Instead, I take a deep breath and swipe away the tears on my cheeks with the back of my hand. “Well, this isn’t goodbye. I’m sure I’ll see you soon, no matter what I decide to do.”
The Bree I know snaps back into place and rolls her eyes, the smile on her face full of affection. “As if I’d give you a choice.”
thirty-three
JULIETTE
Bree’s on a plane, and I’m on a train moving in the opposite direction. The world outside is a blur of green and brown, the trees and fields blending into streaks as my questions spin faster than the landscape.
Am I ready for what comes next? Do I know Knox well enough to take that leap, or am I just afraid of what happens if I let go of this? Of him?
Staying means sacrifice, and I’ve made sacrifices before, only to watch them drain me dry. With James, I gave away parts of myself for reasons that never felt right, then never got back what I put in.
But Knox isn’t James.
Knox just wantsme. Not some refined version he can show off at parties or introduce to business associates.
Relief moves through me at a slow and steady pace, untangling the tight ache of doubt.
What I need is a night with him. No noise. No interruptions. Just the two of us in a room, figuring out whateverthisis.
However, it’ll have to wait.
Tonight is for celebrating Knox and Callan’s magazine feature.
Getting ready for a night out used to feel like preparing for battle. I’d agonize over every detail, triple-checking my appearance while worrying about embarrassing James or not measuring up certain expectations. Each curl had to be perfect, each accessory chosen to impress his mother or his colleagues. The ritual was exhausting.
But tonight, I’m getting ready for a man who looks at me like I’m already his favorite thing in the room.
I’min love with this dress. The sleek, midnight gown wraps around me like it was crafted for my body, hugging every curve. It’s luxurious, made to make me feel like the best version of myself. Bree practically forced me into buying it, and I’m glad she did. It’s like it was tailor-made for nights like this.
The car glides along winding roads, but there’s nothing steady about the way my heart won’t sit still. My fingers grip the champagne flute more out of habit than need, its contents forgotten except for the occasional sip that does little to calm the nervous excitement rising to the surface.
“It was so nice for Knox to send a car for us,” I say, trying to sound casual, but my voice comes out a little breathier than I’d like.
Aunt Rose leans back in her seat, flashing me a teasing grin. “I’m only getting the perks because I’m stuck with you,” she says, poking my arm. “Pretty sure this fancy ride wasn’t meant for an old bird like me.”
The car begins to slow, rounding the final curve in the road. The distillery’s stone façade rises against the dusky sky. Mypulse quickens as I spot a familiar figure through the car window, his broad shoulders framed perfectly by the setting sun.
Then he starts walking toward us and smiles.That slow curve of his mouth is aimed straight at me like a dare. My lungs forget their job entirely. I could drown in that smile.
But it’s when my gaze drops that I feel the real hit.
He’s wearing a kilt.
Oh.Oh.
The deep greens and blues of the tartan shift with every unhurried step, pleats rippling, teasing at the strength of his thighs that are built for things I probably shouldn’t be thinking about in front of my aunt.
Heat surges up my neck, spilling into my cheeks, my chest, everywhere, really, because Knox MacKenzie in a kilt? Not something I was prepared for. This blessed view should be illegal.
The driver opens the door, and Knox is right there, his hand extended to help me out. His gaze travels from my face, down the length of my dress and back up again, lingering in all the places that make my skin flush hotter.
He leans in, his lips brushing mine in a soft, lingering kiss that leaves a spark in its wake. “You look absolutely stunning.”
I’m not sure where to put my hands. Or my eyes. Or how to form a coherent thought.
“Thank you,” I manage, my voice barely more than a whisper. “You look…incredible.”
