clarity."

We're standing very close now—when did that happen?—close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from his body despite the morning chill.

His amber-and-vanilla scent wraps around me, mixing with my own smoked vanilla in ways that make my Omega instincts purr with contentment.

Adrian's gaze drops to my lips, and I watch his pupils dilate with want.

I'm leaning in without consciously deciding to, drawn by biology and genuine attraction in equal measure. My heart rate picks up, anticipation making my skin tingle.

Just a few more inches and?—

"We need to discuss strategy for the afternoon session."

Luca's voice cuts through the moment like a knife, sharp and deliberately intrusive.

I jerk back from Adrian, heart hammering for entirely different reasons now. Turn to find Luca standing at the edge of the diagnostic area, arms crossed and scowling like he's caught us doing something actually inappropriate instead of justalmostkissing.

The interruption was deliberate.

I can tell from the way Luca's jaw is clenched, from the spike in his dark-chocolate-and-gunpowder scent that carries notes of territorial aggression.

"You better not be a cock blocker," I say flatly, crossing my own arms in a mirror of his posture. "Because that would be really disappointing, Thorne."

Luca's scowl deepens.

"This is a workplace. There are professional standards to maintain."

Adrian chuckles—low and knowing—already gathering his tablet and equipment.

"The workplace isn't going to stop me," he says easily, completely unbothered by Luca's territorial posturing. "And neither are you. But have fun being a jealous, stubborn Alpha leader."

He winks at me, the gesture somehow both playful and devastatingly attractive.

"I'll bring you lunch later,Liebling," he adds, voice dropping into something more intimate. "Don't let Grumpy here stress you out too much."

I blush—actually blush, heat flooding my cheeks—and manage to nod.

"Okay. Thanks for the help with calibration."

"Anytime." Adrian's smile is warm as he walks past Luca, deliberately brushing close enough that it's clearly a challenge.

The moment he's out of earshot, I turn on Luca with a grin I can't suppress.

"Jealous much?"