Page 67 of Worth the Want
I open the bedroom door as quietly as possible and walk down the hallway, peeking in on Hazel to find her still sleeping soundly.Where is Knox?Tiptoeing through the house, I finallymake it to the living room where I come to a halt. The view from out the window starts to swim in my eyes, a choked sound making its way up my throat and out of my mouth.
Two chairs. There’s two chairs sitting at the end of the dock where there used to be one.
He’s walking back this way, looking every bit of devastatingly handsome he is. His teeth shine in the sun, flashing me a smile I’m coming to find is reserved for Hazel—but he’s giving it tomenow. Letting me in this secret club that’s just beenthemfor so long. I’m honored, and I’m moving before my brain registers it. I fling open the front door, skipping most of the steps, and don’t stop until I leap, hitting Knox in the chest. A grunt leaves him at the force, but he catches me like I knew he would.
I spend no time saying good morning; my mouth is too busy for that. I kiss him with my whole being. I want—I need—him to know that I see him. I know him and what this gesture means.
“I never thought I would be figuring out my favorite way to wake up this late in life, but here we are,” he says, and I choke again.
“You-you bought me a chair,” I stumble over the words.
“Who said that was for you?”
I smack his chest and roll my eyes.
“I bought you a chair,” he confirms.
“I—”I love him.Instead of letting that slip out, I tease him. “Are you trying to flirt with me, Knox?”
“I’m trying to do a hell of a lot more than that, Indie Baby.”
“Oh? Tell me more.”
“How about I tell you tomorrow night? Have dinner with me?”
“I have dinner with you most nights.” I laugh. “Yes, I’ll have dinner with you.”
“Good. It’s a date,” he says, kissing my lips and carrying me back to the house.
“I can walk,” I offer.
“I like you where you are.”
“I like where I am too.” The words I stuffed down a few moments ago echo again.I love him.Is that crazy? I’ve only known him for a few months, but it feels longer. My heart already has his and Hazel’s names written all over it. Last night we made some decorations for Knox’s birthday next week. A Happy Birthday banner and some painting on a tablecloth for the bar. I’ve already asked Winnie what Knox’s favorite dessert is and to walk me through the baking process of making one. I’m not domestic, but I want to try for him—for them.
We haven’t talked about it, but my continued presence in Knox’s life automatically translates to being in Hazel’s. She’s quickly become this little light in my life that shines bright enough to reach the darkest parts of me I keep hidden. Unbidden to me, memories flow past the dam I’ve built, and I stiffen.
Yelling, arguing, ringing in my ears.
“Indie, you okay?” Knox's voice pulls me back.
“F-fine. I’m going to run home and shower. I need to work on a couple of things for Winnie and then schedule something with Ivy.”
“Hey, what just happened here?” he asks, setting me down on the ground.
“Huh? Nothing. I-I’m really happy about the chair. Thank you,” I tell him, lifting up onto my toes to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth.I’ll have to tell him eventually, but now’snot the time to get into this.“I’m going to go for a run later. Can I stop by after?”
He scratches the back of his head.I can’t keep things from him anymore. He’s not an idiot.“You can come over anytime you want, Honey.”
I smile. It’s a little wobbly, but it’s the best I can do for now.
“If that’s true, I’ll probably be over so much you’ll get sick of me,” I tease, but it comes out more insecure than I wanted.I’m going to screw this up, and I’ll have no one to blame but myself.
“That’s not going to happen, Indie. I want you here, and Hazel wants you here and?—”
“And Hazel gets what she wants,” I finish, smiling. “Then be prepared for me to be over. A lot. I’ll see you later. Tell Hazel for me?” He nods in acknowledgment before gripping the sides of my head and kissing me breathless.
“In case you needed reminding of how sick I am of you.” I melt.I love him.
