That’s an understatement. The man is devastating.
His smile deepens at my reaction and damn it, there’s that dimple. The one that only shows up when he’s genuinely amused or trying to kill me with charm. Without missing a beat, he extends his other hand to help Aunt Rose from the car. “And you look lovely as well, Rose.”
“Thank you,” she says, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she glances between us. “Though I’m starting to feel like a bit of a third wheel.”
Knox laughs, the sound warm and rich. “Never. But I may need to steal your niece away for a bit.”
“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t,” she replies with a wink that makes me want to crawl under the car. Then, she catches sight of a colleague nearby and slips off to leave me standing beside Knox.
I slip my arm through his. “I don’t know why, but I wasn’t expecting the kilt.”
“Aye? We usually wear them to more formal events.” He smirks, that mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. “What do you think?”
I tilt my head, letting my gaze trail down and back up, deliberately slow. “I think…” I lean in just a little, dropping my voice to a murmur meant just for him. “That you’ll be taking me home later and leaving that on.”
My fingers reach out, grazing the tartan pattern. The wool is smooth under my touch, the colors rich. I hold his gaze, feeling the shift in the air between us.
“I think you might be mistaken, lass,” he murmurs. “I’ve a mind to take it off, along with that sinful dress you’re wearing.”
I fight to keep my composure, but his low, deep laugh rumbles through me, vibrating in my chest and sending a shiver of pure, untamed desire straight through every nerve.
His hand slides to the small of my back, the warmth of his palm seeping through the fabric of my dress as he leads me inside.
The moment we step into the lounge, the sheer grandeur of it draws my attention away from the tension between us. Tartan banners drape from every corner, laughter weaving through the clink of glasses. Somewhere beneath it all, musicthrums like a heartbeat. Knox’s hand stays firm on my back as we navigate the crowd. He moves with ease, pausing every now and then to introduce me to someone new, his voice a low murmur in the sea of chatter. The room is full of strangers, but with his voice anchoring me, I don’t feel lost or out of place. Not with him.
“Knox, there you are.” A deep, booming voice cuts through the noise. I turn just as a man with a friendly grin steps toward us, a striking blonde woman at his side.
“Finn, Elsie, I’m so glad you’re here.” Knox steps forward to greet them, leaning in to place a kiss on Elsie’s cheek before he turns back to me. “This is Juliette.”
Finn extends his hand. “So nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”
“Oh?” I arch a brow, letting my gaze slide to Knox.
He smirks, but there’s something undeniably fond in the way he looks at Finn. “Finn and I grew up together,” he says. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. Or his lovely wife.”
Elsie rolls her eyes at the compliment. “Enough with the flattery,” she teases. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Juliette.”
“It’s great to meet both of you,” I reply. “Hopefully, we’ll get a chance to sit and chat later?”
“I’d love that,” Elsie says, her hand brushing lightly over my forearm as she leans in closer. “Now, I need a drink.”
Finn chuckles, his arm snaking around her waist as he steers her toward the bar. “Excuse us for a bit,” he says over his shoulder.
“They seem fantastic.”
Knox nods. “Aye, they are. The best, really.” Then, as if shaking off whatever thought had momentarily taken hold, his eyes flicker over to the long table where caterers are setting up. “Why don’t we get something to eat and drink before it’s gone?”
The table is a feast for the senses with heaping platters and fresh seafood, delicate finger foods arranged like art. Everything looks too beautiful to eat, but the moment I pop one in my mouth, the explosion of flavor reminds me that beauty is only half the appeal.
After a quick scan of the room, I spot Callan and hisfriend,Jamie, tucked away in a quiet corner, drinks in hand. Without a word, Knox’s hand slides up beneath the curtain of my hair, fingers brushing the back of my neck as he gently steers me toward them.
The night unfolds around us in a blur of laughter and stories. Somehow, I slip right into the fold, like I’ve always belonged here, like I’m not the new girl still learning everyone’s names. But right now, all I need is a glass of water to chase away the dryness in my throat. Knox is mid conversation, and I don’t want to interrupt.
Rising onto my tiptoes, I lean in, close enough close enough to breathe in his woodsy scent. “I’m going to grab another drink. You keep talking!” I yell over the noise.
He catches my hand in a quick, reassuring squeeze as he nods and turns back to his conversation, never missing a beat.
I weave through the crowd, dodging a few overenthusiastic hand gestures and sidestepping a server carrying a precarious tower of champagne flutes. Elsie and Finn are at the bar, deep in conversation. Elsie spots me first, lifting her glass in greeting.
