Chapter 58

“...and then he pulled out a bottle of wine. The sun was setting behind us, Alex. It was the most romantic thing I’ve ever experienced. It was perfect. More than perfect.

We climbed to the top of the mountain, the same one we used to visit as kids, and he had dinner waiting for us. Can you believe it? I was floored when I saw it. It was breathtaking!

It was, without a doubt, the best date I’ve ever been on.” Hannah was sprawled across my bed, lost in the memory of her date with Ben from the night before. She had come over to my place, her face lit up like a Christmas tree.

I was in the middle of getting ready for my date with Wes, adding a touch of bronzer and blush to complete my natural look. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. It had been a while since I’d been on a date.

I’d forgotten how to act around boys. I was so used to keeping them at arm’s length, protecting myself.

As I began to curl my hair, I listened to Hannah recount her date. Little did she know, I already knew all the details. Ben had come over to my room to watch a movie and had shared everything from his perspective.

It was fascinating to hear about a first date from a guy’s point of view. I could tell he really liked her, and judging by her animated storytelling, she really liked him too.

“Oh! And then he walked me home. I know it’s just two minutes from here, but he still walked me all the way to my door and then he kissed me. He’s such a good kisser! I was probably terrible... oh god! I was terrible!”

She started to panic, so I reassured her that she wasn’t a bad kisser. Not that I would know, but it was what she needed to hear. It seemed to calm her down a bit, but she quickly returned to her excited rambling about the date.

Suddenly, she sat up and announced, “I’m starving. I’m going to grab some food. Don’t leave without saying goodbye, okay?” With that, she left my room, her footsteps echoing down the hallway until I heard a soft thud as she flopped down in the hallway. I was left alone, the soft hum of my music playing in the background. She had left my door wide open.

I finished curling my hair, leaving it in loose waves. As I turned to unplug the curling iron, I noticed Knox standing in his doorway, watching me. His arms were crossed over his chest, and I couldn’t help but check him out.

He was wearing black shorts that clung to his hips, leaving his abs bare. I was dressed in denim shorts and a bright orange top, paired with brown open-toe boot heels.

His eyes roamed over my body as if he was committing every detail to memory. I could feel my cheeks heating up under his gaze, and when his piercing blue eyes met mine, it felt like a punch to the gut.

My breath hitched in my throat, and I swallowed hard, unable to tear my gaze away from him.

He stepped into my room, closing the door behind him. I got up and started to rummage around my room, tossing things into my small bag.

I was stalling, trying to avoid meeting his gaze. I was weak when it came to his eyes.

He stopped me by gently taking hold of my hand and pulling me closer. His hand slid up my arm, cupping my cheek and tilting my head up to look at him.

“Don’t go,” he whispered, his breath warm against my face. I froze at his words, forgetting what I was doing. His thumb brushed my cheek as if I was something fragile that might shatter at any moment.

“Why?” I managed to whisper back, my brain and mouth not quite in sync.

His hesitation made me wonder what he had originally intended to say.

I was staring so hard into his bright blue eyes, which were pleading with me to stay. But I couldn’t. I had agreed to this date. Why did he suddenly care so much? I was so confused when it came to him.

The sound of the doorbell ringing snapped me out of my thoughts. It was Wes. Andy and Kyle had gone out for a drive, courtesy of Andy, allowing me to go on this date without Kyle or anyone else knowing.

My mom didn’t know about this. She would kill me when she found out, mainly for not keeping her in the loop. I really should tell her.

“I have to go, Knox. I’ll see you later.” I stepped away from his touch and grabbed my bag, heading for the door. I glanced back at him, wanting one last hug before I left. But I stopped myself. It wouldn’t be fair to him.

He followed me to the door and opened it for me. His hand rested on the small of my back, and I turned to look at him, trying to read his eyes. He leaned in and kissed my cheek, his lips lingering on my skin.

A tingling sensation spread across my face, and I closed my eyes, savoring the moment.

“I’ll see you soon, baby doll.” He stepped back, and I walked down the stairs to find Hannah chatting with Wes at the door. I came into view, and Knox was standing behind me.

Wes was leaning against the door frame, a smile on his face. Then his mouth dropped open as he saw me. I stood there awkwardly, rubbing my arm. Was my outfit too much? It was too much, wasn’t it?

I should change. He was wearing a light blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, giving off a laid-back vibe, and grey slim-fit jeans. His dark hair was a bit longer than usual. He looked good.

“Wow, Alex, you look... wow,” he said, pushing off the door frame to get a better look at me. He put his hands in his pockets and looked me up and down, paying particular attention to my legs.

“Is it too much? I can go ch-”

“No, no, Alex, you look... perfect,” he interrupted, still studying me. His eyes finally met mine, and he smiled.

Wes glances over my shoulder, a smirk playing on his lips as he nods towards the door. “Ready, sweetheart? I’ve made reservations.”

I nod, quickly hugging Hannah and flashing a smile at Knox, who returns it instantly, though his gaze hardens when it lands on Wes.

Wes holds the door open for me, and I slide into the passenger seat, securing my seatbelt. The engine purrs to life, and we’re soon on the road, the city lights blurring past us.

After ten minutes of easy conversation, Wes pulls up outside Rochelle’s, one of my favorite restaurants.

“How did you know?” I ask, my eyes wide with surprise.

He chuckles, unbuckling his seatbelt. “Are you kidding me? I grew up with you, sweetheart. That’s how I know.” He winks at me, and I can’t help but laugh.

As I reach for my bag, the door swings open. Wes is standing there, his hand extended to help me out of his monster truck.

“You couldn’t have picked a bigger truck, could you?” I tease, taking his hand and stepping down.

“I won’t lie, I brought this truck partially because I didn’t want you getting your own door, and partially to see you struggle to get out of it.”

I punch his arm playfully, and he laughs, closing the door behind us. His hand still holding mine, we walk into the restaurant.

He holds the door open for me, and I quip, “Ladies first, I suppose?”

He shakes his head, grinning. “I was thinking more along the lines of age before beauty.” He pulls me closer to him, his arm wrapping around my shoulder.

We follow the hostess to a booth, just for the two of us. “A whole booth?” I comment, looking down at the menu.

“Just for you,” he says softly, making me blush.

The young waitress comes over, asking, “Can I get you something to drink first?”

“Um, yeah, I’ll have a Jack and Coke. Alex? What do you want? You can have anything.”

I order a whiskey sour, and Wes raises an eyebrow in amusement. “Whiskey sour, huh? Sam’s right... You do drink like an old man.”

“It’s not an old man’s drink!” I protest, laughing and kicking him under the table.

He grins, scanning the menu. “I thought you were going to be a typical girl and order something like... a multiple orgasm.”

I burst out laughing. “A what? They have those?”

“I mean, I could always fix that up for you. Just say the word,” he teases, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Oh, Wes, multiples are overrated. Besides, I want the one where every... single... muscle... in my body... loses control. You know the one, hips grinding, skin biting, nail digging, hair-pulling kind. Screaming out in pleasure,” I flirt back, watching his smirk grow with each word.

“Oh yeah? How does a person reach that level of intensity?” He leans in closer, his eyes hooded.

I lean in closer, whispering, “I’m usually on top.”

His eyes widen in surprise as the waitress returns with our drinks. She places mine down with a little more force than necessary, but Wes’s drink is slid smoothly across the table.

“You ready to order?” she asks, snapping Wes out of his daze.

He nods, but his attention is quickly drawn to something over my shoulder. “You’re fucking kidding me!” he exclaims.

I turn around to see Knox standing with the hostess, Hannah, Brett, Andy, and Kyle in tow.

“Oh, shit,” I whisper to myself.

Knox spots me instantly, a smile creeping onto his face. He says something to the hostess, who turns to look at us.

“I’m going to kill him,” Wes mutters, his voice seething with anger.

Andy’s eyes meet mine, and they widen in shock. She mouths ‘Fuck’ to herself. As they approach our table, the waitress steps back, her eyes wide as she takes in Knox.

“What are you guys doing here?” Kyle asks, his eyes darting between Wes and me.

“I told them to meet us here. I didn’t think we’d have enough space in the car,” Hannah covers quickly.

I shoot her a grateful look, but Andy and Hannah return it with apologetic expressions. They hadn’t known we’d be here, or else they wouldn’t have come.

With a huff, I glance back at Wes, whose jaw is clenched in obvious irritation at Knox. Knox, on the other hand, slides into the seat next to me, a triumphant grin plastered on his face.

I roll my eyes at his childish antics and turn to face Wes, who is still staring at me. I offer him an apologetic look, which he returns with a smile.

As the rest of our group joins us, the waitress takes their drink orders. I lean back in my seat, sinking slightly lower.

Returning with a tray of drinks and a basket of bread with butter, the waitress sets the table. I reach for a piece of bread, leaning into Knox to whisper, “You’re an asshole.”

His smirk widens at my words. “I told you I’d see you soon, baby doll,” he says, punctuating his statement with a wink.