Page 89 of Knot The Only Onee

Lucas leaned back and waited until Noah disappeared up the stairs. “Good, he could use a smile.”

I resisted the laughter that desperately wanted to break free. “Maybe he’d be more cheerful if you didn’t insult his coffee.”

Lucas’ brow furrowed as he whirled around to face me. One hand propped on his hip as he gave me a stone-cold stare down. “He knows better than to make coffee. He’s terrible at it.”

“He is, but he wanted to let you sleep.” I crossed my arms over my chest, preparing myself for this standoff.

Lucas burst into laughter, and as the tension bled from the room, I joined in.

“You’re a little shit.” I drew him into my arms, slapping his ass as he settled against my chest. "Did you do it all on purpose so he'd go upstairs to help Bridget with her shower?"

His smile widened, and he shrugged. "Maybe. I knew I needed to get down here and start on breakfast. We have guests who are probably hungry."

I closed my eyes and shook my head. "Brat."

"You know it." He blew me a kiss before he poured himself a new cup of coffee and began to gather ingredients from the fridge and pantry.

Sighing, I realized I just had to give up. Lucas was a force to be reckoned with, and when he wanted something, he made it happen. Plus, the man took cooking very seriously, especially when we had guests. Even if those guests were more like family, such as with Alena and her pack.

"Tell me what I can help with." I poured myself a new cup of coffee and set to work with breakfast.

I'm sure Noah would be having much more fun than me right now, but he needed the one-on-one time with Bridget.

CHAPTER42

Bridget

Itried not to let disappointment sour my morning mood as I stripped off my tank and shorts before stepping into the shower. Lucas had to get breakfast going. He was already frantic about James and Noah not waking him up at the same time as them.

"Noah probably made coffee." Lucas shuddered. "I have to get down and fix it."

I let him go with a smile. He caught on and drew me into his arms to kiss my forehead. "I'm sorry, darlin'. I'll make it up to you, I promise. And not just with a delicious breakfast." He waggled his eyebrows and turned me toward the bathroom to swat my ass. "Now go take your shower."

With a sigh, I stepped into the warm spray and tilted my head back to get my hair wet. The water helped the last remnants of sleep leave my body and flow down the drain.

I was rinsing the shampoo from my hair when I heard the door open and clothing started to hit the floor. Turning, I watched Noah pad across the floor in all his naked glory.

He opened the shower door and stood there, waiting. I admired the lean, defined muscles of his torso and the way his large biceps flexed as he leaned against the frame of the shower door. "Mind if I join you?" His voice was husky.

I bit my bottom lip, utterly transfixed, as I watched his cock swell. Why did these men have to be so damn handsome as well as total sweethearts? I felt like garbage compared to them.

I was broken. Always had been, always would be.

My mood soured and I dropped my gaze to the floor. Damn it, I'd been doing so well keeping the negative thoughts away.

"Bridget?" Noah's brow furrowed as he stepped into the shower with me and framed my face with his large hands. His calluses were rough against my soft skin, and I savored the sensation. My eyes squeezed closed, and I tried to turn away from him, but he held me steady. "Sweetheart, talk to me. What's wrong?"

A stray tear escaped my eye unbidden, and I silently cursed myself and the weakness.

"Words, little one." Noah slowly moved his thumb over my cheek, the sensation soothing. His voice was so gentle, so caring.

"Just feeling inadequate today." It was an understatement. One that barely scratched the surface of my self-doubts.

Noah drew me into his arms, and I sank against him. I allowed his strength to hold me up, even if it was just for a few moments.

"You're perfect just the way you are, little one." He kissed the top of my wet head. "I know those doubts and the little voices are hard to ignore. They'll always be there, but we can learn to turn down the volume."

"I hate them so much." Tears flowed freely down my cheeks now. "I just want to be happy. Here with you guys. Living my life the way I'd never thought I'd be able to."