Page 27 of Knot The Only Onee

I didn’t know if I’d be alright, but I needed a few minutes to process and calm myself down.

As I was climbing the stairs, frantically trying to get to my room before the tears decided to fall, I almost collided with Noah.

“Woah there, baby girl.” He grasped my upper arms to keep me steady. As he took in my expression, his brow furrowed. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I shook my head and tried to move past him, but he blocked the way. “Noah, please.”

“Who made you cry?” His voice vibrated with unrestrained fury. Oh gods, the sound should make me want to run away even faster, but it just made me want to sink into his arms.

I frantically shook my head, still trying to move past him. “Move.” I could only say one word without my voice wobbling.

“Bridget.” He cupped my cheek and tilted my face up. Slowly, his thumb brushed over a stray tear that leaked down my face. “I know what you might think of us, and I’m trying not to come on too strong for you, but we think you’re the most beautiful woman we’ve ever seen.”

Now, he was going to make me cry. “I don’t believe you. I’m nothing.”

Noah growled, his time low and deep in his throat as he wrapped his arms around me. Next thing I knew, he swung me up in his arms and carried me up the rest of the stairs.

“I want to destroy whoever made you think that.” His lips brushed over my ear as he spoke. “You are so beautiful it almost hurts to look at you. You’ve brightened our home in the little time you’ve been here.”

Too much. This was too much. I didn’t know if I was ready to hear this from Noah yet.

“Can I please go to my room now?” I was barely holding onto the final string before my emotions snapped. I needed my headphones, and to process this before I could say another word. My breath was starting to come out in little panicky squeaks.

No, no, no. I couldn’t have a panic attack in front of Noah. What would he think of me?

Reluctantly, Noah nodded and opened the door to my room. He quickly but gently placed me on my bed, then knelt before me.

“I won’t say anymore, baby girl.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “But know if you need anything, just call, and any one of us will come running.”

I almost snorted. “James won’t. He hates me.”

Stupid Bridget. Why did I keep opening up my big mouth and talking?

Noah went perfectly still, and I opened my eyes to watch him regarding me with pure confusion etched on his face. “Why would you ever think that?”

“He doesn’t ever talk to me,” I replied in a small voice, suddenly feeling even more stupid for what I said.

He didn’t talk to me.

Well, except last night when I was choking. Then, he sprang into action like a white knight.

Well, more like a sexy cowboy than a knight. Something I didn’t mind one bit.

“Baby girl, James hardly talks to anyone. He'll warm up to you. Just give it some time.”

He reached over to my nightstand and grabbed my AirPods. “Here. I saw that you like to listen to music. And you’re always humming under your breath when you think no one is watching.”

I didn’t think I was that predictable, but apparently I was. “Thanks.” I’d only been here a few days, and he knew me better than my own family.

Noah smiled and rose to his feet. “We care about you. But like I said last night, we’ll give you all the time you need.”

I didn’t say anything; just watched his tight backside in those sinful jeans as he walked out of my room and closed the door behind him.

CHAPTER13

Lucas

Iwas pacing along the back porch, frantically trying to talk myself out of storming upstairs and showing Bridget exactly how beautiful and perfect she was.