I wet my bottom lip and adjust my seating on the hard stool. What the hell was I supposed to say in a situation like this? The only thing that makes sense is, “I’m sorry that happened to you.”
But that doesn’t seem to quench the blood thirsty look in his eyes. “You don’t seem shocked,” he scoffs, tamping down his smile. “I’m sure he spun some big web of lies that made him look like the good guy. I hear he’s good at that.”
I frown. Knox is good at that. The man would make a stellar salesman. But the truth is, everything I’ve learned about his so-called affair has been from everyone but him. Maybe it is time to start getting my news straight from the source.
But even with a new determination spinning inside my brain, doubt still sneaks through the cracks. I am starting to let Knox back into my heart because I like the man he’s become. But what if I can’t ignore the man he’s been? I know better than anyone about the bitter sting of infidelity.
My jaw tightens, but I manage to loosen my grip on the innocent coffee cup. “That’s between Knox and me,” I say, forcing my tone to stay controlled.
The stranger studies me closer, trying to find cracks in my façade. He probably thinks I’m another one of Knox’s airheaded bimbos who would let him spit in their mouth without a second glance.
“Fair enough,” he says, shoving his weight back from the counter and standing up, “but I’ve seen first-hand the damage that boy can cause, and it’s not pretty. You seem like a nice girl, so I’d hate to watch you learn the hard way.”
I nod and force my stare forward as he collects his order from Marie and whispers a quiet thank you before heading out the door. When the bell jingles shut behind him, I feel like I can finally breathe. I slump forward and let my head fall into my arms.
“That was intense,” Marie says, pulling me from my pile of self-despair. I shouldn’t even let the man’s words get to me, but somehow my mind is moving a mile a minute. And still, the only sane thought I have is,why do you care?Knox is a means to an end, and that’s all he’ll ever be.
Except, I know myself a little too well to keep lying. Despite everything, I care deeply for him. Even though he planted the seed of my trust issues, I feel like he is the one who can help me dig them up.
But first, I need answers.
CHAPTER 21
KNOX
“You officially still suck at pool.” I grin, clinking my beer bottle against Henry’s. My brother rolls his eyes and tips the bottle back for a long swig.
“You’ve been playing on this table since you were old enough to score a fake I.D. I think my pride will stay intact for now.”
“Always so eloquent.” I chuckle, tipping my hat to him. I nod to the bartender and signal for her to get us two more beers. We rarely get to hang out like this, so I am planning on soaking it up.
“Are you excited about your big book tour?” I ask. His book,Lovesick,was scheduled for release in the fall, and his agent is planning a short tour to launch the novel. I am a very proud little brother.
“Yes and no,” he sighs, bracing his hands against the bar, “Emma and Milo can only join me for one of the stops, so I’ll be solo most of it. I haven’t been away from them this long since New York. I’m going to miss them like crazy.”
“Don’t worry,” I say, slapping a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll be a man and step up. Emma won’t even know you’re gone.I’ll even wear glasses. I know she has a thing for them,” I joke with a wink.
He shoves my shoulder. “You’re an ass.”
“But in all seriousness, I’ll make sure they’re taken care of. Tell Emma I’m here for whatever she needs.”
“I appreciate it,” Henry smiles, turning to me with a glimmer in his eyes. “You’ve really come into your own this summer, Knox. I’d dare to say you’ve been more tolerable than usual.”
I let out a low whistle. “Now that’s a compliment.”
“You know what I mean,” he murmurs. “You’ve been an amazing uncle, you’ve found a great girl, and you’re about to become a business owner at only twenty-four. You’re way better off than I was at your age.”
A frown weighs down the corners of my mouth, and heat coils tightly in my chest. Only one of those three things was true.
“You had already published your first book,” I say, trying to spin the conversation away from me.
I am good at playing a confident and cool guy, but deep inside, I’m unraveling at the seams.
“Don’t change the subject,” Henry says, instantly foiling my plan. “I just want you to know how proud I am of you. Even if Dad doesn’t see it, I do.”
I smile sharply, smoothing out any evidence on my face. “Thanks, bro. I really appreciate it.”
Henry turns to me and crosses his arms. With the dim lighting, it’s hard to read the expression on his face, but I can tell he’s not impressed with my acting chops.
