Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
He comes out of the water with his hands gripping my thighs. When I look up, Sloane is already on Reid’s shoulders, and she’s smirking. I flash her an “I love you, bestie” smile, because her genius mind orchestrated this. She made it possible for me to touch and be near him without anyone getting any ideas.
“We need a judge,” Reid calls out.
“You have a panel of three,” Foster tells him.
“First one to fall off shoulders into the water loses.”
“We don’t need three judges for that,” Sloane sasses.
“Well, you get them anyway,” Baker says, pulling himself out of the water to sit on the pool's edge. My brother does the same, and suddenly, all eyes are on us.
“Ready… go!” Landry shouts.
Sloane and I are instantly laughing and taunting one another, trying to knock the other off first. Knox has a firm grip on my thighs. He wants to win as much as I do. The peanut gallery, better known as our judges, are cheering and calling out their own taunts. When I hear, “Is that a nip slip?” I know I’ve won, because Sloane looks down to make sure it’s not her. I know it’s not me. I’m in a one-piece suit tonight, and my bestie, well, her choice of attire is much skimpier. I take the opportunity to push with all I’ve got, and she screams as she falls off Reid’s shoulders and into the water.
Knox falls beneath the water, and I swim off his shoulders, but he’s grabbing me and hoisting me up in the air, my back to his front as he cheers in victory.
“No fair,” Sloane whines. “I was distracted.”
“A win’s a win, Peterson,” I tell her as Knox places me back on my feet. He stands close behind me, his hand on the small of my back. It’s a small, simple touch that I’m sure the others can’t see, but it’s still a risk.
The rest of the guys join us back in the pool, and we spend another hour or so just goofing off. It’s a great night, one filled with lots of laughter and great company. This night did not turn out at all like I expected it to. It was better than I could have imagined.
After a quick shower to wash off the chlorine, I’m in bed, running everything that happened with Knox through my mind, when my phone vibrates. Grabbing it from the nightstand, I smile when I see his name.
* * *
Knox Beckett: I really wanted to kiss you goodbye.
* * *
My heart flutters as I read his words.
* * *
Me: That would have been nice.
Knox Beckett: What are your plans tomorrow night?
Me: I’ll have to check my calendar.
* * *
I’m lying, and we both know it. I have no plans for tomorrow night. I change his name in my phone, losing his last name.
* * *
Knox: If you can find time to pencil me into your busy schedule, I’d like to see you.
Me: I’ll have to see what I can do. What did you have in mind?
Knox: Just seeing you, Corie girl. Maybe if I’m lucky, I can steal a few more kisses.
* * *
Yes, please!
* * *
Me: How would that work?
Knox: Will Sloane cover for you? I know that means we have to bring her into this and that we’d be asking her to lie for us, but I think the risk is well worth the reward.
* * *
I can’t stop smiling.
* * *
Me: She already knows. She won’t say anything.
Knox: I trust you. Do you think she’d help us?
Me: I know she will. Tell me when and where. My schedule just freed up.
Knox: My place. I can pick you up somewhere or give you the address.
Me: I can just come to you.
* * *
He sends me his address, and then another message immediately follows.
* * *
Knox: I’m up at five to work out and will be done by seven. Anytime after that works for me.
Me: Seven in the morning?
Knox: If that means I get the entire day with you, then yes.
Me: I have plans to sleep in.
* * *
I don’t really, but I don’t want to seem too eager either.
Knox: Then come here and sleep.
* * *
What?
* * *
Me: I can’t do that.
Knox: You can, Corie girl.
Me: How about I text you when I wake up?
Knox: I’ll be home all day. You come over when you’re ready. I’ll be here waiting for you.
Me: Goodnight, Knox Beckett.
Knox: Sweet dreams, Corie girl.
* * *
I place my phone back on the nightstand and close my eyes, willing sleep to claim me. The faster I fall asleep, the sooner I’ll get to see him. I feel giddy with excitement as butterflies swarm in my belly. Reaching for my phone again, I call Sloane.
“Hey, everything okay?” she answers.
“Yes. I was hoping that you could cover for me tomorrow. Do you have plans?”