Page 75 of Say It Isn't So

Quickly stepping aside, he gestured for me to come in. “Of course. Let me get your luggage.”

“Thank you,” I said, entering. “I owe you one.”

He shook his head as he hauled in my last suitcase and closed the door. “Not that it’s a big deal, but what happened to your room?”

“Well,” I started, and launched into the nightmare my day had been.

* * *

Knox

“That was some day,” I said, shifting my weight as we stood awkwardly in my room—my suddenly too small room.

One glance at the clock and I knew we only had one option at this point, and that was to get ready for bed. “So,” I started, looking at the bed. It was small. There was no couch or pullout, either. “It’s late and you’re probably looking to get settled, so why don’t you make yourself comfortable and I’ll go downstairs and see if there’s a cot or something we can get.”

Looking around, Bianca smiled softly. “Okay, thanks.”

I turned to leave when she added, “You know, I am sorry about this. I hope it’s okay I came here.”

Stopped now, I looked back at her. “I’m glad you did. I’ll always be here for you when you need me, Bianca.” Hand on the doorknob, I moved to open it, hoping she believed that. Maybe I hadn’t been the best person before, but I liked to believe those days were behind us and we were entering a new phase.

One that was going to get infinitely more difficult if I didn’t find a place to sleep that wasn’t on the bed next to Bianca for the next week.

* * *

Bianca

One glance at the bedside clock and I knew I only had minutes to slip into bed and get under the covers before Knox walked in. There was no way he’d be any longer, but I still had my makeup on and wanted to wash it off.

I ran to my overnight bag and collected my things, moving quickly to get to the sink and start my routine. I wasn’t sure why I was suddenly so nervous about him seeing me in my pajamas. I liked this man, I wanted this man, so what was the big deal? Why was I suddenly feeling self-conscious?

Probably because I knew we hadn’t made any decisions yet and Rina was still in the picture. I also didn’t want to lead with my body on this one, I wanted to go slow and see what Knox and I had. If we had anything at all. It felt like the right move, truthfully, otherwise things would have been no different than they were with all the other guys I’d been with, and I didn’t want that with Knox. I meant what I’d told my sisters—he was different, and we had a real connection.

Tossing the fluffy, white towel down on the counter, I left my products lined up beside it and heard the door.So close! I was so close.

* * *

Knox

There were no cots. Not a single one.

I strode into the room expecting to find Bianca in bed already, but I didn’t see her, which meant only one thing—she was still getting ready for bed.

I walked to the bathroom to give her the news. Hand fisted in the air, the door swung open before I could knock. Out came Bianca, running into my chest.

“Geesh,” she said and looked up at me, her cheeks turning pink as her gaze fell.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as my eyes followed hers. I didn’t know they made fabric that thin. She might as well have been naked, her perky breasts pressed up against the sheer nude material that I so desperately wanted to rip off her. Yeah, this night was going to be a real test of my self-control.

I cleared my throat, pushing those thoughts aside. “Sorry,” I said lamely. “I was just coming to give you the news.”

She crossed her arms, and sidestepped me as I backed up finally. “They’re bringing one up?”

I shook my head, turning to her and the bed she was ready to slip into. “Nope.”

“What?” she asked, lifting the covers and bringing a leg up. A toned, tanned leg that seemed to go on forever despite her small stature.

Shaking my head, I tried to stop staring. “What?” I repeated.

---