Page 35 of Knot Her Beta

Slowly, his arm comes around me, and his face turns into my neck.

A purr starts up, and my arms tighten around him. “Just don’t forget that we’re here while you’re over there. And make the decision that will bring you the most happiness, you hear me?”

He nods against my shoulder.

I nuzzle his temple, scenting him and wishing it would last throughout his absence. “How long will you be gone?”

“Two weeks,” he murmurs, his lips brushing my neck. “My parents will have my schedule packed, but I’ll find time to contact you and Jared.”

“That’s good.” I back up and cup his chin, lifting his face to mine. “And in case anyone on the east coast tries to tempt you…”

I claim his lips again, drinking down the startled squeak that escapes him before he melts into me. I don’t think he even realizes he’s doing it, sagging against me as he kisses me back, his lips parting faster this time at the brush of my tongue.

He moans, his hand rising to cup the back of my neck, and this time, when his fingers brush my bonding mark from Jared, he doesn’t flinch. His nails dig into the raised skin, as if an instinct deep inside him wants to leave a mark of his own, and it gives me hope that this isn’t the end for what hasn’t even been given the room to begin.

Reluctantly, I pull back, and a pleased rumble rises from me at the pink returning to Grady’s cheeks and the glassy, unfocused quality of his eyes.

My thumb wipes the shine from his lips, savoring their warmth for one last heartbeat.

Then I step away. “Have a safe flight. And don’t go silent. I want regular check-ins to ensure you’re being treated right.”

He nods, at a loss for words, and that pleases me, too, because Grady is a master of words.

I hate that he’s leaving, but this thing between us isn’t a high school crush, and we’re not teenagers. I refuse to believe that a plane ride and a little distance can undo what just happened.

With a nod, I turn on my heel and stride out the door.

I don’t look back.

If I do, I might beg him to stay.

Chapter Ten

Grady

As we taxi toward the arrival gate, I switch my phone out of airplane mode, and the screen lights up.

Emily

Made it okay?

Before I can respond, another message comes in.

Jared:

Em is putting together a lasagna. Don’t worry, I’ll eat your slice, too.

A smile tugs at my lips, and I start a group chat with them both.

Grady

I just landed. It’s already dark here.

A picture of the back garden pops up in response, still bathed in weak winter light. The three-hour time difference is really going to mess with me.

Another picture appears of Mixie sitting outside the guest room door.

Jared