Page 15 of Conception
“You seem like a cool chick.”
“Uh…you, too?” It’s more of a question; then I realize I just called him a chick.Nice going, Amelia.
Knox just shoots me a grin that strangely morphs into a grimace. Once again, not sure what that’s about. A sense of foreboding washes over me.
“I’ve gotta be honest with you,” he says. “Not that long ago, I got out of a…a long-term relationship and I’m here for the summer to get away from all the pitying eyes of my parents and friends.”
It’s not like my heart breaks over his honesty. But still, it kinda hits a girl in the feels when a guy flirts with her then does an about-face, letting her know that she’s interesting, just notthatinteresting. Can’t we get to second base before having the commitment conversation?
“As far as I recall, I was sitting here just fine.You’rethe one who came over to me.You’rethe one who hopped in my car uninvited, unwanted. There’s no need for a brush-off. You can just go rejoin your friends. My fragile little heart can take it.”
I gesture towards the booth he came from and start to turn my stool back towards the bar, but then firm fingertips suddenly grip my thigh. My breath catches when my eyes meet Knox’s.
“Wait a minute. That’s not what I meant. Or, well, it came out wrong. Truth is, I wouldn’t mind getting to know you a bit better. It’s just… I’ve literally dated the same girl my entire life, so I don’t really know how to do…this,” he explains, using two fingers to motion between us.
The contrast between his bad-boy good looks and the sheepish expression on his face has my insides twisting in a way I haven’t felt in a long time. His hand still rests on my knee, so I take the opportunity to cover it with my own. One quick glance down is all it takes for those butterflies to take flight in my belly. My hand looks to tiny compared to his, and I adore it.
Okay, maybe he was right to warn me from the get-go. Getting my head in the clouds for an unavailable man isnothow I want to spend my summer.
Being a rebound? Now, that I can handle.
“I think you’re doing just fine, Knox. Consider me charmed already.”
Before he can answer, a guy who could practically be his twin walks up and orders a drink from Sunny. He turns to us, giving me a once-over before looking at Knox. “Damn, bro. Not only does it appear that you won, but you picked the prettiest girl in Crystal Cove.” Just as the words leave his lips, his beer shows up. He gestures towards Sunny. “Aside from you, of course.”
He tosses a couple of bills on the bar, raises his glass to us, then saunters off towards the pool table.
Knox rolls his eyes, but I’m interested in what the man said.
Toying with my straw, I study him. “What did he mean you won?”
Thick fingers run through his hair in an enticing way that makes me want to do the same. “Pardon my turkey of a brother. He also had no confidence in my approach to the ladies, so the idiot bet me I couldn’t get a girl’s number. Which, mind you, I haven’t asked for yet.”
I grab a cocktail napkin, dig a pen out my purse, and hurriedly jot down the number to the lake house. Then I fold it in half and push it across the bar to Knox, who looks confused. “There you go, Knox. You’ll win your bet. Now, just do me one favor: Don’t bother using it.”
It practically kills me to turn back to the bar, setting my shoulders. Just like I thought. Cocky. Arrogant. Too damn good to be true.
Sunny frowns in my direction and I just shake my head at her.
This time, his hand touches my wrist. I try my hardest to ignore the electric spark it elicits. It’s not him, I convince myself. Just that someone after so long is touching me.
I sigh. I’m not nearly as convincing as I’d hoped.
“Hey, don’t be so prickly, sweetheart. It was just something stupid between me and my brother. Bet or not, I’d still have come over here to meet the most beautiful girl in all of Tennessee. I told you earlier today I’d find you, and I’d come for you, so when I saw you, I knew it was a win. Hell, I didn’t even think of the bet until Clay just mentioned it. It was just you.” He scoots his barstool back. “But I’m also a man of my word. I told you if you didn’t want me coming around, I’d leave you be. It was good meeting you, Amelia. I’ll see you around.”
And just like that, my heart plummets. The last thing I want is for him to leave. The earnest sound in his voice causes me to twist my barstool until our eyes meet. Good, those browns remind me of a puppy I once saw in a pet store window, just begging for a chance.
I lean forward to kiss Knox’s cheek, not even minding the stubble that scratches my skin. In fact, I feel like a cat who wants to do nothing but lean up against the rough terrain, rubbing up and down until every unsatisfied itch has been scratched. When I pull back, I give him a wink.
“I’m just messing with you, Knox. It’s perfectly understandable.” I glance over to the pool table, where his brother is leaning against the wall, a pool stick in hand. “Even more so, I appreciate that you’re a man of your word. But I think I’m over playing hard to get. I’m attracted to you, and since I’ve decided you’re likely not a serial killer, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of you this summer.”
His infectious answering grins sends those butterflies into a tailspin. “Good. Because I’d have to kick his ass if he ruined…whatever this is,” he says. “For now, I should probably go rescue him from losing all his money our first night here. He’s not exactly the best pool player but never turns down a bet. Plus, you just admitted your attraction and I don’t want my stupid mouth changing your mind.”
I grin, because even though I’d rather Knox stay right here and talk to me all night, it’s sweet he has affection for his brother. And since he’s currently playing a game with Joe, who’s been playing pool since he could practically walk, I don’t doubt his brother is losing money.
“Clearly your brother needs help. Admirable you’d take up that cause. It’s been nice chatting with you. Now, go back to your brother, tell him mission accomplished, and give me a call sometime. I look forward to hearing from you.” I lower my voice. “Especially when the mood strikes me.”
He tugs his lower lip in between his teeth as he contemplates my words. Then he rises from his stool and throws a few bills on the counter before turning back to me. “And I, Amelia, look forward to gettin’ you in the mood.”
