Page 62 of Ruled Out

No, no, no, no.

What is he doing here?

Oh my God. Please no.

Two dark blue eyes I know all too well are staring back at me. His 6’2 frame goes rigid as he surveys my apartment and sees Knox standing in my living room in nothing but boxers. His dark blonde hair is shorter than the last time I saw him, making him look a little younger. I notice his hand clenched tight around a vase of fresh flowers.

Standing on the other side of the door staring back at me is my Uncle Corbin.

“Uh… Did I interrupt something?” he asks, darting his eyes back and forth between Knox and I.

Knox is frozen in place, having no idea who Corbin is. However, we do look alike, with our blonde hair and blue eyes, so I’m sure Knox is slowly catching on to the family resemblance.

“I… I wasn't expecting you. What are you doing here, Corbin?” I ask in a shocked tone. I’m sure my question comes off as rude, but who just shows up at someone’s doorstep unannounced?

“When your parents told me you weren't coming home for break, I figured I’d surprise you. I thought it would be fun for you to show me around Coral Cove. It’s been months since I’ve seen my only niece.”

“Corbin… it’s a six-hour drive. You drove all the way here to surprise me?” I whisper. I’m in complete shock this is happening right now.

“Yeah, I thought it would be good for you to see family, especially after I heard how the athletic banquet went…” he trails off. “I’m so sorry, Pheebs. Next year, I’m coming to Family Weekend instead of your parents. I hope you know I told your dad exactly how I felt about what they did.”

“Oh… Uh… It’s nice that you’re here, but can I at least show my guest out?” I reply, stepping to the side to cover the crack of the door with my body.I just need to get Knox out of here.

“Is that your boyfriend or something?” he asks, looking over my shoulder. “Why doesn't he hang out with us today? I’d love to meet him.” He nods his head towards Knox.

“He’s busy today. He was just getting ready to leave,” I lie.

“Wait…” Corbin says as he narrows his eyes, inching the door open with his muscular arm. “How do I know you?” he asks, confusion etched across his face as he stares at Knox.

Knox looks like a deer in headlights. I can see his pulse hammering in his neck.

“You… I swear to God you look exactly like someone I saw in an article this morning,” Corbin adds, his brows etched together in thought. He quickly pulls his phone from his pocket and opens up his browser history. I can see him loading the CCU Athletics news page.

“Corbin, can we do this later?” I ask, trying to reach for his phone. He quickly jerks his arm away and clicks on the headlining article. I don’t need to read the title to know what it says, because I read it this morning.

CCU Softball Wins Fourth and Final Preseason Game:Interview with Coach Moore Discussing the Team’s Undefeated Record

As soon as the article loads, an image of Knox, front and center, floods the screen.

“What the hell is this?” Corbin demands as he slowly faces his phone towards me.

“Corbin, please… let me explain,” I reply, my voice coming out as a whisper.

“Are you herfuckingcoach?” he asks through clenched teeth, shooting daggers at Knox.

“Um…” Knox replies, staring down at his boxers. “Can you let me get dressed first before we have this conversation?”

“You sick motherfucker,” Corbin seethes, stalking towards Knox and pointing a finger in his face. “She’s fucking nineteen! You’re standing here in nothing but your underwear in my niece’s apartment who, let me remind you, is a teenager! I’m going to fucking end you,” he grits out, balling his fists at his sides.

“It’s not what you think, man...” Knox calmly replies, lifting a hand to put some space between them. In the blink of an eye, Corbin grabs Knox’s arm, fisting his hand around Knox’s wrist. Knox flexes his jaw as his eyes track Cobin’s hand. I’ve seen this look in Knox’s eyes before, and it’s clear he’s started to get fucking pissed.

“Corbin, stop!” I yell, trying to get between the two of them.

Before I have a chance to process what’s happening, I hear a crack and see Corbin’s fist connect with Knox’s face. Blood immediately starts to trickle down from Knox’s nose, and I notice his chest heaving with heavy breaths, like he’s trying so hard to keep his shit together.

Fuck this. I will not have Knox and Corbin duking it out in my apartment. I place my hands on Corbin’s chest and use all my strength to shove him away, my efforts only creating a few feet of space between him and Knox.

“Phoebe… If he touches me again, Iwilldefend myself,” Knox warns in a hushed, but lethal tone.

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