Are you kidding me?
It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Before I know it, I’m smiling so hard it feels like my face might split in half. I take a second to collect myself, but it’s no use. I’m a goner.
Lord, throw me a lifeline, because I’m indeep.
twenty-two
JULIETTE
Acouple days later, I’m trying—and mostly failing—at not glancing at the clock every thirty seconds until the sound of a truck rumbling up the drive has every nerve on high alert. I grab my hiking shoes, which are more like sneakers with hiking aspirations, just in case we’re not actually scaling any mountains today.
As much as I love my aunt, I don’t want to make Knox suffer the awkwardness of running into her again. So, instead of waiting for him to come to the door, I slip outside first.
Knox is stepping out of the truck just as I make my way toward him. “Hey, I would’ve come to the door,” he says, offering me a smile that’s enough to make my heart stutter.
“I know you would have,” I reply with a grin. “Just call me an eager beaver.”
The second the words leave my mouth, I internally facepalm.Well, that’s out in the universe now.Great. Just great. It’s officially a word vomit kind of day.
He quirks a brow, his lips twitching as he tries to hold back a laugh.
“I’m done being weird now, I promise,” I say, holding up my hands in mock surrender.
My heart does this traitorous little flip when he hits me with that smirk. Just the slightest curve of his mouth, dimple and all.
“I like your weird,” he says, voice all low and rough-edged. Then, with a wink, he says, “Now get your sweet arse in the truck.”
My mouth falls open, a laugh bubbling up from deep in my chest. “Did you just sayarse? That’s…wildly superior toass. It’s like fancy swearing.”
He shakes his head, his hand finding the small of my back like touching me is a habit he’s already forming. My skin tingles beneath the light press of his fingers.
“Fancy is one word for it,” he murmurs dangerously close to my ear.
I climb into the truck, glancing back at him over my shoulder, feeling daring and maybe just a little reckless. “Feisty. I like it.”
I expect him to laugh. Maybe roll his eyes or shake his head.
What I’mnotexpecting is the playful slap on my sweetarsebefore I’ve even turned around in my seat. I gasp. Actually gasp. My face heats like I’ve been set on fire, and suddenly, I’m way too aware of him standing there looking far too pleased with himself.
I duck my head, biting back a grin that feels suspiciously giddy. Knox slides into the driver’s seat, throwing me a look that’s all challenge and amusement.
“Oh no, sweetheart,” he drawls. “Don’t get shy on me now. You started this.”
I turn my head to catch his stare, and we both burst into laughter. The tension melts away, and there’s this effortless comfort between us that’s too good to be true.This kind of banter, the playful teasing, and genuine compliments are like breathing after holding my breath for too long.
This is so different from what I had with James. I used to think what I had with him was how it was supposed to be—full of sacrifices, those small moments of joy buried under the weight of obligation. But now, it’s so clear.Thisis how it’s supposed to be. Fun, comfortable, passionate in the best way possible. No heavy expectations, no constant bending of myself into something I’m not.
“You’re right,” I say. “I’ll work on the shy thing. Now, hold my hand and tell me where we’re going.”
His smirk is immediate, and I swear, I’m already addicted to it.
“That’s better,” he murmurs, a little bit smug, a little bit pleased.
I glance at him again, and damn, he looks good. His shoulders are relaxed, his grip on the wheel loose but steady. When his other hand finds mine, it’s anything but tentative. It’s confident, like he’s claiming something that’s always been his.
“I thought we’d head to one of the paths with incredible views not too far from here,” he says, glancing over at me. “It’s one of the shorter, easier ones. I wasn’t sure how adventurous you wanted to get.”
I squeeze his hand. “That sounds awesome. And yeah, I appreciate that. I have a feeling I’m not exactly on your level when it comes to fitness.”
