Page 3 of In the Long Run
‘You’re causing a scene,’ Brand huffs.It’s the first sign that his control’s wavering.
‘I was thinking we could head back to my place soon.’Knox says it so casually and smoothly that I can’t fathom why he thought Brody would be better at this than him.His expression’s still calm but there’s a determination in his eyes that wasn’t there before.His thumb rubs the top of my hand.Like he’s aware I might need a visceral reminder that I’m not on my own right now.That I’ve got a teammate.Or maybe I’m reading the whole situation wrong.God knows I’ve got priors.
‘I’d like that.’Maybe later, once I’m home and all tucked up in bed, I’ll let myself envisage what going home with Knox would look like.It’d be good, that’s obvious.He might question his confidence, but he seems kind.And kindness trumps everything else – if it’s real.
‘I’m standing right here,’ Brand says.
‘Making unnecessary noise.It’s just like high school, huh?’Knox says without taking his eyes off me.
‘People are watching,’ Brand says.
Knox’s thumb stills and I miss the soothing motion immediately.‘So?’he says, breaking our eye contact.‘Let them watch.Consider this an informal TED Talk on respecting women.Gen’s asked you to leave her alone.’
I’m a feminist.Proudly so.But there’s something about how genuinely and earnestly Knox defends me that makes my stomach flutter, my cheeks heat.
Brand’s laugh is loud and shocked, like we’re on a hidden camera show and the whole room’s about to chuckle and shake their heads at me.Can you believe she didn’t pick Brand Bolton?they’ll all say.Like I should be grateful that he’d even look at me.Hell, half of them probably expect me to get on my knees and thank him for deigning to talk to me.But that’s not going to happen and not just because my quads are still screaming at me from yesterday’s hill repeats.
Brand’s eyes narrow but I refuse to look away or move.
‘Fine.I’ll call you later.’He sighs, spins around and weaves between the tables, stopping twice to shake hands and laugh with other patrons.
I don’t relax even after the door closes behind him.
‘What a dick,’ Brody says.‘You really didn’t undersell him, Forty.’
My attention shifts back to Knox as he removes his hands from mine.‘You went to high school together?’I ask.
‘Unfortunately.’As Knox lifts his beer it feels like he’s going to say something else, so I wait, but after a few seconds it’s clear I’m wrong.I reach for my bag and push back from the table.The adrenaline dump from dealing with Brand is coming and I’d rather it hit when I’m at home, filling my face with palak paneerand garlic naan while watching the latest episode ofThe Great British Bake Off.‘Well, thanks for doing that.Nice meeting you both.’
‘Wait, are you leaving?’Knox asks.Is he disappointed or am I imagining it?
I pull my keys out of my bag and palm them.I don’t have far to go but itisdark.‘I’ve taken up enough of your time.’
‘Please.You made Forty smile.That’s quite the achievement, especially today.’Brody raises his glass in salute.
Knox scrubs a hand across his jaw, scratching at the dusting of stubble there.‘What if he’s waiting outside?’
I pause.Damn it.
‘Here.’Knox finishes his drink.‘I’ll walk you to your car.’
When he stands, I look up and up and up.He’s way taller than I thought.Easily six three – maybe more?There’s no way Brand would risk his manicure challenging Knox to anything physical.And while I don’t think Brand would get physical with me, itisbecoming concerning that he won’t leave me alone.
‘I walked.’
Knox slides his phone into the pocket of his jeans.‘Then I’ll walk you home.’
‘It’s okay,’ I say.My personal alarm is attached to my keyring.Mum bought it for me when I started doing early morning runs.
‘Just let him have this,’ Brody says.‘He’s had a long day.’
Which is why I definitely shouldn’t take up any more of Knox’s time.
‘I’d feel better knowing you got home safely.’There’s that humbleness again.This time it’s accompanied by a shy smile that softens the harsh lines of Knox’s face.It’s stunning, frankly.He’s stunning.Like the sun rising over the bay.Like accounts that balance on the first try.Like hitting my target running pace and having it feel easy.All my favourite things.
I pause.We don’t actually know each other.What if I’m swapping one stage-five clinger for another?If I was to survey the dining room right now, everyone would say Brand’s a nice guy.What would they say about Knox?
‘Here.Send a picture of this to someone you trust.’Knox flips open his wallet, showing me a picture of him wearing … is that camouflage?
