Page 43 of His Wild Storm
“I have met some of the security guys,” she tells me softly. “They’re big and a little scary, but I know they would never hurt any of us. They’re intense and protective.”
“They’re good men,” I agree. “All of the main guys are former military. But you should see them with their women and children. I’ve never seen bigger teddy bears.”
I look around, making sure none of them are going to pop out from behind a corner or something. Haven doesn’t miss the action and covers her mouth with her hand to hide her laughter. I send her a mock glare, but her shoulders only shake more.
After clearing my throat and glancing around one more time, I turn towards her fully while getting my pan warmed up and everything laid out. I’m so glad I cut everything up earlier because I just need to dump and cook.
“Tenley needed a purpose. Wyatt needed a nanny. The rest went down pretty much how you would expect, I’m sure. Wyatt tried to fight his feelings because she’s Troy’s sister and half his age.” I shrug and get ready to cook. “It didn’t work, and they’ve been blissfully happy for two and a half years. Ian is thriving and now Kessler has rounded out the family. We’ve also all been pulled deeper into Becket’s family and are now expected at all birthday parties and family functions.”
“Doesn’t sound half bad,” Haven muses.
She isn’t looking at me; she looks a million miles away with her gaze focused on the pan in front of me. As much as I want to know all her secrets, I know she’s not ready to tell me. And, honestly, she shouldn’t be.
I change the subject to music and bad reality television which she hasn’t watched in a while. We laugh over the sound of sizzling garlic and clinking ice after I get her a drink.
It’s exactly what I knew it would be.
CHAPTER 14
HAVEN
I’m not sure if I believe him about the whole knowing rock stars thing, but the rest of his story sounds legit. And so romantic I can hardly stand it.
What are the odds of it happening like that? Of Wyatt knowing the right person to go to for help, them wanting to help—which isn’t always guaranteed—and then those connections bringing love into his life as well as the life of the son he hadn’t known he had?
It’s wild.
Did fate step in? Something bigger?
Maybe it’s not as wild as I initially thought, considering where I am right now. It’s not like I would have been able to see myself in Colorado a year ago. I wasn’t even sure where I would end up when I set out to get away fromhim.
Maybe fate’s magic at work isn’t as off the wall as I originally thought.
Knox shoots me a look, one which barely banks the heat in his mossy eyes. Suppressing the shiver wanting to make its way down my body is not easy.
I’ve never had a man look at me the way Knox does. There’sso much need there, but there’s something more too. Something deeper.
He turns his back to me to grab some plates before he effortlessly drains the pasta. I’ve been watching him move around the kitchen. His movements are measured and efficient, but also graceful. It was like watching a dance.
I’m impressed. A man has never cooked for me before. But this dinner is so much more than Knox cooking for me.
I can feel the amount of concern and attention he put into everything tonight. Not only did he ask me about allergies, but he asked about meals I enjoy and haven’t had in a while. He asked about ultimate comfort foods. The man was laying it on thick, but it didn’t feel like his goal was to break down my defenses to use me or take advantage of me.
It wasn’t how it was withhim. Knox wasn’t trying to manipulate me. He gathered information to ensure our date would be special. And memorable. Whatever he was doing worked because this is the best date I’ve ever had, and being in the top spot has nothing to do with having been out of the dating game for a while.
Honestly, part of me was hoping this date would be a flop while I knew it wouldn’t be. The pull I feel, the need I have, to be closer to Knox is too strong to be nothing. Still, it would be easier if it weren’t real and was only in our heads.
It’s not like it wouldn’t be easy for my brain to make up this chemistry because of how long I’ve been without male company. Even before we ran, the connection and intimacy in my former relationship was practically nothing. It was how I preferred it, trust me, but that didn’t give me pleasure or touch when I needed it.
And now Knox is here, standing in front of me like an offering I never imagined would come into my life. He’s so sincere and I’ve never found a man sexier.
A lot of women might tell you how a man has to have abs of steel or be all about working out to be sexy. I’m not one of those women. Give me something to snuggle into and a man who is more worried about being healthy than counting every calorie or cutting out carbs.
Even though it’s obvious Knox doesn’t spend all his time in the gym, I don’t doubt his strength.
He sets a plate down in front of me and the scent of garlic and lemon envelope me. I look up to find his back to me, and I’m entranced. His shoulders are wide but in a way which manages to make me feel safe. His shirt bunches and pulls as he moves, his muscles on full display even while covered.
The only thing I can do is squeeze my thighs together in the hope of getting some kind of relief. It doesn’t work.
