Page 25 of Knox
She turned to face me, even as she held on. "I like him. I don't know how to get his attention."
"Don't be a bitch?" I raised my eyebrows, and she looked away. "You gotta be nice, even when you're nervous."
"I know. I'm working on it." Her gaze met mine then. "Can you maybe ask? See if he might be interested in me?"
"Most guards don't marry, Lacey."
"I understand. Just see?" she whispered.
Knox joined us then, and I offered him some coffee. He took it and looked around. "What's going on? I think your uncle is about to freak."
I leaned over and kissed Knox on the lips, causing Lacey to smile. Based on all the faces watching us from the barn, no one could figure out what we were doing.
"Josh?" Barry said as he passed us. "That's the last of it."
"I'll talk to Adam and see," I murmured.
Lacey thanked me and hurried back to the truck after telling us she'd see us tonight.
Knox walked me into the barn again with Ian watching us with a narrowed gaze. I took my coffee cup back, and it was empty, but I didn't care.
"She's interested in Adam," I murmured when I reached Ian.
He frowned, his gaze studying my face. "Nothing else?"
"No. Knox and I are teaching her how to dance before opening night. I think we are the only friends she has," I said, as it just occurred to me. "When she's nervous, she says things she shouldn't."
Ian nodded slowly. "I think I understand that. She wants you to do what?"
"See if Adam is interested in something?" I raised my eyebrows. "I told her most guard didn't marry, and she didn't care."
"She wouldn't. She's heir to her father's farm, and Mister Mason doesn't mind her unmarried status," Ian said.
"Probably because he isn't a Mac," I muttered. "We are complicated, Uncle."
"Well, as long as we understand, that's all that matters." He winked at me, and I took the second copy of the invoice up to the office.
Really hoped kissing Knox smoothed things over with the rest of them. If not, who knew what would be floating around about me by tonight?
Oh, god. I didn't want to have a birthday party!Please let things go okay tonight?
Chapter 15
Party
Rehearsal went better than expected, and Lacey behaved herself. Someone had spoken to Adam, because he made a point of talking to her after we arrived at the playhouse.
Wasn't looking forward to a birthday party after, but I dressed the part. Was beginning to feel like my entire life was a part to play in different circumstances. Was turning twenty supposed to feel this way? Did other people get to be themselves, or were they always careful?
Instead of dropping us off at home, Adam took Knox and me to the old barn at Graeme Place. It was the original one on the property and had been refurbished for parties and events that were less formal.
It still maintained the original cobblestone floor, and a large hearth made to look like those cobblestones now sat in the center of the room. The stalls were still there, but tonight, they were latched closed. This wasn't a barn party, and none of the attendees were invited to find secret lovers or someone to marry. This wasn't an official event, but my birthday party.
I had to be front and center for the beginning, which made me nervous. Would someone say something? Would I be humiliated?
Didn't like things like this, but it was inevitable. I was now a Graeme, and for some reason, being in the spotlight was a requirement.
Knox slipped his hand into mine on the way in, and the space was full of people already. How had they gotten here so fast? It didn't matter. They were here now, and instead of surprise, they hollered, "Happy birthday, Josh!"
