Page 200 of The Perfect Spiral
I swat his arm, but he only pulls away slightly, the warmth of his skin radiating onto mine.
“Stop! Don’t say things like that in public, Knox,” I scold him, continuing to savor my dessert.
“Why, are you turned on?”
“Are you?” I challenge him. “Baby doll, I’ve been turned on since you walked out in that dress from your room earlier today. Soyes, I am turned on, even more so right now,” he flirts. I need to get used to this side of him. My eyes widen as I chew on the cake in my mouth.
“I-I need to get used to this side of you. Honestly, I’m waiting for an insult and then a fight to erupt between us....” I blurt out. I’m not used to him flirting with me, it’s still strange.
I’ve been used to a different Knox, one I’ve avoided most of the time, and now a completely different person sits beside me.
The same person who took me out on a date last night. The same person who compliments me instead of insults me. The same one who I kiss every so often and I like it.
“I know, baby doll, look, I’m sorry if I’m coming on strong tonight... I just—you look amazing. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable around me, I’ll tone down the sexual stuff if you want?”
I laugh a little and look down at my plate, nodding as I consider his words.
The night carries on, and I lean back in my chair, feeling Knox’s arm on the back of it. His fingers brush against my bare skin every so often during the presentation of the awards.
“Finally, the one award that everyone here is waiting for tonight...
He is currently the quarterback for the Giants football team right here in New York, MVP this year leading his team to another Super Bowl win in Texas.
And he is adored worldwide by the female population for his talent, charm, and extremely good looks.
“Ladies and gentlemen, for the third year running, he’s been voted the sexiest man alive. People Magazine couldn’t be more thrilled to present this award to him. Please welcome the sexiest man alive, Knox Carter!”
The room erupts in applause, and people rise to their feet. I follow suit, placing my napkin on the table. As he stands, he leans in to kiss my cheek, causing a blush to spread across my face.
He strides towards the stage, shaking hands along the way. Once he reaches the podium, he accepts the award from the presenter with a charming kiss on her cheek. He then turns to the microphone to express his gratitude.
“Thank you, People Magazine, for agreeing with me that I am, indeed, the sexiest man alive. I’m kidding, of course, but I am truly flattered. I’d like to thank my parents for—”
His speech, which I know he’s improvising, elicits laughter from the crowd. “I’d also like to thank my fans who have supported me throughout my career. But most importantly, I’d like to thank Alex for being here tonight. Without her, I’d be a stuttering mess up here. So, thank you, everyone. Enjoy the rest of your evening!”
He raises the award above his head, flashing his swoon-worthy smile, before exiting the stage for a photo op.
For the next fifteen minutes, he’s swarmed by adoring fans wanting to talk and take pictures with him. He seems completely in his element.
His agent, Ellie, sits next to me, keeping me company as I sit alone at our table. “Did you enjoy your evening?” she asks, settling into the seat Knox just vacated.
“Actually, I did! I was nervous at first, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. I hope you had a good time too and weren’t working too hard.”
“That’s great to hear! Knox asked me to check on you throughout the night. And yes, the food was amazing!” She rolls her eyes indelight.
“Don’t even get me started on the food! It was delicious. And Knox is too protective for his own good. He and my brothers have always been like that.”
Ellie leans in closer, as if about to share a secret. “How did the date go? You should’ve seen him planning it. He was sweating bullets trying to make everything perfect!”
“Oh, I didn’t know you knew about it?”
“Don’t worry, my lips are sealed! I won’t tell a soul. And for the record, I like you better than Lauren. She was a real pain in my ass. But tell me, did he do well? He wouldn’t let me or Derek help him.”
Derek is his manager for sports-related matters, while Ellie handles his social and public affairs.
“He did really well, actually. Better than I expected. It’s strange to see this side of him. I’m so used to the rude, mean, and insulting Knox. But it was nice to see him put in such an effort. It surprised me, but in a good way. I didn’t know he could be such a romantic. I’m only seeing this side of him fourteen years later. I never knew he liked me or saw me in that way. It’s something I’ll have to get used to...”
“I’m glad you liked it. He put a lot of thought and effort into it. He told me to keep any stories about you out of the tabloids and said he’d pay off the magazines to stop them from publishing anything. So far, none have come up, so don’t worry. He’s always been a softy when it comes to you. He’s always spoken highly of you over the years—”
