by Destiny, Sam
“O-M-G, S. Could it actually be that you finally found a man you’re seriously interested in? And not just on the surface?” I knew she didn’t mean anything bad by it, but she knew how my love life had been non-existent for years.
I couldn’t help the small smile playing over my lips because I’d imagined how it would feel if he’d just draw me in and kiss me hard, as if he couldn’t take the time to be tender, as if he were in such a hurry…
The thoughts always left me breathless, so I avoided them now with Mitch around. She watched me too closely, would notice too much.
“You know all those damn books with insta-love?” I asked instead, and she nodded. “I won’t deny I felt insta-lust with him. Those tats peeking out from his collar and sleeves…” I shook my head, able to picture them.
Mitch sat back on her heels. “Well, girl, let Mommy tell you something. That guy is just as much in insta-lust with you as you are with him.” She waggled her brows. I rolled my eyes, glad she took a sip of wine instead of making all the inappropriate comments she most likely had on her tongue.
* * *
KNOX
I got home, my feet dragging. I had no doubt the house would be empty. Callum did what he wanted, and I had no strength left to argue with him.
Sarah was right. The work was harder than expected. However, I enjoyed feeling drained at the end of the day, body and mind too exhausted to worry about anything. The rest of our things had finally arrived, and although everything was still in boxes in the dining room, I was glad we had it all together. Granted, I wasn’t sure when I’d be unpacking them, but it would happen eventually.
After kicking off my boots, I walked to the fridge to grab a beer, taking a healthy swig. I stared at the boxes, contemplating opening one, but the truth was, I wanted to unpack them with Sarah. I didn’t know why or how it happened, but having her around had eased everything running through my mind.
Being with her in my bedroom, just talking while I sorted my things, had been intense, and I realized I’d craved that connection with a woman.
I let out a small curse at the fact I’d told her to stay away. I’d seen the disappointment in her eyes and found it mirrored in my heart, but I didn’t know how best to handle the situation with Callum. I needed someone to talk to, maybe help me sort it out, but until I did, I needed Sarah to understand that bringing pizza over would only make it worse.
Or just being here and laughing.
Jesus, how had she managed to twist my whole world around in less than a week? And why was I so willing to let her?
The doorbell rang, startling me. I checked my watch. It was past nine, and I wasn’t expecting anyone. I strode to the door and opened it, seeing one of my new colleagues, Hayden, standing there.
I blinked, surprised, as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Mind if I come in? You looked like you had something on your mind all day, and I, ah…” He chuckled. “This was probably a stupid idea.”
I actually didn’t think so. Granted, I was caught off-guard because we hadn’t spoken much at work, but I’d heard the others talking about him and knew he was a decent guy.
“Not at all. It’ll be nice having a different opinion. Beer?” I stepped side as he nodded and took off his boots, placing them neatly next to the door. I grinned at my own, sitting haphazardly next to the kitchen counter, and grabbed the beer before joining him in the living room.
“Sit,” I told him, sitting down myself. He grinned and accepted the beer, remaining standing.
“I’m too restless to sit. I hate Fridays. I usually have weekend plans with Leah, my best friend, but she’s out of town with her mother, so…” He shrugged.
Best friend? Obviously a woman, but that was still unusual. I wondered if I should comment on it, but he just nodded toward me as he took a sip of beer.
“So, what’s up, Knox?”
I glanced out the front window. The last thing I wanted was Callum walking in on us and getting even more pissed than he’d be anyway. “Ever told a woman you really like that you can’t see her anymore?”
Hayden arched a brow. “Are we talking the have sex all the time way of liking, or the rest of your life way?”
“Can’t it be both?” I smirked, then sobered again. “I don’t know her well enough yet to be sure it’s one way or the other, but when she’s around, it’s like…” I thought a second, “the calmness of a mountain cabin hidden in the woods. Her mere presence puts me at ease.”
Hayden sat, no longer any amusement in his eyes. “But?”
“I have a teenage son who’s developed a crush on her.”
A small smile crossed his lips. “You two clearly have the same taste. You’re crushing on her, too.”
I groaned because that sounded as if I were only a teenager, but Hayden laughed.
“Okay. What word would you prefer? Lust after her? Head over heels?” He tapped his beer bottle against his chin in thought. “Want to water her lust garden?”
I chuckled. “Okay. I think we’re drifting off. My son made it very clear that we’d have trouble over her. She’s probably twice his age, and I… He and I have enough shouting matches as it is. I don’t want to add another reason.”
“Hence you telling her to stay away?” he supplied. I nodded. “Must be some woman if it bothers you that much.”
I stood, pacing the length of the living room. “She is. Sarah is—”
“Sarah?” he repeated, surprise in his voice. He couldn’t know whom I was talking about, could he? It wasn’t a unique name. “Sarah Burke?”
Jealousy coursed through me. I had no right to feel that way, but I started seething anyway.
“Yes.”
He combed his fingers through his dark hair, making the strands messy. I knew women probably considered him handsome. He was tan, his green eyes shining…and I hated him at that moment. “She’s a good one, but let me tell you something, Knox. She doesn’t date. She doesn’t do relationships. She’s—”
“Taking me to the police ball tomorrow.”
Yes, it was just a fake date, but she was still taking me, and the disappointment in her eyes when I told her not to come around anymore had been real.
Hayden stayed quiet, his brows furrowed.
“So?” I prompted, gesturing at him with my beer bottle. “Share. What’s on your mind?”
He shrugged, lifting his bottle to his lips without drinking. “I’m just surprised, that’s all.”
“How do you know her anyway? Don’t you live on the other side of town?”
He grinned, color creeping up his neck. “I don’t think there’s any man in this town who doesn’t know her.” Another wave of unwanted fury threatened to pull me under, but Hayden continued. “She’s helped a lot of lost souls. You know, those evenings when it seems the world truly sucks and you get into trouble, although you’re usually a good guy? Weekends when she’s on shift are our safest bets.”
Curiosity almost killed me, but the way he spoke made it clear he wasn’t going to elaborate. Plus, he’d pointed out she didn’t date, so I knew she wasn’t helping them by keeping their bed warm.
“She’s…different.” It wasn’t a big enough word, but the only one I could say without making her sound cheap.
“Sarah Burke… How did she react to you telling her you couldn’t see her after tomorrow? Man, how in the hell did you manage to get those words out? I think any guy would bite his tongue off instead of shutting down any future chances.” He shook his head, placing his beer bottle on the table.
“You ever ask her out?”
He chuckled. “Not when I was sober.” He winked. “She didn’t accept, although from what little I remember, she was very gentle when putting cuffs on me. And, sadly, not the kinky kind.”
Without realizing it, I curled my hand into a fist. Hayden shifted, holding up his hands in a pacifying gesture.
“Look, I don’t want to date her. But I sometimes say stupid things when I’m drunk and lonely. So, how did she
react? Don’t think I didn’t notice you didn’t answer.”
I blew out a breath. “She was upset.” Which was true. I’d wanted to kiss her at that moment, but knew I’d get my chance tomorrow. In my head, the evening was all planned. I’d make the most of my role as fake boyfriend—little touches, inconspicuous kisses, holding her close.
I knew I’d miss her after that evening, but I needed to sort things out with my son first.
“Don’t hurt her, man. Seriously.” Hayden sounded intense, but he reminded me more of a big brother than someone in love with her, which eased my mind tremendously.
I stretched out my legs, rolling the beer bottle between my palms. “I don’t plan on it, which is why I told her today we cannot hang out for a while. I wanted the terms set.”
Hayden smirked, shaking his head. “A date with her… I cannot believe you just moved here and managed what no one else ever had.”
I cleared my throat. “I’m supposed to play her ‘boyfriend’. Seems she didn’t want to go alone, so she lied about being in a relationship. I’m okay with that. It’ll be nice to get out.” And see Sarah in a dress. “I just want to…not worry about my son for one night. I know he’ll be here all evening because he’ll be glad the house is empty. I—”
As if I’d conjured him up, the front door opened and Callum walked in, skateboard in hand. “Knoxley, when’s Sarah coming over next?”
It pissed me off that he called me by my first name occasionally. I knew it was because he felt more grown up that way, but I hated it.
“She’s not coming anymore. She has a job and a life. She was just being a nice neighbor for the day. Anyway, how about saying hello to our guest?” Or me, for that matter. “Hayden, my son Callum. Callum, this is a colleague.”
Callum didn’t even look at Hayden, who probably thought I’d failed at raising my son.
“She didn’t mind coming over here, and she was clearly lonely, too, so…” He shrugged. “I guess I’ll just tell her we still have boxes to unpack. Maybe I can do that with her next week while you’re at work.”
I inhaled quietly, hoping it would calm me down. “You’ll be in school during the day, and I’m sure I’ll be home in the afternoon so we can do it together.”
There was a moment I thought it could go either way—easy acceptance or extreme blowout. When he stepped toward the sofa, I knew.
Getting back to my feet, I wished I could have one night without stress.
“I know what you’re doing, Knoxley, and you cannot keep me away from her just because you’re worried about a little competition.” He wasn’t quite as tall as me yet, but he was definitely close.
“Isn’t she a little old for you, buddy? I mean, I get having a crush on an older woman, I totally loved my teacher in school, but Sarah isn’t your teacher,” Hayden asked. I groaned, wishing he’d just stay out of it.
Callum narrowed his eyes at him. “Age doesn’t matter. I know she likes me, too. Y’all will see. Then she’ll be in my arms.”
Chuckling, Hayden stood. “And you’ll do what? Fumble around because you have no idea what to do with a woman? Maybe you should find someone your own age before you plan on making a real woman happy.” As calm as he appeared, he looked formidable with his arms crossed his front of his chest, his stance wide.
Sadly, he knew nothing about my son, who stepped right up to him. “Maybe I will still do that. Just because you are clearly insecure about your sexual abilities doesn’t mean I am. If you’d like, I can give you pointers.”
What the fuck happened to the sweet guy who’d draw me dinosaur pictures for my office?
“Callum, apologize right now or, I swear, you’ll be grounded until the end of days,” I growled. He stared at me, eyes hard, yet I didn’t back down. Most days, I would’ve turned away, knowing I could punish him one way or another, but I wanted to prove I could be a parent.
“I’m sorry,” Callum finally stated, his tone sour, then he turned to me. “However, I will see Sarah again, whether you like it or not.” With that, he vanished up the stairs.
I closed my eyes. “I’m sorry about this. I seriously am.” I rubbed my temples, wishing I could find a solution to this problem called the teenage years.
“I’m sorry he’s a dick, but so was I when I was that age. What he needs is a best friend. A female one. It got me out of that phase.” He clasped my shoulder. “You’ll be okay. But I don’t think not seeing Sarah is the right way. She has a house. You could see her there. Or do that weird thing called a date.” He winked.
“I’m hardly home as it is now. If I start spending my time at Sarah’s… Besides, we don’t know if she’d even want that.
“Anyway, I need a shower and sleep. You guys are slave drivers.”
Hayden laughed, walking over to the door and slipping into his boots. “You’re too weak for the job, but you’ll get there.” He smiled, then nodded at the stairs. “He’ll come around. They all do eventually. Hang in there.”
I didn’t reply to that, just thanked him for dropping by, then closed the door behind him, hoping he was right.
SARAH
I straightened the aquamarine dress Mitch convinced me to wear, then considered changing. The back was low, showing off too much skin for my taste, while the front was decent. The gown reached the floor, and only when I walked could you see the silver heels I wore with it.
Last night, this had seemed like a perfect idea, but now, I wasn’t sure I wanted to show Knox what he was missing out on.
My fingers trembled as I pulled some blonde curls into place, my heart galloping in my chest like it had for the better part of the day.
I was all done up, make-up on, hair perfect, yet I considered slipping into something different. Maybe Knox will be late and I—
The doorbell took the decision from me. Sighing, I grabbed my clutch, walking with a heavy heart. I’d looked forward to this, but with the new boundaries he had set, I suddenly wasn’t sure I’d enjoy the evening as much as I’d hoped.
Opening the door, all I saw was a bouquet of red roses big enough for Knox to hide behind, and fuck, he didn’t even know what that did to my insides.
He lowered the flowers until I could see him smiling. “These are for you,” he muttered, and I swallowed.
“I assumed, because you rang my doorbell and no one else lives here. They are…” I couldn’t find words because red roses sent a message in themselves, and he probably didn’t even realize it. Reaching out, I took the bouquet from him. “Thank you,” I muttered as I turned away, inhaling deeply, loving their sweet scent.
“You’re wel—” He stopped suddenly. I glanced over my shoulder. His eyes were on me, his lashes lowered, as if he’d seen something he hadn’t intended to see—or something he had a hard time resisting.
“Yes?” I asked innocently.
Licking his lips, he met my eyes again. He smirked, looking slightly embarrassed. “I hadn’t realized I was going to have to fight men off you all evening. A warning would’ve been nice.”
I laughed, his hidden compliment heating my cheeks. I put the roses in a vase, filled it with water, and placed them on the kitchen counter, then returned to his side, doing a little twirl.
“Does that mean I look okay?”
I knew I was fishing for compliments, but he didn’t respond, just nodded toward the door. I sighed, disappointment settling in my stomach. I grabbed my keys and stepped outside, locking the door as he walked to the car.
He opened the door for me. It was strange, yet I appreciated it. The drive was quiet, except for me giving him occasional directions, and I convinced myself that this had been the worst idea ever.
I glanced at Knox, seeing his lips pressed into a thin line. I couldn’t see us convincing anyone that we were a happy couple.
“The valet will take the car, so you can park in front,” I stated quietly. He pulled up, then slipped out of the car while a young man held the door open for me.
“Thank you,” I whis
pered. I guessed him to be about eighteen, and when he smiled and bowed, I knew he was going to break hearts someday.
“You’re very welcome. You look incredible. Enjoy the evening.”
I nodded as Knox walked around the car. It was only then I took in his outfit. His tux fit him perfectly, and the silver tie he wore complimented my dress. As it was, at the end of the night, I wished I could peel those clothes off him one by one.
“You look forbidden in that tux,” I whispered as he leaned in, kissing the side of my head.
“Thank you, darling,” he replied, his voice low. I felt his palm settle on the small of my back, my skin tingling.
I took the lead, ignoring the way everyone seemed to stare at us as I pulled up the gown slightly, hoping to not step on it as we walked up the stairs. A few people greeted us, but I just nodded at them, glad when Knox took my hand.
The ball was always held at the National Museum of Eden, and I loved the building, but I was too nervous to enjoy my surroundings tonight.
“Champagne?” a server asked.
I glanced at Knox. If I got tipsy, I couldn’t guarantee anything, so I shook my head.
“No, thank you. I still have to lead the ball, and we don’t want that to be a mess, do we?” I winked. The server blushed before bowing and walking away. Knox had also refused a glass, which I was glad about. There was nothing I hated more than people who drank, then considered themselves fit to drive. Too often in my job, I’d seen the proof most weren’t.
There weren’t too many people here yet, so I easily spotted my boss. “See that guy over there?” I nodded. “That’s my boss. I need to go say hi. I’m just… I’ll introduce you, and… You’ll be okay, right? This will be… I mean—”
“Relax, Sarah,” Knox interrupted my babbling, stepping around me until all I could see was him. He took both my hands in his, brushing his thumbs across my knuckles. “You’ll do perfectly fine, and I’ll be on my best behavior.”
I panicked suddenly because we hadn’t figured out our story, hadn’t agreed on times and dates. Almost everyone here was a police officer or firefighter, people trained in catching liars. My breath hitched and I swallowed, opening my mouth to say something when Knox framed my face with his hands.
