Next, they go over to the Everheart’s kitchen and our family goes to our table to wait on our scores. This is the first time today I’ve been out of the kitchen other than some quick bathroom breaks. When I sit down, my feet sting from the relief.
Hannah is perky and rested-looking even though we’ve spent nearly eight hours on our feet. She’s smiling and still marveling at her surroundings. Maybe she’ll change her career choice and go into television or film. There’s plenty of opportunity in Austin if she’s thinking about it. I make a mental note to talk with her about it later.
Wyatt is rubbing his insoles but thankfully hasn’t actually pulled his sneakers off.
I look out at the audience. Flynn is there, alertly watching whatever is going on with his sons and the judges. His back is stiff and he’s frowning. I’m beginning to think that’s his default now. He was never the friendliest sort, more gregarious and outrageously superior, but now it’s almost like he has a burr up his butt about something.
When the presenters announce our scores, all I can do is smile.
*
The soft knock on the door isn’t unexpected, but makes me jump nonetheless. The only preparation I’ve made for this visit is to shower instead of soaking in the tub, but otherwise I changed into yoga pants and a worn Lenny Kravitz T-shirt I got at his concert when I went with Daddy in high school. Hooboy, I got my first contact high at that concert. I don’t mind talking with Knox, but I also don’t want to encourage anything more…for now. Hence the grubby clothes.
I close my laptop and cross the room from the desk to the door. My mother would have a fit if she knew how careless I’m being, but I don’t bother checking the peephole because after he asked if he could come over tonight, it could only be one person.
When I open the door, my breath catches in my throat. Knox is casually leaning against the frame, hands in his pants pocket. He hasn’t made any more effort than I have, but the fit of his plain white sweatshirt, sleeves pushed up, and dark running pants are so perfect and sexy, I involuntarily suck in my bottom lip.
“Hi.”
“Hi.” I stand there and stare, running my eyes over his stubbled jaw, his hard chest, and muscular and veiny Fore. Arms. Then back to the heat in his eyes. It’s taken me ten years and I haven’t seen the color often, but I think I’ve finally figured out what topaz means.
“Did you run?”
“No, I was heading out, but I somehow couldn’t pass your door to get to the elevators.”
“Want to come in?”
He turns his perfect bow lips into a smirk. “Very much so.”
“Okay.” Somehow, I’ve forgotten how to string together more than five words. I do remember how to move aside so he can glide into the room though.
He lowers himself onto the small sofa, right in the middle, and manspreads unashamedly.
I grin and shake my head, the move bringing me out of my lust-fueled thoughts. “We’re still competing.”
“Are we? You won pretty handily today.”
“I did, didn’t I?”
“Well, you had a little help. Hefty scores on the wine. Wyatt’s a wiz. Your coq au vin was aces too.”
I move over to the couch and slide in between him and the armrest. “You’re right, Wyatt’s better than I thought. And an excellent sous chef, especially considering he’s actually an accountant. I’m definitely going to miss his skills wherever I end up.”
“If you win, you’ll have what you need for your mother, right? How is she by the way?”
“She’s much better. I spoke with her about an hour ago and she sounded strong. Daddy said she’s following all of her doctor’s instructions.” I take a breath, suddenly overcome with emotion. “She really had a scare. We all did.”
Knox lifts my sock-covered feet and places them in his lap, rubbing the soles. “I’m happy she’s recovering.”
“Thanks to your quick thinking.” He starts to protest, but I hold up a hand. “No, seriously. I’m not sure how dangerous it would have been if you and your quick action weren’t there. I was a mess. It was so unexpected.”
He nods. “It was scary too.”
“That feels really good.” I’ve worked long days before but there’s normally time to sit at least five minutes here and there, especially since we’ve had Hannah.
“Today was brutal. More of that tomorrow, I’m afraid.”
“Yeah, but at least I’ll have my sous chefs back tomorrow. They won’t need to make anything themselves although I may let Hannah. She has a lot of natural talent.”
Knox moves his hands higher, incorporating my ankles. I adjust my posture since I’d gotten a little too comfortable, practically lying prone. “Knox.”
“Hmmm.”
“We’re waiting until after the competition, remember?”
His hands move to my calves, continually massaging. “I assumed you meant sex. As you pointed out earlier, we’ve already kissed.” He looks up then, from under hooded lashes, and I nearly slide back down.
But I don’t. Best to throw some cold water on this conversation. “Why’s your father here? And why’s he mad all the time?”
That was more like dumping a snowdrift on top of him. He straightens from his slouch so I pull my feet out of his lap, but he grabs them back, massaging the soles again. “He’s protecting his investment?”
I tilt my head in thought, not following. “How so? If you win, won’t it be your investment? Your brothers agreed, right?”
He studies my feet as he works, not meeting my eyes. “That’s how it started. You know all I want is to get out from under his thumb, right?”
“Right, I remember you saying.”
“He’s decided now that we’ve made the final round that
