Page 71 of Off Pitch

“Oh, uh… sure,” I stammer out. “Let’s go.”

I stand up on shaky legs as Lucia leads me toward the bar. I glance back at Knox to find Lane leaning over, talking to him about something. Based on the vacant look on his face, I’m willing to bet I’m the subject of that conversation.

We get to the bar and stand while waiting for the bartender’s attention. “So,” Lucia says now that she has me alone. “What were you and Knox talking about?”

“Nothing!” I say too quickly. I know she won’t believe me, but I’ve got to try. “We were just making small talk.”

Lucia looks right at me. “Some small talk that must have been since he was ready to slip a hand under your dress.”

“Lucia!” I whisper shout. “Be quiet, will you?”

“How interesting that you’re not denying it,” she smiles.

“Why didn’t you bring Rory with you to get a drink?” I ask in an attempt to steer the conversation.

“Because,” Lucia says, “she’s been chatting up Cole all night, and he’s hanging on to her every word.”

“What’s going on there?” I wonder curiously.

“Oh,ojitos,“ Lucia says, stepping up now to speak with the bartender. “You’re so naive.”

twenty-eight

Harlow

When Lucia hands memy new glass of Riesling, I tell her I’m going to take a minute to collect myself. I’ve got quite a bit running through my head right now that I need to figure out.

I stand off to the side of the bar, leaning back on it, eyes closed, as I try to compose myself. To my right, I feel somebody join me before the silence is broken.

“I’m guessing you need to gather your composure, too,” Knox says as I open my eyes and turn to face him.

“Something like that,” I reply with a soft chuckle as I sip my wine. “Hoping this helps, too.”

Knox leans his bottle of beer over. “Then a toast to us not looking like such fucking idiots.” I toast my glass to his bottle as we both laugh. “So, uh…” he runs a hand through his hair, giving him that messy, tousled look I love. “How has tonight been for you?”

“Aside from a few awkward moments,” I say with a small smile that he returns, “it’s been kinda fun. I’ve never been to an event quite like this before.”

“I guess you get used to it,” he says. “But I hate things like this. I don’t like having to talk to more people than necessary.”

I place my palm on Knox’s forearm. “Try not to overthink it. I know why you don’t like talking to people, but try to remember that these people aren’t looking to air out any of your dirty laundry. They’re not writing gossip; they’re not looking for a scoop. They’re here to help Stars Charity raise money.”

Knox lets out a deep breath. “Yeah, I’m trying. It’s hard to just flip my mindset, but having you beside me…” he turns toward me and smiles. “That helps a lot.”

I can feel the blush spreading across my cheeks. “I’m glad I can help, Knox.”

He places a finger on my chin and brings my eyes to meet his. “You blushing, Freckles?”

“I might be…”

He chuckles. “Freckles and blushing, a lethal combination.”

“So what you’re saying is that I’m getting to you right now,” I tease.

Knox wraps an arm around the front of my waist and leans closer. “You’ve been getting to me for a while, Harlow. You have no fucking idea.”

My breath catches in my throat. Is this what tonight is going to be? Both of us flustering the other until we just can’t take it anymore?

God help me.

---