“Hmm, it’s true.” His right hand slides down my side, his fingers tracing atop the waistband of my jeans. “I can’t stop thinking about what happened the other night.”
I love it when he makes these confessions. They make me feel so wanted. Something Bryan rarely did. “The other night was…”
“Fucking awesome.”
“I was going to say really good.” He nips at my neck, making me giggle. “But your description works too.”
“You snuck out though.” He pulls away slightly, so he can look into my eyes. “I don’t remember hearing you leave.”
“I just—I needed to get home. Sleep in my own bed. I made sure and locked the door before I left.” Not the deadbolt but I tried.
“It’s okay.” He skims his fingers from my jaw to my chin, catching my lower lip with his thumb and dragging it down before he releases it. “Fuck, I like your mouth.”
My cheeks grow hot at his compliment. “We only have like…four minutes left, Knox. You better take advantage of your reward before we have to leave.”
He cups my cheeks with both hands and pulls me in for the most delicious tongue-filled kiss I think I’ve ever experienced. Better than the first time he kissed me. Better than a couple nights ago when we couldn’t stop kissing. Better than anything.
We keep it up for long minutes until I’m finally pulling away from him, out of his embrace, and climbing off his lap. He reaches down, readjusting himself, and I smooth a shaky hand over my hair, working my jaw to ease the ache.
“I’ve never kissed a girl as much as I’ve kissed you in my life,” he admits, reaching for his laptop and shoving it into his backpack.
Another shockingly sweet admission from Knox Maguire. I feel like I get a lot of them, and every one of them is a surprise.
“Oh, come on.” I gather up my things and put them in my book bag, then slip it on my shoulder. “That sounds—”
“Unbelievable? Well, it’s true. And it’s all I can think about.” He grabs hold of my waist, yanking me toward him and my thoughts scatter.
“What’s all you can think about?”
His grin is knowing, like he’s fully aware I can’t concentrate when he’s near. “Kissing you, Jo Jo. I can get kind of fixated sometimes.” He kisses me like he can’t help it. “Pretty sure I’m completely obsessed with you.”
TWENTY-SIX
KNOX
I wasn’t lyingwhen I told Joanna I can get fixated. When I was a kid, I would obsess about a lot of things. When I was three, it was Diego, Dora the Explorer’s cousin. Then I got hooked on Spider-Man and pretty much never looked back. Still love that dude and make sure I go to every movie that’s released on opening weekend.
Then of course, then there’s football. I’ve been obsessed with the sport since I was a toddler, watching my dad play. As I got older, I wanted to be just like him, and I worked hard at it.
Hell, I think I worked harder than my old man. I threw my all into it, making football my focus. My fucking life. By high school, I had college coaches desperate to recruit me, Dad by my side the entire time, coaching me. Making sure I chose the right university to play for.
I don’t regret my choice. This college, the team and the coaching staff have been a great fit. I’m on top of my game. It’s my senior year, and if we do it right, we’ll win a championship and play in a bowl game.
And if I’m really lucky, I’ll make the NFL draft and go on to greatness. Just like my dad. My uncle Drew. My cousin Jake.
I have big aspirations, and I’m determined to make them.
Which means I shouldn’t let a woman get in the way of all my hard work. That’s my biggest fear with getting involved with Jo. What if she fucks with my head and fucks with my game?
Right before practice I text my dad, feeling the need to check in with him.
Me:How are you? We haven’t talked in a while.
He answers immediately.
Dad:Sorry about that. We’ve been busy. Lots going on.
Me:Doing what?