Page 45 of Knight

“Before Nelson left, he mentioned that all the guys have had some feelings for me. Alan sort of confirmed it later on.” I take a deep breath. “These were Scott’s lifetime best friends. I just don’t understand it.”

“Darian, do you see yourself? I mean, really see yourself? You have an inner and outer beauty that simply radiates. There’s not a man alive that wouldn’t want to be with you. I have no doubt that the men who have been in your life for decades pine after you.”

I kiss his chest. “I don’t know what to say. I never saw it.”

“That doesn’t surprise me in the least. Humility is one of those inner traits. It wouldn’t even occur to you.”

“It doesn’t matter. I don’t see them that way. I never have. I never will.” I swallow hard to get my next sentence out. “The only man that I’m interested in right now is you.”

He kisses the top of my head and rubs my body. “Good, because I’m not letting you go without a fight.”

I smile. “There’s no need for fighting.”

“Are you going to see them again? I know you’re accustomed to seeing them weekly.”

“I don’t think I can.” I feel him let out the breath he was clearly holding. “At least not for a while until things cool off. I truly only see these guys as surrogate brothers. I think I’m still in shock.”

I kiss his chest again and look up at him. “Thank you for giving me what I needed tonight. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. It was perfect. You’re perfect.”

“Making love to you is the most natural thing I do. You never need to thank me for it.” I don’t really want to dig deeper into that comment right now, so I let the conversation end there. We eventually fall asleep in the comfort of each other’s arms.

* * *

The next dayis my lunch with Skylar. I arrive a few minutes early to get a table, and order us both a glass of wine. We’re going to need it.

Skylar arrives right on time. She looks adorable in a short flowy skirt, t-shirt and denim jacket. She has long, skinny legs. She’s probably got three inches on me. She has blonde wavy hair with big green eyes. She’s blossomed into a stunning young woman.

I get up to hug and kiss her hello. “Hey, baby doll. You look pretty.”

“Thanks, Mom. So do you.”

“How’s school going?”

“It’s fine. It’s my last year, so the classes are small. No more big lectures. I prefer it that way. I know all of the professors in the business department at this point.” School has always come easily to Skylar.

“How is the GMAT studying coming along? I’m happy to hire you a tutor to help.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m scoring high on my practice tests. The exam is in a few weeks. I think I’ll do well. If I don’t, I’ll still have time to get a tutor and take the test again. I do need to start filling out my business school applications though.”

“I’m happy to help with those if you want. Have you narrowed down your list of schools?”

“I think I’d like to stay here. I don’t want to leave you alone.”

I smile. “Baby, I’m not alone. You don’t need to stay here if you don’t want to. There are a lot of good schools out there that would be lucky to have you.” She scrunches her nose. “Why don’t you at least apply to a wide variety of schools, and then make your decision in the spring. It’s better to have options.”

“Yeah, I guess that makes sense.”

“You know, I have your sisters. They’re not going anywhere anytime soon. And I couldn’t get rid of Aunt Cass if I tried, so I’m stuck with her.” We both smile at that.

She looks at me with trepidation. “What about this Jackson guy? You must be getting pretty serious if you’re having all of your children meet each other.”

“Jackson is wonderful. I’m enjoying my time with him, but it’s very new. We’ll see. You kids have a lot in common. Jackson thought it would be nice to meet and put some faces to names. Obviously, I brag about my girls all the time.” She smiles.

I take a breath. “Anyway, I didn’t come down here to talk about my guy. I came to talk about yours.” She rolls her eyes. “What’s the story, Skylar? You don’t seem too happy with him.”

“Did Harley and Reagan put you up to this? Those bitches won’t leave me alone about him. They don’t like him, but they have no real reason to feel that way. He’s never been anything but nice to them when they come out with us.”

“I think they’re just concerned that he’s messing with your head. So am I. You said he keeps disappearing on you. Do you have any clue what’s going on?”

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