Later that evening, after I’d convinced avery argumentative Guillermo to cook a meal at the restaurant inside Delta June’s, I was sitting at a table for four, only three of the chairs occupied.
On my left was Knox, and on my right, Kieran.
The meal was divine, just as I’d expected it would be. Guillermo’s talents were wasted as a private chef. The man needed to be feeding the world, letting everyone experience his world-class cuisine. Which I told him when he’d come to check on us after the meal was delivered by Stewart, who was acting as our server for the evening.
Admittedly, the scene was more romantic than I’d expected it to be. A dozen tables were surrounding us, all of them empty, but it seemed appropriate. For most of the day, I’d felt as though we were the only three in existence, and I didn’t mind it remaining that way for a little while longer.
“Kieran told me you’ve got some reservations about returning to school,” Knox prompted as we were working our way through the meal.
I set my fork down, picked up my wine—the sweet Moscato that I’d requested. I glanced at Kieran, wondered what else he’d told Knox about today. I got the feeling the two men shared everything, although I couldn’t quite pinpoint what their relationship was. It was apparent they were business partners and more friends than acquaintances, but I sensed something deeper.
“I’m not all that eager to go back, no,” I admitted, meeting Knox’s stare in an effort to read his reaction.
“Then don’t.”
I hadn’t expected that.
For whatever reason, I’d expected Knox to preach the importance of education. After all, his resume was fortified with an Ivy League school.
“I’m not sure that’s the proper action for a CEO,” I teased.
“You’ve already got the position, Emily.” Knox took a drink of red wine. “You don’t need to impress anyone.”
“Maybe not, but I’m sure the education will help me in the role, right?”
“You’ll learn more by doing. Plus, you’ll have the support of the people you employ.”
I took another sip and blurted out my trepidations. “I’m scared I’ll make a fool of myself.”
His eyes swirled with empathy and understanding. “Trust me, I won’t let that happen.”
“Nor will I,” Kieran added.
I wanted to tell them they weren’t capable of making such an enormous promise. The only way they could prevent me from doing something stupid would be to keep me from doing anything at all.
I didn’t say that, though.
“So what? I’m supposed to stroll into Delta June’s tomorrow morning, sit behind my fancy new desk, and know what to do next?” I shook my head, feeling the tight squeeze of anxiety in my chest. “I don’t think so.”
“Of course not.” Knox relaxed more. “If you decide not to return to school, then you’ll come to the Monolith tomorrow, and we’ll go from there.”
I knew the Monolith—another attempt at a play on words by Knox’s father—was where Knox’s offices were. He owned the entire tower, renting out the space his companies didn’t occupy.
I took a deep breath, met Knox’s gaze, and held it. “You wouldn’t think less of me if I dropped out?”
He leaned forward, his hand cupping my face in a caress that was so sweet, so gentle, tears sprang to my eyes. “Em, I want you to do what feels right for you. I’ll support you one hundred percent.”
I nuzzled into his palm, feeling both adored and desired by the gleam in his eyes. It was an interesting feeling, one I feared I could get addicted to. Having someone allow me to make my own decisions, much less to support them, was a new concept for me.
Knox’s thumb brushed over my cheek before he lowered his hand. “Keep looking at me like that, Em, we might risk indecent exposure.”
I giggled, loving the fact that I could get him hot and bothered. I knew the feeling. All day, despite the orgasms, I felt as though my skin was still too small for my body. There was a hum just beneath, one that kept me on high alert, made me want more of what these two men were offering.
“What’s your plan?” Kieran asked, pushing his plate away and reaching for his wineglass.
“I don’t know.” I picked up my fork to finish eating. “I guess we’ll find out at eight o’clock in the morning. Either I’ll be at the Monolith or I’ll be sitting in a lecture hall.”
Truth was, I just didn’t know yet.
