Page 14 of Keep Me, Knox
We lie there for another minute, the silence comfortable and soft.
But I can feel the clock ticking.
She has to go back to her job. Her world. She'll pack up her gear, hike back to her truck, and head down the mountain.
And I'll be here.
Alone again.
Unless...
I don't know how it would work. I don't know if she'd even want to try.
But the thought of letting her walk away like none of this meant anything?
That doesn't sit right.
Not anymore.
Chapter 10
Sage
WhenIstepoutside,I’m disappointed to see that Rosie and the cubs haven’t returned yet. It would have been great to see them… and also would have given me an excuse to stay with Knox for another day.
Alas, I got the footage, the notes, and the data I needed. There’s no reason to stay… and he hasn’t asked me to.
As I was falling asleep last night, I thought I heard him whisper the word. But it must have been wishful thinking.
I double-check my pack, trying not to overthink every movement. My heart still hasn't recovered from last night—and I don’t think it ever will. Knox hasn't said much, but his eyes...
God, his eyes.
He watches me like he's memorizing the way I move, like he doesn't want to forget. Or am I just seeing what Iwantto see? Because I want him to feel the same way I do?
"I should head down before the trail gets worse," I say finally, slinging the strap over my shoulder. "There's more rain in the forecast this afternoon."
He stands in the doorway, arms crossed, jaw tight. "I'll walk you to your truck."
I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Okay."
The hike down is quiet. He carries my pack without asking, and I don't argue. There's something heavy hanging between us, and neither of us wants to touch it yet.
Not until we reach the truck.
I turn to face him, heart thudding.
"Knox..."
"You don't have to say anything," he says, voice rough. "I get it. You've got a life. A job. You didn't come here looking for—"
"I wasn't looking for you," I interrupt. "But I found you anyway."
That gets him. His throat works like he's trying to swallow words too big to speak.
"I don't know what this is," I admit. "Or how it would even work. But I know one thing—last night wasn't just sex. It was…” My voice trails off.
His hand reaches up, brushes my cheek. “More?”
