Page 78 of Knot So Social

“Sandwich?” I offer, sliding a plate across the bench.

“Thanks. I’ll eat in a bit.” She circles the bench and grabs a bottle of soda from the fridge.

The air hangs heavy with our uncertainty. I want to take her in my arms and kiss her, thank you, reassure her she was wonderful. But something holds me back.

Willow clears her throat. “Um, so good job? I’ll give you a great review.”

“Much appreciated.”

Fuck. I don’t want a review; I want an invitation to stay.

She hooks her thumb toward the door. “Guess I better let you go now. You must be tired.”

My heart sinks. That’s a clear dismissal; the sign she told me to wait for. “Sure.”

I return the ingredients to the fridge and then go pack my bags. No point getting sad about it, Jeremy. This was the job. I knew that. I’m the sucker who grew feelings in the middle of a contract.

With a sigh, I hoist my duffel bag and the Heat Wave kit and tramp back to where she waits. The opulent house feels cold and unwelcoming now that I’ve been shown the door.

But I can’t leave quite like this. I turn back to the omega.

“May I kiss your cheek?” I ask.

She nods stiffly.

I lean in, her scent softening as I brush my lips to her skin. Without warning she turns her face, offering her lips instead. My hands ache to tug her close as we offer each other a last, sweet farewell full of the heated memories.

I step back, my heart pounding in my chest.

“It was my honor to assist with your heat, Willow,” I rasp out, before turning for the door. “All the best.”

If I don’t leave now, I might drag her right back into that nest and bond her. I drop one bag in order to turn the handle.

The door opens, admitting a golden hurricane. Mr Shares launches through the air, barreling into Willow’s midsection. She lurches back from the force, tripping on the duffel. Visions of her striking her head on the tile and cracking it open flit through me, propelling me forward. I cannot, will not, let her hurt herself.

Chapter twenty-five

Jeremy

I manage to grab the back of Willow’s head as we fall. A popping sound rips through my ears at the same time the dog yelps.

We land hard. Pain drills through my fingers as the omega’s weight squishes them to the floor. But I barely register it over the searing agony that hurtles through my groin. I shout, certain I’ve broken my leg.

Fuck, it burns!

But what about Willow?

“You okay?” I huff out, rolling my head to the side.

The omega scrambles to her feet. “Oh, shit! Shit!” She spreads her hands, checking herself and her dog.

I squeeze my eyes shut as agony steals my breath. She’s okay. I made it in time. Mr Shares leans into me and licks me, leaving a cold streak down the side of my face.

“Jeremy?” Willow’s shadow looms over me. “Stop that, boy.” She drags the dog back by his collar and kneels down. “Jeremy, are you all right?”

“I’m half left.” I can’t help cracking jokes; I just want to ease that bitter scent flowing off her.

She clicks her tongue, and her bathrobe brushes my side as she edges closer. “What is it? What’s wrong?”