Page 38 of Falling For My Best Friend's Brother

Chapter fourteen

Nina

Knox turned off the ignition, but neither of us made a move to get out of the car.

LED flood lights illuminated the parking lot of our building and from where we sat, I could see people strolling around in ones and twos. I vaguely pondered over their conversations and tried to give each person a color to describe what their stories could be.

It was fun for a while until I realized I was only coming up with dark shades and sad realities, so I gave up.

The night had gone much differently than I expected. I’d aimed for a striking and glamorous look, and while I might have achieved that, it meant that almost everyone present tonight had their eyes on me at some point—men and women alike. Itbrought with it both wanted and unwanted attention, the former of which I only wanted from one person.

Said person had gotten pissed off at me because I’d tried to help him. It wasn’t like I’d kept my relationship with Uncle Dean a secret from him; Lindsay knew about it. And Iwasgoing to tell him, at least until he indirectly told me I was just one of the women he fucked on “some days.”

That hurt me so much more than it should have. So yes. I’d been spiteful, and I’d wanted to surprise him. To make him see I wasn’t just some useless rich kid. I had connections he needed.

It was pointless anyway. Knox clearly didn’t appreciate my efforts.

“Thank you for tonight,” he said, breaking the quiet. “I truly appreciate you showing up.”

I turned my head to look at him, surprised. His eyes were fixed on something in front of him.

“As opposed to Claire?” I teased.

Knox scoffed. He’d removed his jacket and tie during the drive home and was only wearing a crisp white button-up shirt. He looked devilishly handsome. I wish I’d told him that from the start.

“As opposed to Claire,” he confirmed.

Something bugged me. “Can I ask you a question?”

He glanced at me. “Ask away.”

“Why didn’t you call her and try to change her mind? From what she said, it sounded like you were lax about the whole thing.”

He blew out a deep breath, adjusting the seat so it went lower. “I guess… I didn’t really want to try. Claire and I… our relationship has always been complicated.”

My curiosity was piqued. I didn’t want to push too hard, but I couldn’t help myself. “Complicated how?”

It took him a few seconds to answer. “She wanted more than I could give. I think I knew that right from the start. And it wasn’t just emotionally either. She wanted my time, she wanted expensive gifts, and she wanted them without question.

“I tried to make her understand I was doing my best, at least I thought I was, but it wasn’t enough for her. In retrospect, I suppose everything was my fault. Claire has always been high maintenance. Expecting her to water down her wants for me was too much to ask.”

I gave myself some time to digest that. “And so, you ended things?”

He nodded. “It became too much to deal with. And then the company started having trouble, and I knew it was time to let go.”

That was Knox’s opinion. From what I saw tonight, Claire was still hanging on.

“Did you love her?” I asked, even though I wasn’t sure I wanted to know.

“I think so. Yes.”

A silent moment passed between us. It was the first time Knox had shared anything personal with me. Even though it was sad, I appreciated it. I guess I’d misjudged him too. He wasn’t a devil like I’d thought. He was just a man with his own fair share of problems.

And it was only fair I shared mine.

“You were right.” I told him, exhaling. “Iama spoiled rich girl with no sense of responsibility. I’m too dependent on Lindsay, and I have no fucking idea what I’m doing with my life.”

“Nina—”

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