One of the chefs comes over and explains how the food will be made inches from us. They utilize ancient cooking methods, so this should really be interesting to see up close. They’ll also bring out pre-determined drink pairings throughout the courses. I’m glad we aren’t driving.
“I’m happy you enjoyed it. So, sit back and enjoy tonight just as much. It’s a special occasion after all.”
I raise an eyebrow and tilt my head. “Is it?”
He grins and leans in close, stroking my cheek with his thumb. “I was hoping we could make it official. You and I.”
“I dunno. You don’t have much to offer. You’re arrogant, impulsive, petty as fuck… Oh, and unemployed with no prospects. Do you still live at home?” Before I can continue, I break out into a huge smile because Knox Everheart just asked me to go steady.
His expression doesn’t change. Amusement plays at the corners of his mouth and his topaz eyes gleam. Even with no job, Knox exudes confidence.
“Of course, Knox.”
*
I run water in the Jacuzzi tub and wipe the steam from the mirror to check out how my hair has held up tonight. I wobble a little and giggle.
Knox appears in the mirror behind me, then his arm circles me, his hand grasping my belly. “You’re a little tipsy.”
Words die in my throat because the image of him behind me, appearing more beautiful than anyone has a right, snuggling my neck, has me forgetting who I am. I mentally shake myself. “You aren’t? Thirteen courses and countless drinks. Seriously, I literally lost count.”
He grins and spins me around, and I fall into his arms because although I’m not drunk, he’s right, I’m definitely tipsy. “I was wondering if you’d go to a thing with me tomorrow.”
“A thing?”
“It’s my aunt’s actually. Weston and Declan will be there too.”
I lean back in his arms to see his face. “Um, Flynn’s sister? Is she here to watch the finals?”
“Definitely not. She was Mom’s sister. She lives in Berkeley, and she invited us over for lunch tomorrow.”
“Oh wow. How long has she lived here?”
He puts his fingers in my hair, dragging his nails across my scalp.
That starts the tingles rolling down my spine.
“My mother’s family is from here. She met Dad in culinary school. She said it was love at first sight.”
I move my hands under his jacket and push it down off his arms, careful not to let the beautiful fabric hit the floor. “I had no idea. I just figured she was from Austin.” I take his jacket to the closet and hang it up.
He follows me into the room. “Dad’s family is, for generations.”
“So the whole time we were in school, you had an aunt right down the road.”
He nods. “Grandparents too. They’re in the Oakland Hills. I spent almost all my free time there.”
“Really? I just assumed you were out in San Francisco like the rest of us. That’s a coincidence, because my father has a cousin in the Oakland Hills. We could have been blocks away from each other sometimes.” I unbutton his shirt and he watches me with a wicked grin.
When I get to his belt buckle, he puts a hand on mine. “First, is that a yes, you’ll go? Second, what’s happening? I want to make sure we’re on the same page here before I get too excited.”
“First, yes I’ll go. Second, I thought we’d take a little soak.” I pull the belt out of the loops and throw it in the closet.
“I thought you wanted to wait. How tipsy are you?”
“While I appreciate you asking, I’m not that tipsy.” My tuxedo dress is a wrap-style and ties at the waist. I pull at the knot and it slinks to the floor, leaving me in my heels and red lace bra and panties.
Is it possible for someone to turn both red and ashen at the same time? Because Knox’s beautiful olive skin has turned a color I can’t describe. He bends on one knee and takes the shoes off he buckled earlier. When he stands, I’ve returned to my normal height, fitting perfectly into the base of his neck. He holds me for a long time, our hearts beating hard against each other’s chests.
I finally step back and go to turn the water off, then call from the bathroom. “Can you bring my purse with you?” I survey my feelings while I wait. Seems like I should be nervous—first times with anyone are a little unnerving—but I’m not. Knox and I have been in each other’s heads for years, at times more intimate than what we’re about to do. Plus, it feels so right for us after fighting against it for so long.
He walks into the bathroom in blue boxer briefs and nothing else, holding my purse in one hand and something clutched in the other.
I set the purse on the tub ledge and reach behind me, unhooking my bra.
Knox is still standing by the entrance of the small bathroom, watching me with intense eyes, his excitement evident through his briefs.
I drop my bra to the floor and secure a finger in the band of my panties, all the while staring at Knox. I’d love to say he’s looking longingly into my eyes, but his gaze is planted decidedly south of there.
He closes the small distance between us and hooks one of my legs behind his back, rubbing his hardness against my swelling nub. He runs his tongue against my mouth, then nips at my chin and neck, finally pulling one of my hard nipples into his mouth. The sensation is glorious—he circles my nipple with his tongue and gently bites. The other one gets attention from his skilled fingers, tweaking and rubbing.
I lean back against the sink, enjoying the pleasure he’s giving me, dragging my fingers through his silky curls, but I want more. “Get in the tub, please.”
He grins and grazes a kiss on my shoulder before taking off his underwear
