13. Knox
Chapter thirteen
Knox
The joke’s on me, I thought wryly as I stood across the room and watched Nina laugh with the CEO of Cornerstone Corp, Dean Bishop. Like they were the best of friends.
Which would have been more digestible than their actual relationship.
Apparently, he was one of her father’s best friends… and her godfather. Yup. The man whose company I’d been lobbying to partner with for the past few weeks was the godfather of Nina Burton, the woman I’d been sleeping with.
Fate must be laughing really hard at me right now.
Like I knew she would, Nina drew all the attention in the room to herself. Not by being loud or ostentatious. No, she didn’t even need to be. There was something about her that made you fall under her spell. Her eyes would light up when she listened, a genuine spark that made whomever she was with feel like the only person in the room. And that laugh—damn, it was warm and genuine, the kind that pulled people closer.
It hit me then, how naturally confident she was. She didn’t shrink, didn’t try to blend in like I’d advised or make herself smaller. She just… belonged. It was something I hadn’t noticed before, or maybe I just hadn’t allowed myself to notice. I judged her harshly, knowing nothing about her.
But now, seeing her like this, radiant and completely in her element, I felt a pang of something close to pride—and something else, too, something that made me want to pull her back to my side. Because I wasn’t the only one drawn to her, and I wasn’t used to feeling like I had to share.
All the men in the room had their gazes on her, and it pissed me off. Married, single, engaged—every single one of them. Assholes.
“Wow, man. When you said you were bringing a different date, I didn’t think she’d be such a fucking smoke show. I mean, who is that?”
I straightened my back as Sean approached me, holding two champagne flutes. He offered me one, and I took it with thanks, my gaze darting back to Nina. God, I was dying to get her out of that dress. Did it have a zip or was it just one of those dresses you throw over your head?
“That is Nina Burton, my sister’s best friend,” I said.
“Are you dating? She looks pretty young. I was under the impression you liked them older.”
I clicked my tongue off the roof of my mouth. “We’re not dating, and you can go ahead and spread that around.”
The crowd around her and Dean was steadily increasing. She tipped her head back and laughed, and everyone around her turned their eyes to her beautiful, slender neckline. I bristled. What was so funny, anyway?
Sean whistled, coming to stand next to me. I wasn’t even sure he’d heard what I just said. “Damn, she’s fine. Why didn’t you tell me she knows Dean Bishop? The man has been smiling from ear to ear since he saw her, and he’s been married for over thirty years.”
“Don’t get any ideas. She’s his goddaughter.”
I didn’t need to look at Sean to register his shock. “No fucking way.”
“I just found out myself.”
“Do you know what this means?”
I finally looked at Sean and saw the excitement on his face. He didn’t need to speak to tell me what he was thinking.
Scowling at him, I gulped down the bubbly contents of the flute before giving it back to him. “Don’t even think about it.”
I didn’t wait for the response that was sure to come. My feet moved, carrying me across the expanse of the room toward Nina. I swept a hand over my hair—tied back into a bun—to smooth it, sucked in a breath and squared my shoulders. I caught a little of their exchange as I got closer.
“…. come on, Uncle Dean, you can’t tell me you’ve actually taken up golf,” Nina teased with a playful smirk. “That’s the equivalent of retiring early for you.”
She was looking up at him with easy familiarity, and Dean was smiling down at her as if she was the brightest thing in the room. I hated how natural it looked, the way they seemed to belong together in that polished, comfortable world of theirs.
Dean laughed, a warm, rich sound that turned a few heads nearby. “It’s called maintaining connections, sweetheart. Networking, if you will.” He raised an eyebrow at her. “And yes, I’ll admit, the idea of a decent tee shot has grown on me.”
She rolled her eyes, leaning in a little. “Sure, sure. You’re just finding an excuse to hang out with those old-money cronies of yours. Daddy included.”
He chuckled, unfazed. “Bullshit. Your father is the one dying to spend time with my genius, though I am guilty of the cronies accusation. But if it helps smooth out a few new deals, I won’t complain. Plus, someone has to keep an eye on you young ones.”
I was close enough now that Dean spotted me approaching, and his entire face lit up with a welcoming smile.
“Ah, Knox Coleman, wasn’t it?” he said, extending a hand. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you in person. I hear you’ve got quite the head for big ideas.”
Something must have happened between the time that we met earlier and now. Dean had not been this friendly just a short while ago.
I forced a steady smile, shaking his hand. “Mr. Dean Bishop, it’s great to finally meet you.”
Dean’s grip was firm, his presence effortlessly commanding. At over six feet with a build that told you he didn’t spend his free time lying about, he was a big, brawny man. He’d also been named in Forbes “Richest and Most Powerful Men” of the decade. The man carried himself like someone who didn’t need to announce his power—everyone just knew.
He glanced back at Nina, and something about his gaze softened. “My goddaughter’s told me a lot about you,” he said with a slight nod, like he was letting me in on some secret. “And from what I’ve heard of your proposal, I can tell you’ve put a lot of thought into this project.”
I managed a tight nod, glancing at Nina, who looked calm as ever. Like she hadn’t been keeping this little fact about her godfather from me. She was watching me with a hint of that same playful look I’d seen when she was teasing Dean, like she was curious to see what I’d do with this revelation.
Dean didn’t miss a beat. “Your presentation was impressive, Knox. It’s rare that I see someone tackle an idea with that level of clarity and foresight. Tell me, how do you see our companies growing if we move forward?”
Caught slightly off guard, I straightened, settling into my pitch instinctively. “Well, Dean, I believe our agency’s expertise in crafting impactful narratives could be a powerful asset for both of us. By highlighting the unique value of your brand, we can expand your reach and solidify your presence in key markets. Our partnership wouldn’t just be beneficial but also transformative, and it would be about building a narrative that resonates with your audience on a deeper level.”
Dean listened intently, nodding along with genuine interest. I couldn’t believe it. The man hadn’t so much as given me a second glance about thirty minutes ago. As I finished, he turned to Nina, who gave me an approving nod.
Dean’s smile widened. “That’s what I like to hear. You’ve got an ambitious vision, Knox. We’ll definitely be talking more.”
I could barely breathe.
He looked back at Nina, giving her shoulder a light, almost fatherly squeeze. “You keep good company, Nina dear. I hope you know that.”
She just laughed softly, eyes dancing between us. “Oh, I try. It makes things… interesting.”
There it was again—that spark in her eye, like she was challenging me without even saying a word.
A gangly looking man suddenly leaned in to whisper something in Dean’s ear and he nodded curtly, meeting my eyes. “My attention has been called elsewhere. Enjoy the evening, everyone.” He threw this to the people that had gathered around him before turning to Nina. “Sweetheart, you’ll have to accept my invitation to dinner one of these days. We have a lot to catch up on.”
Nina smiled softly. “Sure thing, Uncle Dean. Have a great evening.”
He kissed her cheek. “You too, sweetheart.”
When he strode away, the crowd dispersed, leaving only Nina and me. There were still a few eyes on us, but I couldn't resist asking the question that had been on the tip of my tongue since we got here.
“You could have mentioned,” I bit out, voice low, “that the man I’ve been busting my ass to impress is your fucking godfather.”
The smile on Nina’s face didn’t falter, but it did become strained and did not quite reach her eyes. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did you want a list of everyone I’ve known since I was five?”
“That’s not the point.” I kept my voice calm, but it took every ounce of control. “I wanted to earn this. I don’t need favors from—”
“From me?” she cut in; her tone sharp. “You’re welcome, by the way, for giving you the in you were practically begging for. Dean wouldn’t have given you a second look if I hadn’t put in a word.”
I stared at her, anger bubbling just beneath the surface. “I don’t want you fighting my battles for me, Nina. I’ve worked for this project. I didn’t ask you to fucking hand it to me.”
Her jaw tightened, and she took a step closer, fire in her eyes. “This is unbelievable. A simple ‘thank you’ would have sufficed. But no, you’re Knox Coleman. God forbid you need anyone’s help.” She leaned in, eyes flashing. “Let me make this clear: I gave you a chance, but that pitch? That was all on you. Don’t make this about me.”
My fingers itched to grab her. I could feel my patience weaning. Why was she being so difficult? “I don’t want to be some guy who needs strings pulled to get what he wants. I’m not interested in shortcuts like you.”
Nina huffed out a breath, as if what I’d just said was the most ridiculous thing she’d ever heard. “I have no idea why I even try. You’re so full of shit.”
I was just about to respond to that when a familiar voice cut in, “Well, isn’t this a cozy little spat.”
Swinging my head, my blood ran cold as I came face-to-face with my ex-girlfriend, my original date for this event who’d canceled on me, Claire Donovan. Clad in a strapless, royal blue evening dress that hugged her body so tightly, it might as well have been a second skin. She looked beautiful as always, if a bit showy.
Her lips curved in a smirk, her eyes flicking between Nina and me. There was something sharp in her gaze, but also a flash of jealousy she couldn’t quite hide. She lingered a little too long on me, giving Nina an up-and-down that practically oozed disdain. No surprises there.
“Claire,” I said tightly, fighting to keep my voice neutral. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Of course not,” she said with a mockingly sweet smile. “Especially not on the arm of Oliver Neilson.” She glanced over her shoulder, where the CEO of Nexus Communications, the other agency Cornerstone Corp had reached out to was mingling, already surrounded by a small crowd. “He insisted, you know. How could I refuse?”
The jab hit exactly where she intended. Nina’s eyebrows shot up, her eyes flicking to me as if piecing together the backstory in real-time.
“I’m sure he did,” I replied, careful to keep my tone even. It would not do to let Claire know her words affected me. This was what she lived for, drawing reactions out of me.
I felt my jaw clench. “Sounds like you two make a great match.”
Claire’s smile didn’t waver, but her eyes flashed with annoyance. “Oh, I think you know we do.” She leaned in. Beneath the casual exterior she was trying to put up was a pathetic plea for attention. “It’s just funny, Knox. I thought you’d at least call me. Try to change my mind about standing you up after asking me to be your date months after you fucking broke up with me. But here you are, moving on without a second thought.”
Before I could respond, she shifted her gaze to Nina, eyes narrowing with thinly veiled envy. “So, I take it you’re the last-minute replacement?” Her tone dripped with fake sweetness. “Knox does have a habit of settling for what’s available.”
Nina’s eyes flicked to me, as if gauging the full context, but she didn’t back down. Instead, she stepped forward, her voice smooth and cutting.
“No, I think you’re misunderstanding. Knox actually has standards,” she said, offering a smile that barely concealed the bite in her words.
Claire’s smirk faltered then, and I caught a flash of raw jealousy before she turned her attention back to me, her voice softening. “Well, good luck, Knox. I’m sure she’s… very nice.”
She wanted me to say something, anything, to let her know that she still mattered; I could see it in her eyes. But I had nothing to say. Claire had always been vindictive. Her coming here tonight on the arm of a known rival might have been to spite me, but it already set everything in stone. Not only did it hurt like she intended it to, but the embarrassment she caused was not something I could forgive. I had nothing to say or give to her anymore.
“Enjoy the party, Claire.”
The muscles in her jaw tightened, and a flash of frustration crossed her face. But she quickly recovered, giving a dismissive wave as she turned back toward Oliver, throwing one last sharp look at Nina.
We both watched her strut away, the atmosphere impossibly thick. I tugged at my tie, gnashing my teeth. The events of tonight had taken a toll on me. First Dean, now Claire. I hated being blindsided and, in both instances, I’d come out the fool.
Beside me, Nina expelled a deep breath. “Real classy ex-girlfriend?”
“Something like that.”
“Looks like she still wants you.”
“We all want something. Doesn’t mean we’re going to get it.”
Nina was silent for a few moments. The soft music playing from the orchestra mixed with the soft conversation drifting around the room were the only sounds that floated between us.
“I’m tired,” she finally said. “I think I’ve had enough human interaction for tonight. Take me home?”
I glanced at her. She had a point—the night had been a lot to handle. I could use some time away from it all myself. My work here was done, and if I had to run into another blast from the past, I would really lose my shit.
I extended my arm to her, a genuine smile finally breaking through. “Let’s go home.”