Chapter 4
CHAPTER FOUR
JESSICA
Tears blind my vision as I hurry through the mansion, nearly getting lost before finding my way outside. Considering Knox brought me out here on his motorcycle, I’m not sure how I’m getting home. Mossy Oak is a small town. There isn’t a thriving Uber business like there is in most cities.
I’m digging my phone out of my pocket, hoping I can find a taxi when I spot Sloane. She’s wobbling in her high heels, struggling with the weight of a tall box and heading straight toward me.
For a split second, I want to hide. It’s embarrassing. Crying in public is something I would never do if I could help it. But I can’t stop my tears, and Sloane sees me before I can suck them up.
“Hey!” She sets the box down and approaches me with caution. “What’s wrong? Didn’t find what you were looking for?”
Tears stream down my cheeks. “I found more than I bargained for.”
Her lips press together. “What does that mean?”
“Knox.”
She balls her hands into fists, ready to fight for me even though we barely know each other. “What did he do?”
I shake my head. “He told me he had a crush on me.”
Sloane’s brows knit together. “That doesn’t sound so bad.”
A hot poker of shame pierces my chest. “I’m not the kind of woman who attracts a handsome firefighter. I’m lucky to get attention from the grocery store clerk when I’m trying to find the ripe avocados. I’m invisible.”
“Knox doesn’t think so.” Sloane puts a hand on my shoulder and bends her head to mine. “Don’t look now, but he’s coming this way.”
I turn my head and see him striding out of the castle doors. My heart thuds in my chest, just like it does every time I see him. A sigh escapes my mouth. All the wavy hair, mussed from his helmet, makes me want to run my fingers through it. His broad shoulders fill out his leather jacket, and his powerful thighs stretch his fitted jeans.
“I told you not to look,” Sloane says. “My God, he’s gorgeous.” Her sigh mingles with mine.
I glance back at Knox, and my stomach flutters. I wish I could trust him, but he is too good to be true.
“Make up your mind, Jessica. He’s coming fast.” Her eyes meet mine, concern drawing fine lines around her eyes. “I know he’s beautiful, but if he’s being an asshole, I will sock him right in that pretty-boy mouth.”
My gaze strays from Sloane’s narrowed eyes to Knox, and the time for debate is up because his long strides have eaten up the ground between us. His pale blue eyes lock on mine, so full of uncertainty it makes my chest ache.
“Are you okay?” He reaches for my hand, his warm palm engulfing mine. “You forgot your book.”
My heart melts. He’s wooing me with Cat Warriors. What more could I want in a man? “You bought it for me?”
“Of course.” His chin dips toward me, and the masculine scent of his aftershave invades my senses. “That’s what took me so long to get out here. I had to cut in line in front of a granny, and she hit me with her cane.” He rubs his shoulder. “What happened, Jessica? Did I say something wrong?”
Sloane clears her throat. “I’ll be on my way.” Her gaze pierces mine. “Unless you need me?”
Sloane is barely taller than me, but I’ll bet she packs a punch. Knox glances at me and Sloane, waiting. The decision is up to me. I smile weakly, wishing I could trust Knox, wishing I could shut down the voice in my head that tells me I don’t deserve a man like him. “I’m fine.”
Sloane gives Knox a warning glance. “You’ll be careful with her on that thing?” She gestures at his motorcycle. “Don’t go too fast.”
Knox tugs me closer. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of her.”
My heartbeat quickens at his declaration, and a tingle of hope washes over me.
Sloane nods and heads for her car. “I’ll see you at book club.”
When Sloane is out of sight, Knox presses the book he bought for me into my hand. “Talk to me. Why did you run out?”
When Knox is so close, I’m awkward incarnate. I swallow the thick lump in my throat. “Are you setting me up to break my heart?”
He does a double take, blinking slowly at me as if I’ve suddenly sprouted another head. “What are you talking about?”
I take a step back, away from the heat of his body, the enticing scent of his cologne. Anger and frustration war inside me. “Look at you, Knox. You’re perfect. You can’t possibly be interested in me.”
The color drains from his face. “I’m not perfect. I’m a disappointment to my family. The black sheep.”
“But you rescue people for a living.” I squint up at him, trying to fit the pieces together. “You’re a hero.”
He takes a step closer. “You’re the one who’s perfect. You’re smart and beautiful and so damn sweet. Everyone in Mossy Oak loves you. And I’ve wanted you for years. I never thought I’d see you again.”
I can’t find any words. My knees feel weak.
Knox takes my hand and brings it to his lips. “I’ll prove it to you. Will you come with me?”
My blood warms at the touch of his mouth on my hand. The chemistry between us sizzles. “Where?”
“To my place. I have something I want you to see.”
This is dangerous territory. I’m putting my heart on the line. But what if Knox is telling the truth? I’ll regret it forever if I don’t find out. My pulse quickens, and I pull in a shaky breath. “Okay.”
A smile blooms on Knox’s face, and he leads me over to his motorcycle in a hurry. He hands me the helmet, and we climb on. Once my arms are around him and we are zooming down the lane toward the mountain road leading back to Mossy Oak, a prickle of excitement races down my spine. My thighs hug his, and I cling to his muscular back. The warmth of his body is under my hands, and I’m dying to believe him.
There’s no denying the buzz of attraction between us. But I don’t get it. Knox could have any woman he wants. Why would he want me? I’m so ordinary, it’s almost laughable. I’m not even average. I’m short and nerdy. My hair is mousy brown, and my eyes are hidden behind glasses. I’m not worth a second glance, but when Knox kissed me, I’d felt like the most beautiful woman in the world.
Knox pulls onto a side street and parks his motorcycle in a parking garage. He cuts the engine and helps me off the bike. “My apartment is a mess,” he says, leading the way to the elevator. “I wasn’t expecting company.”
He punches the button to the third floor, and we ride in silence. Knox stuffs his hands in his pockets, suddenly appearing shy. When the elevator stops, he ushers me out into a hallway and fishes his keys from his pocket.
I’m nervous and excited, all rolled into one. I don’t care if Knox has the messiest apartment in Mossy Oak. I want to see what his personal space looks like. I’m so curious about what he has to show me, I nearly trip over my feet.
He unlocks the door, and we enter his apartment. It is pretty messy, but it’s clear Knox spends a lot of time here. There’s a coffee cup on the end table, and a book spreads over the overstuffed arm of the ancient recliner.
“In here.” He leads me down a hall and into his bedroom.
My heart is doing gymnastics in my chest as I glance at his king-sized bed, unmade and strewn with pillows. I imagine Knox sleeping there in nothing but a pair of boxer briefs, and a hot pulse of desire thrums between my thighs. There are more books on the nightstand, but no other personal effects. No framed photos or keepsakes line the walls, and the only items on the dresser are an old record player and a stack of albums.
Knox tells me to wait while he goes into his walk-in closet. A moment later, he comes out with both hands behind his back and a sheepish smile on his face. “This is embarrassing.”
“What is it?”
“You’re gonna think I’m so weird, but it’s the only way I can think to show you how much you’ve meant to me for as long as I can remember. I’ve never forgotten you, Jessica. Here’s your proof.”
He pulls something from behind his back. It’s a teddy bear wearing a classic black tuxedo. My mouth falls open, and all the breath leaves my lungs as I recognize the bear. I gave it to Knox in kindergarten when the bully stole his stuffed penguin. He’s kept it all these years.