Page 37 of Knot The Only Onee

Although the room hadn’t been updated in a while, it didn’t feel overly outdated. Other than those hideous pillows that looked like they came right out of the 90’s.

“Like I said, all the other cabins are pretty much the same. They may have slightly different configurations.” Noah walked around the space and straightened a photo that had tipped.

“Got it.” Though my mind wasn’t thinking anything about cleaning, I was planning how to stage this room and highlight the view and peaceful scene.

“Questions, comments, concerns?” He checked to see if the back door was locked before doing a quick walk-through of the room.

I shook my head and tucked my hands into my pockets. “Nope, I think I got it.”

For the next hour, Noah showed me around the rest of the ranch and all of its outbuildings. I’d started to make notes on my phone so I wouldn’t forget anything he told me. I tended to be a bit forgetful at times, and I wanted–no,needed–to make sure that I did everything right.

I wanted to impress these men. I had to show them that I could be worthy of their affection. Even if I wasn’t quite ready to accept it myself yet.

CHAPTER17

Bridget

The following week passed by with little issue. I got used to my routine, which was very easy, and was able to devote time to the mock-up I was creating for their website. I knew I could make it even better than my first design—which was leaps and bounds better than the site they currently had set up.

Lucas and I settled into an easy and effortless routine. I helped him in the kitchen with the few recipes I knew, and he taught me more techniques. I was growing even more fond of the eclectic beta.

He brought laughter and joy to the house.

Each new day brought me closer to them. My comfort grew. As my comfort grew, so did the little gestures between us. A hug. A kiss on the cheek. Lingering touches. It was like the most prolonged and drawn-out foreplay.

Noah was still a bit guarded, although he ate dinner with us every night and laughed at Lucas and his antics.

James was…well, James. I barely saw him, and he communicated in a series of grunts and nods. Where was the sweet and caring man that had sprung into action when he thought I was choking?

I sighed and tried to blow a stray curl out of my eyes. My hands were covered in sticky dough as I was trying to finish mixing it for the cinnamon buns we were making for breakfast. It was a natural routine for Lucas and me as we danced around in the ample kitchen space.

Noah opened the back door, letting in a blast of cold air, and I shivered as it rolled over my exposed arms. Goosebumps pebbled over my arms, and I fought back the urge to run out of the kitchen.

“Shut the damn door,” Lucas grumbled and rubbed his arms. “It’s too cold for you to stand there with the door open, letting all the hot air out.”

Noah shut the door with a raised eyebrow. “Seems like you’re the one always letting hot air out when you talk non-stop.”

I couldn’t help the laugh that came out.

Lucas marched over to Noah and started swatting at him with the towel. “I’ll show you who’s full of hot air, Mr. Alpha Macho Man.”

“Ow, ow!” Noah called out playfully and held his hands up in surrender. “I give up, I give up. Let me get inside and take my boots and hat off.”

I continued to giggle, the sound utterly natural for once, as I watched Lucas grumble at him. “You’re going to build me a mudroom one of these days, so you stop leaving all that shit in my kitchen. Disrupting me while I cook.”

“One day.” Noah pressed a kiss to Lucas’ cheek with saddened eyes, but turned his head before Lucas could see it. He paused when he realized that I was watching him. He strode over, his muscular legs, encased in his tight jeans, made a flush rise in my cheeks as my mind wandered to being pinned under them.

“What are you baking?” He leaned forward to kiss my cheek, the heat of his lips causing a tingle to move down my spine. I heard him take a deep breath as he moved away.

Was he taking in my scent?

“Cinnamon rolls!” Lucas sang out, oblivious to my internal struggle. “And no, you can’t try the icing before they're done. Now, shoo!” He waved his hands at Noah, who grunted in amusement as he left the room.

I watched him leave, an idea forming. “Lucas?”

He turned to me, some flour on his cheek. “Yes, beautiful butterfly?”

My eyes rolled as I shook my head, grinning. “Would you mind if I leave this to you? I wanted to check something.”