I’m petrified. I can only stare at him. My heart is beating so fast in my chest it feels like it’s going to explode.
He hasn’t changed much. His hair is a little grayer now and his beard is longer, but aside from that, he’s still the same handsome man I remember. The same whiskey-colored eyes Knox has gaze at me.
A smile that shows all his teeth spreads across his face. “Where’s my hug?” he asks as his eyes sparkle with warmth.
I breathe out a harsh breath as tension eases out of my shoulders. I stand there for a second, searching his eyes. There’s no resentment or malice from me leaving and never returning, just love. I step to him and wrap my arms around him.
He chuckles and takes me into his embrace while patting my back to soothe me. I can’t stop the tears from cascading.
He pulls back, and I reluctantly let go.
“Well, I missed you too,” he declares as he kisses my cheek. “Just as beautiful as I remember.”
Someone’s clearing their throat, and I turn to see Kane waiting for me. “Are you going to cry for me too?” he asks, his voice laced with mischief.
I chuckle at him, wiping away the tears with my hand.
“It’s because I’m special, isn’t it, sweetheart?” David challenges with a devilish grin.
My eyes skim over Kane. He’s tall, like David and Knox, but he’s grown up so much. He steps forward, pulling me into him. It’s obvious he’s put on a lot more muscle since I saw him last.
We break apart, and he looks at me. “It’s so good to see you again. You look”—his eyes roam over my face—“well...”
I assume he means I look better than the last time he saw me. It’s good to see him. I playfully squeeze his bicep. “Look at you, all muscly now.”
Flexing, he grins smugly. His fitted shirt stretches across his chest and arms, showing every muscle. He hasn’t lost his sense of humor.
My body goes rigid when I lay eyes on Knox. I didn’t think he could look hotter, but he has aged ridiculously well. His hair is a few inches longer, as well as his beard. I give him the once-over. He’s wearing black jeans and a white shirt that shows off his defined muscles. He looks rugged... more masculine.
Knox’s gaze travels from my feet to my legs to my breasts, then pauses on my face. I shift on my feet, feeling uncomfortable under his intense gaze.
“Can you two not give each other the sex eyes while I’m right here?” Kane declares.
I snap out of my daydream as Knox curses under his breath.
Knox gives me a small smile, and it warms my soul. “Zara,” he says in a deep voice. No hug... no nothing.
The warmth I felt from seeing his smile and David and Kane vanishes. All that’s left is a cold sensation. I frown.
“Knox,” I reply curtly.
The nerve of him. All this time and all those years we spent together, and I don’t even get a hug? Did I mean nothing to him?
I will not let him put a damper on my night with David and Kane. “You don’t have to be here,” I tell him, even though it pains me to say it.
Squinting, Knox tilts his head. “I want to be here.”
His voice is firm and confident, but I honestly don’t know what to think. I’m annoyed. I shouldn’t let him get to me.
“Well...” David says, cutting through the awkwardness. He looks at me. “I’m going to order Chinese. Is honey chicken still your favorite?”
“Yes, thank you.”
He glances at Kane. “Don’t you have a phone call to make?”
My stomach drops. They’re going to leave me alone with Knox.
I give Kane my best don’t-you-dare-leave-me eyes, but his smile kicks up an extra notch. “Why, yes. Yes, I do.”
