CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
KNOX
“So... You still feel good about your decision?” Matti’s asked me that at least ten times since I told him what it was.
“Yes, it’s the right thing.” It’s the only thing.
He nods. “If you’re sure.”
I nod. “I’m sure.”
“What about you? You sure you want to do this?” I ask, dipping my head toward airport security behind him.
He grins. “Try and stop me.”
“I’m worried I talked you into it more than anything.” I laugh.
“More like gave me a talking to I needed to finally get my head straight.” He adjusts the strap on his shoulder. “I better go. Don’t want to miss my flight.”
“You’re coming back though, right?” I call after him. “No matter what happens with Ness, you’re coming back.”
He just smiles and waves.
KENLEY
I wake up to the sun shining in through my window. Not a whiny, impatient dog. The sun. And quiet. Almost too quiet.
For a second, I swear I hear the funny gurgle the coffee maker makes when it’s done brewing.
I sniff the air.
That’s definitely coffee.
Without thinking, I launch myself from my bed. I get caught in my covers in my dramatic exit and nearly fall to the floor trying to get out of my room.
Rushing down the stairs, I hold my breath, keeping my eyes locked on the steps the whole way down, too afraid to look up and be wrong.
“How do your pajama pants even end up like that?”
Breath fills my lungs, but some sort of ecstasy fills my chest. “You’re here.”
I practically throw myself into his arms, crushing my lips to his, kissing him until I’m dizzy and I can no longer tell the difference between fantasy and reality.
Because I’m not supposed to anymore. Because Knox is both.
“You’re really here,” I whisper, lips still brushing over his, unable to stop touching him in every way possible.
I can feel his mouth stretch into a smirk against mine.
“Woman, I told you I was coming for you.” He pulls me to him tighter, kissing me softly. First on the lips. Then on the tip of my nose. Then my forehead. “I was always gonna come for you.”