Page 33 of Off Pitch

fifteen

Harlow

Once we leave theairport, Knox quickly stops at my apartment. I want to drop off my suitcase and change out of what I wore on the plane. While he’s waiting in the car, I throw on a pair of cropped black leggings and a white crop top, one tight enough that it puts my chest on display—I’ve never been shy about showing myself off. And considering Knox doesn’t say a word to me after I get back in the car, I think it’s also enough to thoroughly distract my fake boyfriend. He keeps a tight grip on the steering wheel and won’t take his eyes off the road in front of him.

When we pull into the parking garage of Knox’s building, he leads me through the back entrance to avoid the media out front. In the elevator, he taps the button for the top floor, and we slowly ascend.

“Holy shit,” I say as Knox and I step off the elevator and through the front door into his penthouse. “So, this is how the other half lives, huh?”

“I’m just a person, Harlow. No different than you.”

I turn to him in disbelief. “You live in a multi-million-dollar penthouse and drive a Maserati. You’re not just a person.”

He sighs. “I try to be as normal as possible. I’m not some pretentious asshole, but I do allow myself to indulge in nice things if I feel they’re worth it.”

“That’s fair,” I say. “Sorry if that just made you uncomfortable.”

“I appreciate that, but you’re okay. I know it can be a bit of a shock to step in here when it’s not something you’re used to seeing.”

“Yeah, Cole’s apartment is nice, but it’s not as nice as this. He’s not big on extravagance.”

“You realize I’ve been to your brother’s place before, right?” he says with a smile.

“Right, that would make sense. Sorry, I’m being a little weird right now, and I don’t know why.”

He chuckles. “Don’t worry about it, Freckles. I’m going to drop my bag off in my room and change. Feel free to take a look around while you wait.”

Knox pads off down the hall. When I hear his door shut, I allow myself to roam around and explore the place.

I walk around the kitchen, which I think is the size of my entire apartment, appreciating the luxury appliances I’ll never be able to afford. His place is different than I thought it would be. I expected a bachelor pad, but this penthouse is so well put together. There are decorations on the walls, books on the coffee table, and fruit displayed in the kitchen.

I make my way across the living room to the dark navy curtains, which are drawn closed. I swing them open, and I’m stunned by the sight.

Knox lives in Battery Park City. From here, you can see the entirety of Lower Manhattan. The view is stunning. I don’t thinkI’d ever have these curtains closed if I were the one who lived here.

“Enjoying the view?” Knox says from behind me, causing me to jump.

“Shit,” I say, hand to my chest, “you can’t sneak up on me like that.”

I take a deep breath to calm my racing heart, only to find myself taking in a very different, incredible view—Knox in a tight black T-shirt and gray sweatpants.

Fuck me…

“You’re looking a little flustered? Everything okay?” he says with a smirk.

“You’re in gray sweatpants. It’s not my fault that I’m flustered right now.”

“Yeah?” he replies, cocking an eyebrow. “What’s special about gray sweatpants?”

“You know,” I respond, getting even more flustered. “Don’t make me tell you what you already know, Spencer.”

Knox walks backward, eyes on me with a giant smile on his face, as he moves to sit on the couch across from the window. “I have no idea what you mean, Harlow Pierce.”

“So, you have no idea that gray sweatpants show off the bulge of your dick then?” I challenge as I walk to sit on the couch beside him.

“Are you checking out my dick bulge, Harlow?”

“What? No, of course not!” is what I say. But what I meant wasYes, I am, and I’m impressed by what I see.

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