Chapter 14
Knox
“Sounds like you really like her.”
Mont’s measured assessment hums through the line as though he’s analyzing a blueprint I never meant to hand over.
I lean against the deck railing, the wood warm beneath my forearms, the ocean breeze tugging at my shirt. “Didn’t mean to. I mean, the goal was to take your advice. Hook up with her, or someone else, and get my head straight. Clean break. No strings.”
He clears his throat. “But…”
“But then…things got in the way.”
“Things,” Mont repeats, like the word’s got some flavor he’s trying to name.
“Yeah.” I take a sip of coffee. “Turns out the woman next door isn’t at all what I expected. She’s sharp. Guarded. Smart as hell. Funny in a way that sneaks up on you. And now, all I want is more time with her.”
There’s a shift on his end, maybe him settling deeper into a chair or just letting my words marinate. “So, you want more than a fling?”
Jaw tight, I scrub a hand down my face. “No. Well. Yes. And no. It’s still a summer thing. But that doesn’t have to mean just sex. We agreed to keep it exclusive while we’re here. She’s healing. As am I. And rushing to bed feels wrong. She’s worth getting to know. Like really know.”
Mont exhales, thoughtful. “Come to think of it, I came across an article last week about ‘micro-dating.’ Small stuff. Beach walks. Coffee runs. No pressure. Just time to allow a connection to build.”
I don’t answer right away, just let the silence stretch as I watch a gull glide low over the surf, wings outstretched, coasting easy on the wind.
My thoughts drift to breakfast with Cami at Ebb & Flow Café three days ago, a morning filled with easy conversation, laughter, and stolen kisses between pancakes and sass.
“So, like warm-ups for the bigger dates?”
“Exactly. Might give her time to feel safe. To feel seen.” He clears his throat. “Sometimes, the emotional slow burn’s the one worth chasing.”