Chapter 1 #2
No one goes toe-to-toe with me like Knightley Austen, the only person in this small, uppity town who doesn’t seem to care if he hurts my feelings or speaks against me. He says what he says, and he never bothers to take it back.
Knightley doesn’t treat me like I’m glass. Like I’m motherless.
He used to not be so calloused, however.
It wasn't always this way. He used to help me solve puzzles, do complicated paperwork like college applications, and he encouraged me to get a business degree. But over the past two years, he hasn’t quite liked my business ideas.
First, he shot down my therapy-horse-riding-for-kids idea.
Then, he shot down my online boutique idea.
Now, he’s going to shoot down my matchmaking idea.
Knightley harrumphs, his large frame moving between me and the fireplace, blocking the waves of heat wafting from the area.
His auburn hair is loose and unkempt, the curls he usually combs down sticking every which way.
The trimmed beard that matches his hair is tamed and covers half of his face, enhancing his baby blue eyes.
They shine brighter than the water in the Bahamas where I took my high school graduation vacation five years ago.
Objectively speaking, Knightley is one of the most handsome men I’ve ever seen, but that’s neither here nor there.
He’s thirteen years older than me and was once married.
He’s my brother from another mother, so I can in good conscience speak to his handsome looks while acknowledging it means absolutely nothing in terms of romantic interest.
“The entire town seems to think it’s your doing.
” He sits down on the chair opposite me, tugging at the dark wash jean fabric around his upper thighs, and continues.
“I’ve heard ‘Emma Jane did a wondrous thing for Halle,’ and ‘How generous of E. J. to set up dates for Halle and Grant,’ and ‘She’s starting her own matchmaking business, haven’t you heard? ’”
“And if I were?” I tilt my head, gauging his reaction. He maintains a perfectly placid expression; the only sign of misgiving is the twitch of the corner of his lips, barely noticeable if I weren’t examining his face like a spy locked on her target.
Knightley folds his hands in his lap as he crosses one leg over the other. “Then I would advise you to reconsider your business endeavors. Attempting to launch a matchmaking business in a small town like Hartfield, Mississippi, is begging for failure.”
I cross my arms and sit straighter, rolling my shoulders back. “Just because I launch and operate from Hartfield does not mean my skills will be contained to this area. There’s this thing called the internet, and it comes with several gems like social media and websites.”
“What experience will you flaunt? Will you brag about matchmaking your former nanny and teacher to the local dairy farmer? The same man who was already interested in Halle but too shy to act on his desires?” Knightley’s condescending tone coupled with a sharp, raised brow that says “got you, Janie” has me throwing my chin in the air and looking away from him as if I can’t even stomach giving him the time of day.
“Everyone starts somewhere. I’m twenty-three.
I have time to build my empire, Squire. You can help or get out of my way.
” He rolls his eyes at my nickname for him.
I stand abruptly, brushing down my plaid pleated skirt that ends mid-thigh, and head toward the dining room where I’m assuming Papa is still stationed, taking his fill of cowboy cookies.
Footsteps echo behind me, but I don’t grace the incorrigible man by acknowledging his presence. “How did Jane do with this batch?” I ask Papa right as he is brushing crumbs from his green polo shirt.
“Delicious as always. Though I’m certain every batch gets tastier and tastier.” Papa beams, gazing upon me proudly as if I were the one who baked and brought the cookies over, before he glances beyond me. “Please tell Jane that she is outstanding as always.”
“Of course, Henry.” Knightley sidles up beside me, the top of his shoulder taking over my peripheral vision.
“She will be thrilled to hear your praises. Speaking of praises,” he pauses, and I stiffen, “the town is alive with talk of Emma Jane’s new business venture.
How do you feel about our girl starting a matchmaking firm?
” He throws his arm over my shoulder, tugging me against his side.
Papa begins to remark on how excellent it is that I’m pursuing this path, so long as I don’t get myself married, while I try to wiggle out from underneath Knightley’s arm.
He’s basically got me in a chokehold at this point, but both men talk back and forth about the logistics of my business as if I’m not right there caged within a stupidly strong arm while I fight to pry my way out of the encompassing scent of spruce and vanilla.
Finally, I cease my efforts, feigning defeat in the hopes that he will loosen his grip enough so that I can bolt.
My father gives Knightley a strange look at that moment; it’s an expression that seems to be reminiscent of Alice from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland where she cries, “Curiouser and curiouser.”
Knightley coughs, yanking his arm off me as if I’d lit him on fire, then takes three giant steps sideways, creating a chasm of distance between us.
I’m not complaining one bit, but even I have to admit Papa’s expression was weird and Knightley’s response was weirder.
I smooth my hair down and adjust my off-the-shoulder, scalloped, red crop shirt back into position before reaching for a cowboy cookie.
I take a bite, the sounds of my chewing filling the silence.
Papa still has that strange expression as his eyes linger on Knightley, and Knightley has taken to twiddling his thumbs and looking everywhere except in Papa's and my direction.
“Okay, guys. What’s going on?” My question jerks Papa from his trance-like state, and he smiles softly at me.
“Nothing, dear one. I would love to hear more about your matchmaking plans. Why don’t you go grab your materials and then meet Knightley and me back in the sitting room?”
My gaze bounces between my father and the massive redhead in the room, questions buzzing around my brain. But Papa is interested in my budding career, and even better, he’s going to force Knightley to listen to my epic plans. Surely this will win the Negative Nancy over to my side.
I take another cookie before leaving the room and bounding up the creaky stairs that lead to my room.
I don’t need Knightley’s approval, but it would be nice to have his support.
He’s been in my life ever since I can remember, and whether I like it or not, his approval means the world to me.
It’s why I fight him so hard when he pushes back against me.
Everyone in this town loves and adores me, and I’m well aware of it, but he doesn’t treat me in the same manner.
And for reasons unbeknownst to me, he’s the one I want to shower me with affection.