Page 140 of Gold Rush

“If anyone can, it’s you.”

There’s a note of admiration that I’m startled I notice. Even more taken aback that it’s there at all.

I don’t really know Knox that well. He was the same year at Dalton as Carson and Kit and Flynn, and I’ve seen him at least a few times a year at parties or other social events. We’re friendly, but this is, by far, the longest conversation we’ve ever had. His dad is a senior executive at Kensington Consolidated, so I’m not surprised his parents came to Lili’s wedding. I wasn’t expecting Knox to be here as well.

“Why’d you take a Greek mythology course?”

An easy grin appears. “I asked myself the same question. Parts of it were interesting.”

“Like the sirens?”

His grin grows. “Like the sirens.”

I smile back, breaking eye contact a few seconds later. Is he flirting or just being friendly? He knows I’m dating Flynn and has no reason to think that it’s anything but genuine.

“I should head inside. Just wanted some fresh air.”

Knox nods. “I’ll head up with you. Had to take a work call and saw you standing down here.”

“Working on a Sunday?”

“I know. It’s so annoying, being important and dedicated to your job. Guessing you can relate.” He laughs. “Sorry. Another shitty compliment. I’m really off my game today.”

I clear my throat. “You don’t need to be on your game with me, Knox.”

“Because of Parks?”

“Yes.”

He nods, quickly masking the disappointment that appeared. “Okay. I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable or⁠—”

“You didn’t,” I say quickly. “I’m flattered. I’m just … unavailable.”

“Got it. Do you want me to walk a few feet behind you or …”

I laugh. “No. We can walk up together.”

“Cool.” He falls into step beside me as we head back toward the house. “I actually have a legal question for you, if that’s okay.”

“We should keep it hypothetical, but go for it.”

“Okay. Hypothetically, say a twenty-one-year-old lives with some football players. He borrows one of their cars to drive to class when his won’t start and gets pulled over for speeding, and the cops find drugs in a duffel in the back. He can prove the car isn’t his, but has no way of proving the bag wasn’t. Guy who owns the car says they’re not his.”

I exhale. “Does Nico have a lawyer?”

“Not yet. Our parents don’t know. This happened Friday. He called me yesterday.”

“I can recommend a few …” My voice trails when I glance ahead, seeing the figure standing at the edge of the patio.

Flynn is wearing navy slacks and a light-blue button-down. His hands are tucked in his pockets, eyes on me and Knox. His expression is blank.

It should be easier to tell what he’s thinking after the past few months of spending so much time together. But it’s the opposite. He’s harder to read. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking last night, and I can’t tell what he’s thinking right now.

He got here fast. He must have already been on his way when we texted.

“I’ll send you the names of some attorneys,” I finish.

“Thanks, Rory.” Knox keeps his voice low. He’s spotted Flynn too.