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Chapter Six
Knox
As I pull into the driveway for Liam and Isabella’s home, I scan the vehicles, recognizing each one. Will she show? I can see her skipping out on the holiday office parties.
I put my vehicle into park. The idea of hanging out with my friends holds appeal, but not enough to be the third wheel. Stay or go? Just go in. You said you would, so do it.
If she doesn’t show up, I can beg off early and go home. I get out of my vehicle, march up the front steps, and knock on the door. Besides, Gunner loves food, so the spread will be worth it. Especially considering I have nothing at home to eat.
The second Isabella opens the door, the scent of bacon floods my senses. My mouth waters. God, I’m starving.
“Hey, Is.” I wrap my arm around her shoulder and squeeze. My father is also a coach for the team, so I’m used to walking the thin line between outside relationships and professionalism.
She grins and steps out of the way, shutting the door behind me. “Come on in. We’ll be eating in a few minutes.”
“Great. It smells delicious.”
The guys are lounging around the living room while the women stand in the corner chatting. Isabella pats my shoulder. “Saylor texted and said she’d be late. She was picking up a baguette.”
“I see.” I nod like it’s not important.
She purses her lips and pins me in place with her gaze. “Don’t play me off like I’m oblivious. A guy doesn’t decorate an office with Christmas decorations when he was supposed to be working out if he doesn’t like the girl.”
“It was nothing.”
“Yeah, right?” She winks. “The mistletoe you ordered is in the kitchen entryway. If you need help steering her in that direction, let me know.”
Heat covers my face, leaving me fighting to keep from sweating. So much for Liam keeping his mouth shut or my stealthy moves being under the radar. “Thanks, Is.”
“You’re welcome.” She sobers. “Saylor is a sweet girl but reserved. Losing her parents when she was so young caused her to isolate from others. That combined with her natural introverted personality has her spending a lot of time trying to blend in.”
I raise my eyebrows. “What are you trying to say? Do you think I should leave her alone?”
“No.” She shakes her head and places a hand on my bicep. “Unless you expect her to be like Madyson. She’s not going to be comfortable in the spotlight. If the two of you start dating, don’t expect her to seek out VIP parties and strut in front of the camera.”
“That’s not what I’m looking for. I’m not going to lie. When I got my first contract, I let it go to my head. I thought I needed to present a certain type of image, and she fit into that plan. But I was miserable, and everything was fake. Her feelings for me weren’t real. I was a meal ticket to getting better modeling gigs. I realize that now.” I shrug. “And that’s not what I want. I want to find someone who’s low-key and comfortable with staying home, watching TV, hanging out with my friends and family, and a few times a year attending charity events with me.”
“I wasn’t trying to convince you not to ask her out, but I feel protective of her and wanted to see where you were.” She pats my arm and drops her hand to her side. “I don’t want to see her get hurt.”
“I can appreciate that.” The old me would’ve been offended by the intrusion and the implication I’m not a good match, but I appreciate her honesty. Even more, I’m glad she’s in Saylor’s corner.
“Okay.” She laughs. “Enough with the lecture time. I need to get the food ready.”
As she slips off to the kitchen, Liam follows behind her. When she steps under the mistletoe, he grabs her in an embrace. Their laughter and deep connection fill me with longing. To avoid getting sucked into feeling sorry for myself, I move across the room to join Gunner and Devin.
Devin nods. “What about those moves I made on Sunday?”
“You were lights out.” The guy runs like someone is operating him with a joystick. During our last game, Gunner had thrown him a 20-yd pass that he’d caught on the 30-yd line. He’d juked and jived our opponent’s defensive team until he’d crossed the goal line for the winning touchdown.
“That’s all thanks to both of your sisters.” He punches Gunner in the chest.
“Fuck, man.” Gunner clutches above his heart.
“I didn’t hit you in the arm, so stop bitching.”
“Asshole,” Gunner grumbles while making a huge production of massaging his injury.
“You love me.” Devin winks and turns his attention to me. “I’m serious. When Veronica brought up the concept of ballet to improve my balance and core strength, I thought she’d lost her mind. But it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
