Wrong Text, Right Reply: A Sweet Accidental Romance (An Accidental But Perfect Romance Book 1)

by Bonnie Sweets

  “I’m telling you. A man who looks like that and can cook like that? He is definitely lickable.” Dion wiggles her eyebrows and laughs.

  “Well, I’m glad you think I’m lickable. I do my best to look… appetizing?” And suddenly Knox is there and he’s grinning at the women and they’re all squealing like they love that they got caught talking about him.

  “Oh, honey, you have no idea.” Dion turns toward me and widens her eyes, mouthing wow.

  I have to agree. Knox is even better in person out from behind the trailer. The lights from the parking lot enhance the lines of his muscles and the sharp angle to his strong jaw. I will never admit how much I long to trace his eyebrow with my fingertip.

  I have to agree with Dion, again. Knox is lickable. I just can’t tell him that.

  “Knox, is it? Can I take a picture of you and send it to our friend, KT? She isn’t here because she had to work. Plus, I wouldn’t mind having a picture of you on my screensaver.” Mandie holds her phone out in front of her like she’s offering up a sacrifice and I can’t stop grinning.

  Knox is going to get treated like a piece of man candy and he doesn’t seem to mind.

  “Sure. I’m always up for a couple photos. Are we taking them together?” His charm is on in full force and even I’m captivated. Dang him and his deliciousness.

  If women are going to fawn all over him, all the time, then I don’t think it’s fair to think a relationship with him is smart. What if he found someone else prettier, smarter, or better-at-something-else than me?

  Keith did and he’s… Keith. He’s not exactly the best find out there.

  I have to admit, as I’m sitting there looking at the man who continually surprised me, that with my ex-husband I had settled.

  Maybe I wasn’t the problem. Maybe I’m not as bad as I’ve convinced myself. Maybe the problem is men in general. Maybe the problem was that Keith wasn’t the man for me.

  As we laugh and tease Knox and each other, I have to give myself a pass to think it’s perfectly okay that maybe the list of reasons I was with Keith had three points. 1. Dexter. 2. Abby. And 3. To meet these women.

  As they hug each other and me before they leave and wave at Knox as he makes his way back to his trailer, I sigh in gratitude that I finally found some friends who understand where I’m coming from with regards to my divorce and feeling out of my element in the dating scene.

  Returning to the trailer, I wave at Lila. “Thanks, Lila. I’ve got it. See you tomorrow?” She is a huge help on the weekends and I love seeing her.

  “Sure. Thanks again for the raise. I appreciate it. Oh, and hey, that hot BBQ guy dropped this off for you.” Lila hands me a small folded up piece of paper.

  I smile as she steps out of the trailer and then I drop my gaze to my hand curiously.

  Carefully unfolding the paper, I softly gasp at the beautiful cursive handwriting inside.

  Savvy, I was just thinking that you’re one of the hardest working women I know. I see you.

  Knox

  A note? I didn’t want to call it a love letter when we weren’t in love, but it felt like it was meant to be something secret between the two of us, kind of like a love letter.

  I blink back tears pricking at my eyelids and scrunch my lips to the side, trying to avoid my sudden emotional vulnerability.

  Someone saw me. And that someone just happened to be the same man I dream about. My phone buzzes in my pocket and I hastily fold up the note and tuck it in my jeans. I’m never losing that note. Ever.

  Pulling my phone out, I swipe the screen and almost clap.

  Knox: This is my number. That was the best prank ever. Great idea. Thank you. Those women’s exes are NOT happy with David’s… suggestive text messages. You can tell them they definitely got a point up on this round.

  Me: Oh, yay. I’m so glad. Did you tell him?

  Knox: I did. He was starting to get mad so I thought might as well kill two birds with one stone and just make him madder, but… he laughed. It was weird. But then again, David is weird.

  Me: Oh, my word. I’m laughing so hard right now. Yes, he was definitely… confident in taking on seven women.

  Knox: Oh, after I told him, he was sure he still had a chance with a few of them. I’m not sure how his mind works some times.

  Me: It was a lot of fun. Thanks for letting me play.

  Knox: Thanks for the idea and getting your friends involved. They’re very… enthusiastic.

  Me: They’re lonely and apparently have a thing for gorgeous men.

  Knox: You think I’m gorgeous. And hot. Love it.

  He adds a winky emoji and I blush in the emptiness of my trailer.

  Me: Well, I’m not a liar. It’s not like it’s not obvious that you’re very good looking.

  Knox: Gorgeous. You said gorgeous.

  Me: LOL! Yes, I did.

  Knox: Well, if it evens things out, you’re beautiful. There. We have 3 adjectives between us.

  Me: Yes, we do. Thanks. And… Are we still on for Sunday? I have it marked down in my planner.

  Knox: You bet! I can’t wait. Write in your planner that I’ll pick you up at 9:30 am. You might also write down that we’re eating funnel cake, burgers, and other foods. Write it all down. I don’t want you to binge on me.

  Me: Lol. I’ll probably end up binging anyway. We can have an eating contest. I’ll probably out eat you.

  Knox: Challenge accepted.

  He follows with a smiley face and I sigh. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a relaxed relationship with a man for once?

  With Keith I never was the right size. I had to watch what I ate all the time. I could never really be myself.

  But… How did Knox know I have a binging problem? Did I mention it to him?

  Shrugging to myself, I admit that it’s possible. And it doesn’t matter. For once, I’m happy with who I am, barring the out-of-control days where I binge and lose my cool. Even the binging Savanah is someone I understand, though. The Savvy I have to hide is the one I don’t know.

  But I’m starting to like this Savvy. She’s fun and accepting of herself.

  I like that.

  Knox: See you Sunday, if I don’t see you tomorrow. Have a good night.

  I rub the paper he left me between my fingers. I don’t want to mention the note, but at the same time, I want him to know I appreciate it.

  I lick my lower lip and pull a post-it from the office supply box. Using a ballpoint pen beside the register, I write out a short note for him.

  Closing up for the night, I rush to where I know he parks his truck and I stick the note to his side mirror. Hopefully he gets it.

  I stick my tongue out at the little smiley face I drew above my name.

  If Knox can’t like me for me, then he can’t like me. At least I learned that with Keith.

  Maybe I could learn from being alone that it’s okay to make mistakes and still be loved. If not, then it’s not worth loving.

  Not that I’m interested in love or anything.

  I’m just reaffirming the way I feel. About everything.

  Chapter 20

  Knox

  I’m surprisingly nervous. I keep rubbing my palms on the tops of my pants as discreetly as possible. Usually when Savvy, Dexter, and Abby’s backs are turned.

  The truck ride to Silverwood took forty minutes with construction and there were a few awkward silences. But that’s okay, right?

  We stand in line at Silverwood just before the tunnel to cross under US-95 to get in. They have to do a security check on bags. We have one. Savvy’s idea. She’s adamant we need to be prepared.

  I’m not sure what for, but we’re taking it in stride.

  Abby and Savvy step forward with the bag for a brightly dressed high school kid to glance through their bag. A second teenager looks at me with more importance than his minimum wage should afford him and asks, “Any weapons or glass?”

  I arch an eyebrow and grin. “Nope.” Dexter shakes his head and the guard �
�� I use the term loosely – waves us through.

  Dexter and I move to wait for Abby and Savvy at the end of the security area and Dexter glances up at me, worry in the shadows of his eyes. “Hey, Knox? What if we see Dad?”

  Savvy and Abby join us right at that moment and there’s more pressure to say the right thing. Except… There isn’t.

  I don’t need to impress Savvy in that moment, I need to help calm a boy’s fears that he might be disloyal to his father.

  “I hope we get to see your dad, Dex. I would love to meet him. If he’s anything like you, I bet he’s pretty cool.” I glance between him and Abby, aware they still have doubt on their faces. I’m not even going to chance peeking at Savvy. “Oh, maybe you guys are worried he won’t like that you’re out having fun? Is that it?”

  “Well, out with… you.” Dexter hangs his head.

  I reach out and lift his face with my finger under his chin. “Little man, you’re not replacing your father with me. Trust me. I’m not your dad. He is. And it’s perfectly fine to have fun without him. Do you feel bad when you go to the movies with your friends and not your dad? Do you think he isn’t having fun without you?” I wait for them to shake their heads. “Then don’t worry about it. Your dad loves you and wants you to have fun. Let’s not make it more complicated than that.” I study them, almost holding my breath until Abby and Dexter seem to come to the same conclusion and the worry melts off their features.

  Inaudibly, I sigh in relief as we turn toward the tunnel. “Now, come on. Let’s see if we can make ourselves throw up before noon.”

  Savvy groans but falls into step beside me as we traipse down the cobbled path and into the tunnel.

  Every word echoes and the kids start to whoop and holler. I purse my lips and let out a piercing whistle that rebounds up and down the darkness of the underground walkway.

  Dexter laughs and side skips. “That was awesome.”

  Savvy rolls her eyes, but she’s grinning. I’ll take it.

  “Which ride do you guys want to go on first?” I want to reach for Savvy’s hand but I’m not sure she’s ready for that. We’re just supposed to be friends. That’s all and yet, I can’t stop thinking about the way she smells, the way she laughs, the way she wrinkles her nose when she’s thinking really hard.

  What if I don’t want to just be friends? Which I know I don’t. I know I want more. I’ve always wanted more. I’ve always wanted someone like Savvy to call my own. Is there any way she might consider being with me?

  Abby shakes her head. “I’m excited to try Aftershock. We haven’t been here since before they built it. I was too little to go on the rides then.”

  “At least you’ve done Corkscrew. I’ve only ever been on the kiddie rollercoaster.” Dexter can’t seem to contain his excitement.

  “Hey, I love that rollercoaster.” Savvy laughs but she’s serious.

  “Mom hates the rides.” Abby explains like it’s the direst of secrets.

  “I don’t hate them so much as I won’t do them.” Savvy admits ruefully.

  “Wait, you agreed to come with me knowing that you hate rides?” I’m not sure if I should be flattered or worried about that. What if she has a terrible time? There is a lot to do at Silverwood, but the main idea is the rides.

  She shakes her head as we reach the stairs leading above ground and the actual theme park. “Nah, I know the kids love it and I’m not a party pooper. I brought a book in case you guys fall off a ride or something.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” Abby can’t help grinning as she reaches out and rests a hand on the handrail and climbs the steps beside Dexter.

  I grin at Savvy’s answer. The woman is quick-witted and fun. I duck my head closer to her and ask, “Are you sure you didn’t pack your planner in there? I’ve noticed you’re never too far away from that thing.”

  “Oh, you mean, Paul?” Abby laughs and ignores the daggers her mother is glaring at her. “Paul is more of a life partner than a planner, Knox. We call him her boyfriend.” Dexter and Abby giggle as we reach the top and I grin at Savvy.

  “Is that true? Is Paul your life partner?” I can’t help nudging her as we walk.

  Her cheeks are slightly pinker than before we entered the tunnel. “Well, the truth is, until the other day, Paul is the only one who ever gave me notes or saved the day.” She peeks at me through her lashes, the double meaning clear.

  She got my note. I got hers as well, but I didn’t want to make a big deal about it, even though I stayed up all that night thinking about what it meant.

  She’d been friendly in the note, but she’d put a heart when signing her name. What did that mean? I don’t want to read into it, but I can’t help thinking that maybe she might be thinking about more with me.

  More… I would love more with her.

  My phone buzzes as we reach the ticket area. Savvy motions toward the bathrooms. “Guys, let’s use the restrooms before we head inside and forget it’s okay to stop and take a break.” Savvy laughs and glances at me as she corrals the kids toward the rest areas. “We’ll be right back.”

  I wave my phone at her and motion toward a portcullis lined with benches. She nods and they disappear.

  David’s face is on my phone. I swipe up on the screen. “Hey, bro, you okay?” The trailer doesn’t open for another hour or two. So, it’s still too early to have any problems with it yet. Well, for me. David is an entirely different person.

  So, help him, if he’s calling in sick.

  “Hey, did you tell Dad we’d be at dinner tonight?” David’s voice is half-accusatory and half-scared.

  “I said we’d try, but that one of us has to work. I didn’t say which one. I’ll call Mom and cancel. I’m at Silverwood with Savvy and her kids.” David knows who they are, so I’m not worried about any awkward questions.

  Until he asks them anyway. “Wait, Savanah Miller? The keto lady? You’re out with her and her kids? You know this isn’t okay, right? I do not mess around with single moms, Knox. It’s not okay. I’m going to talk this over with Christina. I’m sure she’ll have a thing or two to say about this.” David admonishing me isn’t welcome that early in the morning.

  I hold up a hand even though he’s not there. “Listen, we’re just friends. But even if we weren’t, I’m not you. I actually want to get married and settle down. That’s something I’m actively seeking. You’re still not sure which underwear brand you prefer.” I roll my eyes and press the fingers of my free hand to the bridge of my nose. “Look, it’s a moot point. You’re not going to tell Chris and you’re going to let me take care of Mom and Dad. Do your job and we’ll get along fine. I’ll call them now.” I hang up. That man is close to wearing out his welcome.

  Glancing over my shoulder to check Savvy’s location or the kids’, I swipe up on my phone and dial my mom’s number. She answers on the first ring and I smile, ducking my head as I scuff the toe of my trainer on the brick style road. “Hey, Mom.”

  “Knox, honey, how are you? Still coming for dinner?” Mom’s hopeful tone makes me wish I’d called Dad. At least I can tell him no with only mild shame.