“I know he didn’t manage that all on his own.” Knox laughs when he walks back in holding two glasses of white wine. “I hope you like Riesling. It’s what I grabbed first.” I nod my head and reach for the glass.
“It’s actually my favorite.” I smile as he sits next to me. After taking a huge sip, I feel the alcohol hit my system and hope it helps to dissolve the huge lump of worry sitting in my stomach.
Knox takes the glass from my hand and places it next to his on the coffee table. “You said we needed to talk.”
The knot in my stomach grows as I look into his sapphire blue eyes and draw in a deep breath. “I’m not sure dating my boss is smart. I need a job badly and can’t take a chance with it.”
“Your job is safe.” He stares into my eyes and promises, “If you’re concerned about it, Drake needs a new assistant. You can work with him. That way you and I won’t work directly together, and we can date after hours.”
My heart is screaming at me to take a chance on something great with Knox. His words send excitement coursing through me, and I’m going to jump in with both feet. His phone rings, and he growls before grabbing it and answering rudely, “I’m busy.” There’s a brief pause while he listens to whoever is speaking. Knox rolls his eyes and makes a few grumbled “yes” and “uh-huh” comments.
After hanging up and dropping the phone on the table, he turns to me and smiles. “My dad had a ton of questions. He’s sorry he didn’t get a chance to meet you earlier.” This relationship is moving fast, I think to myself as he explains, “My parents would like us to have dinner at their house later this week.” I’m wondering if it’s too soon to meet his parents.
“This is moving a little fast,” I blurt out, and he stares at me for a moment before taking my hand and placing a soft kiss on the back of it.
“The moment I met you, I experienced feelings unlike anything I’ve ever known before. You call to me.” He smiles at me, and I nearly melt into a puddle of goo. “I’m willing to give you a little bit of time to catch up, but I won’t give up on us.” He winks at me, and I realize saying no to this man is impossible. “Now, let’s get started bringing you up to speed. Would you like to go out to dinner tonight, or would you prefer dinner in and a movie here?”
“Dinner in and a movie sounds great.” He smiles at my choice and pulls out his phone to order takeout. After deciding on Chinese food and the latest action movie, he takes George out for a quick walk while I wait for the delivery.
The excitement of the day catches up with me, and I find myself nodding off halfway through the movie. When I lay my head on his shoulder, Knox runs his fingers through my hair and whispers, “Why don’t I take you home before you turn into a pumpkin?”
“Thanks. Sorry, I’m a boring date,” I apologize, but he smiles and leads me to the door.
“This is the best time I’ve had in a long time.”
After he drops me off at home, I lie in bed and stare at the ceiling, exhausted but wide awake. Maybe tomorrow, I’ll surprise Knox with breakfast when I show up to walk George. Kelsey will love having the day off again, and I’ll have the chance to see my two guys. It’s a win-win situation.
Chapter Six
Knox
After dropping Sloane off last night, I came home and made plans. She has reservations about starting a relationship with me, which I understand. Now, I need to prove to her that our relationship will work. I’m an impatient person, and waiting for something I want badly is difficult, but I’ll make the sacrifice when I know the reward will be worth it.
Imagine my surprise when I awaken to the smell of burning bacon and coffee. George grumbles as I crawl out of the warm bed and pull on my sweats. Since burglars don’t usually cook breakfast, I’m hoping to find my girl in the kitchen. Sloane is standing at the stove grumbling to herself, and I walk up and ask, “What’s all this?”
When she jerks and spins around, a pancake nearly slips off the spatula, but we both jump, and Sloane manages to catch it before it falls. “Breakfast. If I don’t drop them all on the floor.” She shakes her head as I smile down at her.
“I’m happy to see you here. I’ll eat it off the floor to spend a little time with you.” She rolls her eyes, and I feel that funny thumping in my heart again. “You didn’t have to cook me breakfast.” George sits at her feet watching us.
Sloane looks over at the stove and gasps. “Oh no. I’m burning breakfast.” She bites her lip and shrugs. “Cooking isn’t my thing.”
I smile and assure her, “I love to cook.” After taking the spatula from her soft hand, I point at one of the barstools. “Sit down and talk to me.”
She pouts and sits down. “I wanted to cook for you and George.”
I lean over and kiss the tip of her nose before smiling at her. “It’s the thought that counts.”
It’s a good thing Sally and my parents aren’t here to see how the mighty have fallen. My mom will love Sloane. She’s always hoped for a woman to enter my life and bring me to my knees. Looks like my mom’s wishes are coming true many times over. Drake thinks I’ve lost my mind, but one day soon, he’ll meet a girl who turns him inside out.
Sloane insists on cleaning up our breakfast mess while I shower and dress. George stands by my side and watches me shave. “Come on, buddy. You’d want to look your best if Mrs. Beasley’s poodle gave you the time of day.” My dog blinks up at me, unimpressed with my argument. I continue dressing and ignore his disappointment.
After walking out of my bedroom with George on my heels, I look around and find the kitchen empty. I head into the living room and discover Sloane sitting on the sofa flipping through a magazine. She glances up and smiles, and my heart jumps. “Thanks for cleaning up our mess.” I drop next to her and help my clumsy pup up.
“I didn’t mind.” She smiles and reaches over to scratch behind George’s ears, and I’m jealous of my lucky pooch.
“George needs some exercise.” I stand and take her soft hand. “Would you accompany us to the park?”
Sloane raises an eyebrow and glances over at my obese dog. “Sure. I’d love to go to the park with you guys.”
Two hours later, my pup and I are enjoying a shady spot under a huge oak tree. I’m watching Sloane attempt to entice George with a ball. My lazy dog keeps looking back at me and rolling his eyes as he ignores my girl’s efforts. Sloane might be getting a workout from this excursion, but George’s only exertion is avoiding exercise.
“Hey, buddy, I’ve fed and taken care of you for three years now. Could you do me a favor and go catch the ball a few times to make her happy?” I lean over and ask my stubborn pet. The ungrateful animal ignores my plea and lays down on the soft plaid blanket. Before long, he’s snoring next to me. As I debate ways to take control of my pet, the diet food his vet suggested on our last visit comes to mind. My dog needs to learn who’s in charge.
“I can’t believe George ignored me. We’re going to have to work on teaching him to play fetch.” Sloane glares at the pup as we walk back to the apartment, and I squeeze her soft hand.