Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
“Nope. Cleaning this tiny shoe box I live in.”
Sloane lives in an apartment over her parents’ garage. It’s tiny but perfect for her to have her freedom, and it’s rent-free. “Knox wants me to come to his place. I was going to tell Landry I’m spending the day with you.”
“Done.”
“Are you sure? I know this puts you in a tough spot.” I want to make sure she doesn’t feel obligated to lie for us.
“Corie, I’m your best friend, your ride or die. Of course, I’m sure. Besides, I get to be a part of this epic love story.”
“You’re dreaming, friend.” I laugh.
“I have a feeling about this, Corie. A good one.”
“It’s just for now,” I remind her. “Thank you for covering for me.”
“Oh, I have rules.”
“Okay?”
“I need details. All the juicy details.”
I chuckle. “CliffsNotes,” I counter.
“You and I both know I’ll get it out of you,” she goads.
“Fine.”
“Fine. Enjoy your day with Mr. Sexy Quarterback.”
“Thanks, Sloane.”
“I’ve got you, bestie.”
“Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
I place my phone back on the nightstand and close my eyes. Tomorrow can’t get here fast enough.
Chapter Thirteen
Knox
* * *
I barely slept a wink last night. I can’t remember the last time I was so excited about something that it kept me awake. I was up at four instead of five, and it was well after 1:00 a.m. the last time I looked at the clock before sleep claimed me.
I’ve finished my workout and changed the sheets on my bed. It’s not that I expect us to end up there, but I needed to do something. The cleaning lady just changed them on Thursday, but again, I needed something to do.
Now, I’m sitting in the living room, staring at Sports Network, which I have muted on the television, waiting for her to get here. I told her she didn’t have to text me, and I meant that, but this waiting is going to kill me.
It’s a few minutes after eight when I hear a soft knock at the door. I scramble to my feet, and my phone and the remote that were on my lap fall to the floor. I don’t bother to pick them up as I race to the front door. I take a calming breath and pull it open, only to have that same breath pulled from my lungs at the sight of her.
“Hey.” She waves and holds up a bag. “I brought breakfast. I know you eat healthy and probably had a shake or something, but I’m starving, so I guessed what you might want.”
She’s standing before me in a pair of athletic shorts and a tank top, and her hair is pulled up in a messy knot. She’s standing in my doorway, looking more beautiful than I’ve ever seen her. She’s not putting on a show, getting all dressed up and slathering her face with makeup. I don’t even think she’s wearing any.
She’s just Corie.
She’s here to see me, just Knox.
No games. No pretenses.
Stepping forward, I slide my arm around her waist, rest my palm against her cheek, and kiss her. I have to. I have to show her that I’m glad she’s here. I have to taste her again, because I didn’t get to last night. So, instead of a goodbye kiss, she’s getting one hell of a hello.
Pulling out of the kiss, I grab her hand that’s not holding the bag of food and lead her inside. I take us straight to the couch, where I sit, and pull her onto my lap. This time, I don’t have to behave. I can let my hands linger in places they’ve craved to touch every other time we’ve been in this position.
“Knox, we have to eat,” she says, squirming as I bury my face in her neck.
“You can eat right here.”
“I want you to eat with me.”
“Okay. What ya got for us, Corie girl?” I pull my face from her neck. She tries to stand, and I hold on just a few seconds longer before I release her, letting her move to sit next to me.
“Egg white whole grain English muffin with cheese and bacon, and a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel for me.” She smiles as she reaches into the bag and hands me my sandwich.
“Thank you.” Leaning over, I press a kiss to the corner of her mouth.
“Maybe I should bring you breakfast every day. That’s quite the greeting.”
“It was too long,” I say, unwrapping my sandwich to take a bite.
“What was too long?”
“Between kissing you. Far too long,” I grumble.
She smiles, and her beautiful green eyes sparkle with happiness. “It wasn’t even twenty-four hours.”
“I know, but it’s been months denying that I wanted to kiss you. Months of wishing I could, so yeah, even if it was less than twenty-four hours, it was too long.”
“I guess we should figure out how to make up for lost time.” She smiles shyly.