Pride shredded, I nod vigorously and wipe the back of my hand across my mouth. “I think it just went down the wrong pipe.”
“Happens to the best of us.”
He’d know. When we met five years ago, Knox was sexy, but now? Now he’s perfection, every inch of his chiseled body reminding me of our night together. Of his patient ministrations. Of the pleasure he gave. And the fact that I had three soul-shattering orgasms.
Given the chance, I’ll bet he could smash that record.
Probably. He’s older and more experienced now, but that’s irrelevant. I’m not looking for a repeat performance.
Why not? There’s nothing stopping you.
We’re neighbors. It might get weird.
Weirder than scaling his deck like a spider monkey?
Abso-freaking-lutely. Besides, he probably has a girlfriend. Men like him always do. She’s undoubtedly tall and powerful and orgasms every time he so much as smiles at her. So, basically, my polar opposite in every way.
“The place looks great,” Knox says, his deep voice penetrating my wayward thoughts. “It’s hard to believe you just moved in yesterday.”
“Unpacking is my superpower.” With considerable effort, I turn from my neighbor and study the open-concept living room, trying to view it through his eyes. It’s cute, cozy, and entirelyfeminine. The couch is piled high with pink and white pillows, and my favorite weighted blanket hangs neatly over the back. Narrow bookcases line the far wall, sagging under the weight of too many psychology texts, and a small, salmon-colored orchid that’s fighting for its life. Despite Nana’s efforts, I’ll never develop a green thumb. But I doubt Knox wants to hear about that. “We moved a lot when I was a kid. After the first few times, you get pretty good at it.”
Otherwise, you risk losing the things that matter most.
“Maybe you can teach me your ways.” Knox rubs the back of his neck, looking entirely chagrined. “I’ve been here for a year, and I still have boxes that have never been opened.”
I gasp in mock-horror, earning another one of those heart-stopping smiles. “Pro tip: if you haven’t used it in the last twelve months, you don’t need it.”
“You’re probably right, but what can I say? I’m a sentimental fool.” He brushes past me, crossing the room in a few long strides. He plucks a photo from the bookshelf, and I can’t help but grin. It’s a picture of me, Lexie, and Kayla sipping Mai Tais on the beach. “Was this taken in Cancún?”
I nod and move to his side, where I can get a better look at the image.
I walk by it every day, but at some point I stopped seeing it. I’d forgotten all about my day-one sunburn and the obnoxiously large sombrero Kayla bought me to keep it from getting worse. “We still try to plan an annual girls’ trip, but we couldn’t make it work this year.”
He places the frame on the shelf, and my organized little heart flutters when he puts it back in the exact same spot.
“I have to admit, I’m jealous. I still keep in touch with my buddies, but it’s rare we can all get away at the same time.”
I sigh. “Adulting really sucks sometimes.”
“Speaking of which, I should get out of your way. I’m sure have better things to do on a Saturday than entertain sweaty neighbors.”
Not really. The only person I know in the city is my father, and I’m having dinner with him tomorrow.
Still, I don’t correct Knox. Chances are, has plans himself, and I’ve taken up enough of his time. The fact that he’s being so gracious about it speaks volumes.
We take the stairs down to the ground level foyer, and I thank him again for the assist. “Oh, and don’t take it personally when I slam the door behind you. It’s the only way to get it closed. I think it’s warped or something.”
Knox’s brows shoot up. “I can take a look at it.”
Is he serious? The man just helped me get into my apartment. There is no way I’m going to ask him for another favor. He’s done more than enough, considering we’re practically strangers.
So, you’ll bang a stranger, but you won’t let him fix your door?
Exactly. These two scenarios are not the same—at all.
“Ava?”
God, the way he says my name—in that slow southern drawl—is heaven. It’s more melodic than the twang I grew up with, but it’s familiar just the same.