The man is a walking ad for everything I’ve sworn off. My brain is firing warning shots, but it’s still not enough to convince myself to look away.
I really can’t afford another wrong choice. Not when I’m still trying to piece myself back together after the last mess. So, why does my heartnotlisten? Why is it still pounding in my chest as if he’s already a part of my story?
A minute later, he’s back, holding two tulip-shaped glasses filled with a dark amber liquid that glimmers like liquid gold. He sets one in front of me, his gaze still intense as he gestures for me to try it.
I follow Callan’s earlier advice and swirl it gently, letting the aroma fill my senses. It’s spicy, a little smoky. I take a small, tentative sip. Knox’s eyes are on me, and there’s an almost predatory focus to his gaze, waiting for my reaction.
The whisky is smooth and rich, a slow unraveling of oak and caramel. As it slides down, the heat lingers, curling low in my stomach. It takes a second for me to remember exactly who’s watching, exactly how fast my heart is beating, and exactly how much I should ignore both.
He brings his own glass to his lips. My eyes trace the way his throat moves as he swallows, the deliberate control in everyaction. My pulse jumps, my thoughts scrambling to catch up with the sudden rush of heat.
Knox’s lips twitch, just a ghost of a smile, but his focus doesn’t shift. His eyes are still locked on me, watching every flicker of my expression as if it’s something worth noting.
“Wow.” The word slips out before I can filter it. “That’s really great.”
His grin widens. “That’s our single malt scotch. Fan favorite.”
“My new favorite, too, I think.” I take another sip, letting the rich heat settle deep.
I clear my throat, needing something to fill the space between us. “So, Callan is your brother?”
As if there could be any doubt about it. Callan has that same easygoing charm, that same mischievous glint in his eyes. Knox, though…he’s all rugged intensity, a man who doesn’t waste words or movement.
Maybe that’s what’s pulling me in—the way he carries himself, like he’s got layers no one’s ever fully uncovered. Like there’s more to him beneath the controlled exterior, something deeper, something worthy. And damn it, I want to know what it is.
He nods, a hint of fondness in his expression. “Aye. We’re five years apart, and I swear, he’s made it his mission to keep me young.”
I can’t help but laugh. “He’s a character. You can’t be too ancient, though. Hardly an old man.”
It’s almost too bad heisn’tan old man. If he was sixty-five with a limp and a penchant for birdwatching, maybe my heart wouldn’t be trying to do flips in my chest.
A deep, rumbling laugh spills from his lips, and the sound is enough to send a jolt through me. It’s rich, effortless,and completely disarming. “I’m thirty-two. So, no, not ancient, I hope.”
Of course, he’s only five years older than me. And obviously so much more mature than the guys my age who still have the emotional depth of a kiddie pool. Maybe that’s why I’m noticing him more than I should.
I need to knock it off. He’s just a guy, right? I don’t know why I’m trying to justify my interest in him.
“I’m not too ancient myself, but I don’t have any siblings to keep me young. Your brother reminds me a lot of my best friend back home. She’s also quite the character.”
“Ah, so you know what it’s like then.”
“I do.” I smile, making a mental note to give Bree a call later.
Just as the conversation starts to pick up again, Aunt Rose’s voice cuts through the air. “I am so sorry about that! That took longer than I expected, but I’m all yours now,” she says, settling in next to me.
I nudge her with my elbow. “You’re an important woman, I understand. Knox was the perfect tour guide, and I met Callan as well.”
She huffs out a laugh. “Oh, you poor thing. Did you come out unscathed?”
I shrug before shooting a wink in Knox’s direction. “Mostly.”
Knox stands, and for a second, the space between us is oddly too big. “I’ll leave you ladies to it,” he says, looking at Aunt Rose with that confidence I’m still trying to wrap my head around. “Rose, I’ll call you tomorrow to go over the plans for the event?”
“Sounds good,” she replies, her tone professional. “I’ll make sure to get the details together before then.”
His gaze settles on me again, and for a split second, there’s ashift. That perfect smile softens, and the intensity in his eyes eases.
“Juliette, it was very nice to meet you. I’m sure I’ll see you around before you head back to the States.”
