“You’re sighing over there, Ev. Everything okay?”
I steal a peek, about the hundredth of the morning. He’s a hard man to stop looking at. If the armrest weren’t making a nuisance of itself, I’d happily snuggle into his side. “Just thinking.”
He spares a quick glance from the icy road. Thankfully, we’re some of the only crazies out and about in these road conditions. Around here, people hunker down until the melting is complete.
“I can tell. Sounds heavy.” He pulls his cheek between his teeth and seems to be gnawing. “Is this about last night?” His hands seem to squeeze the steering wheel.”
Along the knuckles on his right hand, there’s an inch cut that’s scabbed over. Last night, I wanted to trail my finger across it when our hands collided in the popcorn bowl. I didn’t, because while I can stand up for myself when necessary and speak up when called upon, I have a timid side.
In this case, not only do I want to touch Knox for my own reasons, I want to because he’s radiating insecurity all of a sudden. I know what it’s like to feel uncertain in a relationship, and I imagine the rebuff he suffered from his ex digs deep. Worse, lingers.
I wish he didn’t need to be staring at the road to keep us alive. I’d like to look at him straight-on to emphasize my reassurances. “Last night was perfect.”
His tight profile relaxes, and he smiles, giving my hand a fast squeeze before returning it to the wheel.
“Actually, though, I was thinking about last night—but not how you mean.”
He steals a peek.
I’d prefer not to admit what I’m thinking, even to myself, but…maybe Knox can offer a fresh perspective about something that started nagging me at the party. “The truth is…I’m not sure about my job.”
“The new one?”
I nod. “I guess I’m feeling like, nice as everyone was, that I’m not going to click with those people.” I ball my hands into a knot. “I’m not exactly the Dallas type.”
He flicks the wipers on to clear accumulating slush. “What’s the Dallas type?”
“In this case? Rich. Snotty. High-falutin’”
“Now there’s a word you don’t hear every day.” He takes a fast glance over. “They seemed happy to have you coming onboard.”
“I guess, but…look at me. I—”
“I look at you all the time, Everly.” His eyebrows pulse like a storybook villain’s.
Good one. Knox is so far from being a baddie. He has to be about the nicest guy on the planet. “Hush. I’m being serious here.”
“So am I.”
“You’re sure chipper all of a sudden.”
“Not all of a sudden. Since kissing you in the snow.”
While he grins devilishly, a look that’s not remotely believable considering his true character, I wag my finger. The glittery, sparkly rings I wore last night flash, out of place with me still in his flannel and, of course, as passenger princess in a muddy work truck. “Are you going to let me speak?”
His expression jolts, and he risks both our lives by taking one hand off the wheel to cover mine. “I’m sorry. You’re being serious, and I’m messing around.”
Okay, major points for sensitivity and attentiveness. Mentally, I click thelikebutton on Knox Herd. “It’s okay. I probably needed to lighten up. My family will happily tell you I’m way too serious sometimes. And that’s part of my problem. There’s lots to do in the city, of course, so I guess it can be fun.” I sigh. “Which we’ve already established I’m not.”
“Wehave established nothing of the sort. Last night was great fun, remember?”
I’ll never forget a single second of it. How could I?
But I have the sneaking suspicion Knox has no clue how unforgettable he is.
I stay silent to draw his glance so I can be certain he sees my smile. I want to make sure he knows the depth of my sincerity. “I remember.”
“Good—but go on. You were telling me your concerns.”
