Knox lives in a penthouse in downtown Los Angeles that I’m sure cost him millions but it was worth every penny. The view of the ocean stretches just outside of each of the floor to ceiling windows on the first floor.
“Wow,” I whisper and he grins.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it,” I admit. “This view is incredible.”
“I’ve seen better,” he says and I roll my eyes when I realize that he’s talking about me.
“Charmer,” I murmur and he laughs.
“I try to be.”
He’s succeeding.
“Do you want something to drink?” He asks as he heads into the kitchen.
“Water?”
“You got it.”
I amble around his living room, taking in his apartment more. The first floor is mostly open concept with the entryway, kitchen, and living room all spread out as soon as you walk in the door.
The place has dark brown hardwood floors and warm beige walls. A few bright prints hang on the walls and I move closer, smiling as I take them in.
“Those are from a local exhibit that I went to when I was in college. I fell in love with them and bought them. I ended up eating Ramen for the next six months to afford them,” he says with a chuckle and I smile.
“Worth it.”
“I thought so.”
He passes me a glass of water and our fingers brush along the glass. Heat pools in my belly and I wonder if it will ever not be like this with him.
Every time we touch it feels like I’m being plugged into a socket.
“What happens now?” I whisper and he steps closer to me.
“What do you want to happen?”
“I want you,” I tell him and he grins.
“You have me. You have since we met.”
“Will you show me your bedroom?” I ask him and he grins.
“Of course, but first, I need to know that you’re okay with everything that’s happened.”
“I am. I didn’t think that I would be, but I am. I’m tired of fighting this thing between us. I’ve been making myself miserable by staying away from you and I don’t even know why. Because some people that I barely even know might judge me?”
“If anyone messes with you or says anything, then you let me know and I’ll take care of it.”
I smile, melting into him as he wraps his arms around me. I know that he would do anything to protect me and make sure that I’m happy and safe.
Everything that I said was true. I’m so tired of fighting myself. It’s time that I go after what I want. If taking care of Elodie for two years has taught me anything, it’s that life is fleeting and we aren’t promised anything, certainly not time.
I’ve been punishing Knox and myself because I didn’t want people to gossip about us, but who cares? I barely even know those people. Besides, being with Knox would be worth any comment or snide look.
He’s worth everything to me.