I put my hands up when he tries to go for the hug.
Fidget growls from her spot.
“Still have that scaredy-cat dog,” Knox says as Fidget starts barking. “Don’t know why women your age get pets and not babies.”
Fucker.
“Maybe because men like you don’t commit, string women along, then dump them for a younger model.”
His face screws up.
“You have some nerve showing up here to harass Kathy, bro.”
“Kathy’s not here. Your grandmother took her and Olive out on the town,” Mom trills.
“So then why is he sitting at the table? You’re not going to stay in my house waiting for my sister to show up so you can harass her. Dad, no—he ruined Kathy’s life and mine. He doesn’t get a free meal.”
I grab up the plate of caprese salad my dad just set down in front of Knox for appetizers. Bending over almost makes my coat gape.
“Oh, give that back to him. He just got done with hockey practice. He has his first big game with Seattle tomorrow.” Mom tries to wrestle the plate from me.
“So after dumping my sister and cheating on her with someone young enough to be your daughter, you want allthe perks of being in this family with none of the sacrifices?” I demand.
Mom rolls her eyes. “Knox, don’t pay Winnie any mind. You’ll always be family. And who knows? Maybe things will work out. The universe works in mysterious ways.” Mom glares at me. “Take that coat off and sit down and eat with us, Winnie. I raised you to be a good hostess.”
“Yeah, Winnie,” Knox’s voice is grating. “Your parents tell me how hard you work. You should relax. Have a drink.”
Nope. Not making that mistake again.
I pull my coat around me, feeling gross when his eyes slide down my torso. I’m not wearing the dirty skirt or my undies under it.
It’s like he knows.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, Winn Dixie.” His hands reach for the coat.
“Honestly, Winnie, go comb your hair and come sit down and eat. Knox took time out of his busy schedule to come see us. You didn’t tell me he was moving to Seattle, Winnie.” Mom turns back to Knox. “Oh, I hope you and Kathy get back together.”
As much as I malign my sister, she deserves better than Knox.
“Knox, tell us all about Seattle. Where are you living?” Dad asks earnestly. “Do you need a place to stay? You can stay here with us. Winnie and Kathy can go stay in her office. You can get a blow-up mattress, move the desk out of the way.”
“Well, I have been put up in a very nice hotel for the next couple of weeks, but my mother”—Mom blanches—“needs a place to stay,” Knox says expectantly.
Mymom clears her throat delicately. “Of course we can accomodate that.”
“‘We’ who, Mom?” I hiss.
“Winifred, I raised you to be a good hostess. Knox, go with Winnie. She’ll show you the bedroom. You can send photos to your mom and ask her if that will be okay.”
I’m numb as I carefully climb the stairs, my hips and pussy and ass aching with every step but in a good way.
I feel claimed. Fucked.
But Knox in my house? The sex high is not enough to stave off the anxiety.
“So, here’s the bedroom.” I hate having him in my space, even though the space has been co-opted by Kathy.
My voice drops. “If you have any shame, you’ll go downstairs and keep walking out the door.”
