Page 186 of The Perfect Spiral
He chokes on his food, making me turn to him in concern. Oh shit, I know why he’s choking. My cheeks flush with embarrassment as I remember the night and the magic of hismouth. I clench my legs together subconsciously, grabbing a water bottle from the table and handing it to him.
His hand brushes against mine, sending a tingle up my arm. He taps his chest while drinking the water, and I lightly pat his back, giving him a worried look.
“Are you alright? I don’t want to be questioned for murder if you die right now. I mean, I do know CPR... but you know,” I ramble, trying to lighten the mood.
“CPR? Like mouth-to-mouth and stuff?... I think I could use some mouth-to-mouth resuscitation right now,” he leans in, and I put my hand on his face, pushing him back.
“You’re fine, Carter. You’d have to be lying down and not breathing for me to do that.” To my surprise, he lays down on the couch, closing his eyes.
“I’m lying down and not breathing. Save me,” he says, holding his breath. I stifle a laugh, looking down at him.
He is such a chancer. He opens one eye to see what’s taking me so long. I lean my head on my hand, looking down at him.
“You know, if you don’t do it now, you’ll have to soon. I’m holding my breath, and you don’t want me to die, do you?” Knox’s eyes fluttered closed as he waited for my response.
His face was slowly turning a shade of red that was starting to concern me.
“Knox, cut it out,” I pleaded, but he remained motionless, not even a twitch. “Knox! Stop it, this isn’t funny anymore,” I hissed, lightly thumping his chest and giving him a gentle shake. But he didn’t respond.
“Knox! Jesus, you’re r—” My words were cut off as I pressed my lips to his, pinching his nose and then quickly releasing it. Thisguy was insane. I felt his hand slide to the back of my head, twisting it to deepen the kiss.
He nipped at my lower lip, causing me to gasp, and his tongue darted in, challenging my own. Our tongues danced together in a rhythmic ballet, my hand resting on his cheek, gently rubbing his stubble.
Butterflies erupted in my stomach, and my heart pounded against my chest. God, he was a good kisser.
I pulled back slightly, but his breath still warmed my lips.
His eyes twinkled as he looked up at me, a smile playing on his lips. “You saved my life, baby doll,” he murmured in a low tone. I snorted, pushing myself away from him. I slapped his chest lightly and leaned forward to grab another slice of pizza.
“You’re full of crap, Carter, and so cheesy,” I retorted, biting into my slice and turning my attention back to Olivia Benson on the TV screen. I ate until I was completely full.
Later, I collapsed into the new bed he’d shown me earlier, hoping to stave off the worry about tomorrow’s conference. The exhaustion from traveling was catching up to me, and my body was showing signs of fatigue.
Chapter 63
I’m cradling a bottle of tequila that Knox had stashed in his condo, which he’d thoughtfully brought along to the talk. We’re currently tucked away behind a black curtain, a thin veil separating us from the audience that’s gathered to hear me speak.
Knox’s agent and manager are buzzing around me, their lips moving in a flurry of words and advice. But honestly, I’m not absorbing a single syllable. I’m a bundle of nerves, and all I can think about is taking a shot of this tequila. Right now.
I feel a comforting hand on my back, rubbing soothing circles just like that time in my bathroom back in Cali. The memory of trying not to vomit while listening to Andy and Kyle’s amorous escapades makes me shake my head. I glance up at Knox.
He murmurs something to his team, and they nod before leaving us alone. He guides me over to a secluded corner, hoists me onto a table, and uncaps the bottle for me.
Gratefully, I take a generous swig, the liquid burning a fiery trail down my throat.
“Ugh, that’s better! I’ll pay you back for the bottle,” I manage to gasp out, coughing a little.
It’s early morning, and here I am, downing shots of tequila before I’m due to step onto a stage and field questions from a sea of strangers. Oh, the glamorous life I lead.
“Don’t worry about it, baby doll. Just breathe. You go on in twenty. You can only have two, believe me. You’re a lightweight, and if you have any more, I’ll have to carry you out. Plus, you might spill some secrets you’d rather keep. Trust me, I’ve been there,” he says, his eyes glazing over with some distant memory. I can’t help but laugh nervously at him, my fingers fidgeting with my hair.
I’m perched on the table, clad in a red skirt and an icy grey sleeveless top with thin straps. My feet are encased in nude high heels that are pretty high, but surprisingly comfortable.
Knox steps closer, and I shuffle around on the table. His thumbs trail up my skirt a bit, and he tugs it down. His touch sends a joltof heat through my skin.
“Need to pull this down a little. I don’t want every guy in here and out there checking you out. Keep those legs closed or crossed out there... But you look gorgeous, baby doll.”
His words make me blush. I’m not used to him being so candid. This is new. I give him a tight, embarrassed smile, and he grins back at me.
