“Knox,” she whispers.
I reach out, tracing my thumb along her jawline. She leans into my touch like she’s been waiting for it. Her skin flushes warm under my fingertips, a delicate pink blooming across her cheeks and down her neck.
“I shouldn’t have said that,” I murmur.
She shakes her head. “No, I…” When she swallows, I watch the delicate ripple of her throat. “I like that you did.”
This woman is going to be the death of me.
Without a word, I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. The urge to stay there overwhelms me, but I pull back and guide her toward the door.
eighteen
KNOX
I’m distracted during the drive, but I’m not sure Juliette notices. She seems perfectly content sitting beside me, whether we’re talking or not. The silence between us is comfortable, yet it’s making my thoughts spiral in ways I’m not sure how to manage. We’re almost back to Rose’s cottage when she breaks it.
“When do I get to see you again?”
I keep my eyes on the road, my hands tightening on the wheel as I try to find the right words. Would I like to see her tomorrow? The day after that? Hell, I’d love to. But the bitter reality is, work eats up most of my time, and there are things I haven’t told her.
I can’t tell her yet, or I risk losing her before I even have the chance of fully knowing her.
“How about I give you a call tomorrow after I check my work schedule? I might be able to get away during the day this week. If not, my evenings are open,” I suggest as we near the winding road that leads us to the cottage.
She hums, pretending to consider it. “Hmm. Not exactly a swoon-worthy response, but I suppose I’ll allow it.”
That gets a small laugh out of me, the tension in my shoulders loosening a bit.
“I’m kidding, obviously,” she adds. “That works for me, but please don’t feel obligated. I know you’re busy.”
I sneak a quick glance at her, just enough to catch the doubt in her eyes before I force myself to focus on the road. It’s like she’s bracing for rejection, and it guts me.
She’s not a burden. Not even close.
“I can assure you, it’s not out of obligation, Juliette.” The words come out raw and honest, and I don’t care how they sound. She needs to hear them.
A hint of pink blooms on her cheeks again. She’s got a sharp tongue and clever comebacks, but then there are these moments, quick as a blink, where the armor slips. Where I catch a glimpse of the girl underneath the confidence.
It might be the sexiest thing about her.
Just as fast, she pulls herself together, a small, knowing smile curving her lips. “In that case, I’ll be awaiting your call.”
I throw the truck into park, fingers already curling around the door handle when her hand lands on my forearm, tentative, but enough to freeze me in place. I turn toward her slowly, raising a brow in silent question.
“Will you say goodnight to me here?” she asks, quieter this time, but there’s this glint in her eye now—she’s being bold again. “You can still walk me to the door if you want. I just…thought maybe it’d be safer. You know, in case you were planning to ravish me again.”
I throw my head back in a laugh, unable to hold it in. This woman. She’s perfect, and she doesn’t even know it.
I lean over the center console, my voice low and rough. “Are youaskingto be ravished, lass?”
Her eyes twinkle with mischief as she leans in. “Do I need to ask? I can write out an invitation if you n?—”
Before she can finish, I lean closer and claim her mouth. No hesitation. No holding back. She meets me with the same kind of wild, gripping the front of my shirt like she needs me closer. It’s frantic and messy and so goddamn good I almost forget where we are.
She pulls back first, just enough to breathe, her lips swollen and eyes shining. “Anyone ever tell you you’re a good kisser?”
I laugh, pulling her close over the console to kiss her again. Slower this time, softer, savoring every second. “I’ll see you soon,” I murmur against her lips. “Let’s get you inside before your aunt comes barging out and catches us out here like teenagers up to no good. I haven’t had to worry about something like that in at least fifteen years.”
