Page 59 of Knot Her Beta

Could.

I turn to her. “There’s someone else.”

She doesn’t appear surprised. Instead, she studies me for a long moment before asking, “In Pinecrest?”

“I wasn’t looking for it.” The admission loosens the knot in my stomach. “Honestly, I spent most of the last year trying very hard not to let it happen.”

“But it did.”

“But it did,” I agree.

The words hang between us.

“Did you explain to her why you came back here?”

“Most of it.”

“And?”

“She kissed me before I got on the plane.”

A corner of Caroline’s mouth lifts. “I take it that’s a good sign.”

Heat creeps into my cheeks despite the cold. “I think so.”

“You think so?”

“I’ve never done this before.”

Her soft laugh disappears into the wind. “What is she like?”

I don’t have to think. “She builds houses.”

Caroline blinks. “Houses?”

“She owns a construction company.” A smile finds me without effort. “She fixes things. Builds things. Grows things.”

“She sounds practical.”

“She is.” My gaze drifts toward the frozen gardens. “She’s the strongest person I’ve ever met, and somehow still the gentlest. She takes care of everyone around her before she remembers to take care of herself.”

“She makes me feel...” My chest tightens as I search for the right word.

“Wanted?”

I turn to Caroline in surprise. “Yes.”

She hugs her elbows. “Does she know about us?”

“There isn’t an us.”

“Don’t be obtuse.”

I sigh.

“I told her about my parents’ expectations that I move back here.” My fingers tighten around the handle of my cane. “That there’s. family business and an inheritance.”

“But not about me.”