Page 18 of Knot The Only Onee

“James!” Lucas called as he peeked his head out from the kitchen. “Almost ready. Grab the plates and get the table set. Noah, do you want to knock on Simon and Alena’s cabin door?”

“Not really,” Noah laughed. “We all know their ‘nap’ wasn’t about sleep.”

Again, Isodid not need to hear about Simon and his mate together. Nope. He was like a brother. I did not want to think of him like that.

“That look on your face right now is priceless,” Noah chuckled even harder as he regarded me. “The way your nose scrunches up, it’s adorable.”

I rolled my eyes, feeling the familiar heat of a blush flooding my face. They didn’t even have to say anything sexual, and I still blushed.

He rose to his feet, and I tilted my head to keep our eyes locked together. He was a mountain of an alpha. Broad in the shoulders, thick arms and thighs. He was the epitome of a rugged mountain rancher-man.

“Leave her be,” Lucas scolded and flicked Noah with his towel. “Go get Simon and Alena from their cabin.”

Giving me a wink, Noah grinned and went outside toward the small cabin where Simon and Alena were staying.

Lucas moved back into the kitchen, and I started toward James. I didn’t just want to sit and do nothing. I’d help him set the table.

“Can I grab the silverware and put it out?” I asked softly as James placed the plates around the chairs. His dark eyes gave nothing away, and his gaze flicked up to me.

“Sure,” he responded with a shrug. “Lucas has them lying on the kitchen counter.”

I nodded and grabbed the piles of forks, knives, and spoons to place them around the plates.

James and I worked in silence, efficiently getting the table looking perfect in no time flat. I surveyed our work, loving how beautiful the table looked with the elegant centerpiece filled with spring flowers.

“Perfect.” Lucas beamed as he brought in the first dish and set it on the table. “You make an excellent team.”

My gaze lifted to James, who was watching me with the most curious expression. Several moments passed, almost as if we were suspended in time. A world of emotions passed between us. I wanted to dive deeper into his soul. What made him tick? Why was he so quiet and standoffish with me?

“It smells amazing, Lucas.” Simon clasped a hand on Lucas’ shoulder before he pulled out a chair for Alena to sit in.

“Nice to see you make your appearance,” Lucas replied with a saucy grin.

We all knew what they’d been up to when they were in their cabin. Alena’s messy hair and flushed cheeks were all the evidence that was needed.

“Where would you like to sit, Bridget?” Simon asked with a gesture to the table.

“Uh,” I stammered. “Doesn’t matter to me.”

“Sit here.” Noah appeared from the hall and pulled out the chair to the right of the head of the table.

Nibbling on my bottom lip, I allowed him to seat me.

Of course, I’d grown up in Society, and the males had been expected to perform certain tasks befitting a gentleman. Pulling out chairs, holding doors open, rising when a lady did. Those sorts of things.

But it was different for Noah to do it. It wasn’t forced.

He sank into the chair beside me as Lucas finished bringing everything out. He placed a small plate in front of me with a massive serving of cornbread. Two small containers were placed on the side; one was filled with butter, the other with honey.

My mouth started watering just thinking about it. The aroma was intoxicating, and I was ready to profess my love to Lucas for his amazing cooking.

Wait,love?Nope. I was just obsessed with the food and the smells. There was no way I was loving anyone in this room. Well, other than Simon and Alena, but I’d known them longer. Not Alena, but if Simon loved her, then I did too.

Lucas finally sat down on the opposite side of Noah and let out a deep exhale. “Okay, everyone dig in.” He grabbed my plate before I could and dished me up a serving of each of the delicious-smelling foods.

“Thank you,” I whispered as he set the plate back in front of me.

“Anytime, darlin’,” he winked at me with his soul-stealing smile before he began eating.