Page 266 of The Perfect Spiral
I rest my cheek against the cold metal of the car, staring out into the open air. This has to stop.
“I’m sorry, baby doll. I really am.” I can feel his gaze on me, waiting for a reaction I refuse to give. I need to stay neutral, no matter how hard it is.
“Stop saying that. Actions speak louder than words, Knox. You lied to me. Straight to my face. You lied.” He furrows his brows, angry at being called a liar. He hates that.
“I never lied about anything, Alex. What makes you think I lied to you?” His tone softens, and I find myself turning to face him.
“You said we made love. But we didn’t. You just fucked me. It meant nothing to—”
“We did make love, Alex. You’re the only girl I’ve ever made love to. I didn’t fuck you. I don’t see you like that. I never have and I never will, baby doll!” Our eyes lock.
My heart skips a beat. The only sounds are the silence between us, our breaths, and the distant chirping of birds. That’s when it hits me.
I’ve fallen for Knox Carter.
The guy every girl in the world chases after.
The guy I’ve despised for so many years.
The guy who made my life a misery for so many years.
My brother’s best friend.
He’s the one I’ve fallen hard for. Why him? Why not someone else? I don’t want to fall for him. My heart sinks at the thought.
Falling for someone who is with someone else is probably one of the hardest things I’ve admitted to myself. Could it be that I only want him because he’s unavailable?
“Can you take me back? Please.” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. The sadness in his face mirrors the turmoil inside me. I don’t want to like him, but I do.
In fact, I think I more than like him. The longer we stare at each other, the stronger the feeling grows.
He climbs out of the trunk and extends a hand to help me down. I take it, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine. I step down, and we continue to watch each other.
I see his jaw tighten, and he licks his lips. I walk backward, slipping my hand out of his. The morning chill instantly replaces the warmth where he was holding me.
I walk back to the passenger side as he lingers for a few more moments. I wait for him to climb into the seat next to me.
Once we’re both in the car, we head back to the hotel. We park in the same spot he was in earlier this morning. We’ve been silent since leaving the sunrise behind.
He cuts the engine, and we walk to the elevator together. Nothing more is said between us. The doors open to reveal the hallway, and we part ways.
I enter the penthouse I share with my mom and Eric, who are having breakfast with Delilah and Ace in the dining area.
“Mornin’, sugar. How was it?” My mom rises from her chair as soon as I enter, but I don’t reply. I walk straight to my room, slamming the door shut and locking it to ensure no further interruptions.
I hastily pack my suitcase, stuffing in balls of clothing. Once it’s zipped up, I roll it along the floor and announce that I’m heading back to the house with Cole and Sasha.
Ignoring their skeptical looks, I walk out the door. No questions are asked, and that’s exactly how I want it.
I spend the entire afternoon thinking about him and his words.I didn’t want to, but I couldn’t help it. After lunch, people gather around the table, sipping on coffee and tea.
I sit with Kyle, Andy, Brett, Ben, and Hannah out back. I start to doze off but am jolted awake by Eden’s loud squeals while playing with Knox. I blow on my fresh cup of coffee to keep myself awake.
I sip my coffee, watching them play every so often. When she laughs, and he smiles at her, I feel a pang of jealousy for my own niece.
Sam and Tyson left for their honeymoon in Hawaii this morning. She was glowing, and Tyson couldn’t keep his hands off her.
My grandfather would be so proud of her, and he would’ve loved Tyson. I’m so happy my sister finally found the one.
