“Kieran. What are you doing here?” She slowly rose to her feet.
“I wanted to check on the birthday girl.” My gaze shifted to her ankle, dutifully checking for signs of injuries.
“I’m doing much better, thank you.”
She was wearing a pair of black knee-high boots that hindered my ability to see for myself, but I took advantage of admiring her outfit, the way the colorful leggings molded to trim thighs. The black sweater was oversized enough to disguise most of her luscious curves, revealing delectable hints when she moved.
While I had thoroughly enjoyed seeing her in the body-hugging dress she’d had on last night, I liked her like this. Casual. Comfortable.
She motioned toward the sofa opposite her. “Would you like to sit down?”
I chose to sit beside her rather than across, and if that surprised Emily, she didn’t show it. She did, however, angle her body slightly, her knee resting on the cushion so that I was forced to keep a bit of space between us.
“Do I scare you, love?”
“What?” There was a hint of amusement in her soft giggle. “Of course not. I just wasn’t expecting you.”
“What do you think of the place?” I asked as I inched a bit closer, relaxing back.
“I think it’s too much.”
I skimmed the room, took it in. “Simple yet modern. Clean lines, minimal colors.” I glanced her way. “Not sure I see it.”
“Not the decor,” Emily clarified with another giggle. “I meant the gesture. I can’t live here.”
“And why not? It’s only twenty minutes to campus. Your driver will take you to and from.”
Emily’s eyes flattened. “I don’t have a driver.”
Well, it looked to me like she and Knox weren’t quite on the same page yet. I happened to know that Emily had a personal driver who doubled as a bodyguard when she was out and about. She also had a personal chef, shopper, house staff. You name it, Knox had ensured she had it. He just hadn’t told her yet apparently.
“Did you sleep well?” I asked, shifting topics.
Emily didn’t answer my question, her eyes boring into me.
I waited patiently for what was on her mind, and I wasn’t disappointed when she voiced her curiosity.
“How well do you and Knox know each other?”
“Well,” I said simply. I wasn’t going to get into the specifics, obviously, but I saw no reason to lie to her.
“How well?”
This clearly was going to be an interrogation if I allowed it.
Which I wouldn’t.
“Would you care to take a walk in the park?” I shifted to the edge of the cushion, prepared to stand.
“Really?”
“It’s a nice day. Might as well enjoy it while we can.”
15
Emily
When Kieran offered a walk through thepark, there was no way I could’ve said no. Despite a brief conversation with Priya and Siobhan, I’d spent my time trying to figure out whether or not I should return to my dorm, pretending none of this had ever happened. I probably should’ve gone last night, but try as I might, I couldn’t bring myself to leave. There was a mental block that kept me from strolling right out of the building, hopping in a cab, and going home.
