Page 2 of Mr. January

"Hey, thanks for doing this at the coffee shop, Genesis," I tell her, realizing how out of place I'd have felt in my usual office setting. "Office interviews are just too stiff for me."

She gives a knowing nod, closing her laptop. "Totally get it. This place has the right kind of chill. Makes talking about the heavy stuff easier, away from all the noise.”

I laugh, a bit surprised at myself. "Yeah, didn't think I'd open up this much. You've got a knack for making people spill, don't you? That's one heck of a talent for a journalist."

She raises an eyebrow. "Not big on interviews, huh?"

"That's putting it mildly. I've got a tale or two about that," I say, shaking my head with a grin.

Her laughter rings out as she responds, "Can't wait to hear them next time."

Walking away, I feel this lightness I wasn't expecting. Talking to Genesis, being part of this 'Mr. January' feature for the Bachelor series, it's like I'm starting a fresh chapter. It's not just about Knox Forrester, the guy with the casino empire. It's about a dude who's still figuring stuff out and still growing. And now, there's someone in my life who's thrown a whole new light on everything. This chat with Genesis? It's not the end of my story. Nah, it's just another bend in the road, and I'm kinda excited to see where it leads.

Chapter One

Unveiling Mr. January - Knox Forrester

Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a thrilling ride into the world of Knox Forrester, the man who’s not just playing the game but also owns the board. As the driving force behind Forrester International's glitzy casino and resort division, Knox isn’t just a name in the industry—he’s the whole marquee.

Knox is the kind of guy who's as mysterious as the dark side of the moon and as intriguing as a well-shuffled deck of cards. And let me tell you, getting Knox to sit down for a chat is like hitting a jackpot on a slot machine—rare but oh-so-rewarding. He’s the mastermind behind some of the city’s most opulent hotspots, crafting experiences that are as unforgettable as they are extravagant. Yet, despite his grandeur, he's kept himself shrouded in a veil of mystery, making him one of our city’s most tantalizing enigmas.

It's not just his business acumen that's got the town talking. Knox Forrester is officially one of our city’s most eligible bachelors. He's the guy who’s got it all: the looks that could stop traffic, a charm that could warm even the coldest of hearts, and a fortune that could make Midas green with envy. And did I mention that elusive air of his? It’s like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands.

As 'Mr. January' in our Bachelor series, we're peeling back the layers of this enigmatic mogul. What makes him tick? What dreams keep him up at night? And, most importantly, what does the heart of a man who could have everything possibly desire?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as we dive into the world of Knox Forrester. It’s a tale of glamour, mystery, and maybe, just maybe, a touch of romance in the high-stakes game of life.

Knox

Flipping through the first draft of the Bachelor article Genesis sent over from our chat in the coffee shop, I gotta say, it's pretty snappy. It's got this fun vibe that I bet will be a hit with the socialite crowd in the Hamptons, not to mention my mom's friends and their daughters. Seeing myself described in such a straightforward way is kinda strange, though. But hey, that's the point, right? The piece is meant to grab attention, especially from the ladies.

But there's this nagging thought in the back of my mind—what would Robyn think of it? Does she see me the way the article paints me? Hell, does she even spare a thought for me? That's the million-dollar question weighing on me.

I can tell Genesis is watching me, probably trying to figure out what's going through my head. Maybe she knows I've got more on my mind than just this article.

"So, Knox, what do you think? Too much, too little? It's just a teaser, really. Something to get the readers curious. We'll dive deeper later, but I wanted to keep it light and engaging to start with, not all stuffy and corporate," she probes.

"Yeah, I get it. It's meant for a magazine, not the Wall Street Journal," I respond, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Exactly," she says, nodding in agreement. "I think I can beef it up a bit, especially with the extra details you give about your background—assuming you did your homework, that is."

I interrupt Genesis, the question bursting from me, "Did Robyn read it?" I just can't help myself. I'm itching to know what's on her mind. Where is she? What's she up to? We haven't talked in days, and it's getting to me. Ever since that Thanksgiving Eve dinner at my parents' place, when she found out I'd be Mr. January, she wasn’t exactly thrilled. And now, I can’t shake her from my thoughts.

Reece has chatted with her, and from what he's told me, she didn't express much enthusiasm about the whole situation. I can understand why. It's not just about the article; it's about what it represents. Mom, in her usual matchmaking mode, trying to find the perfect match for her sons. Robyn, being the wonderful person she is, probably doesn't feel like she's enough or good enough for me. She's got this humility and self-doubt that's both endearing and frustrating. She's the love of my life, and I wish she could see that.

But there's more to it than that. Robyn doesn't want to rock the boat. I remember my mother sent her away for a year. She claimed it was a work assignment in Europe, but it was really about keeping us apart. Mom thought we were getting too close, and she didn't want anything distracting me from my responsibilities. So, she made up this grand opportunity for Robyn and sent her packing.

Robyn didn't fight it. She's that kind of person, always trying to do what's best for everyone else. She didn't want to be the reason I had to choose between her and my family. So, she left, and we've been tiptoeing around our feelings ever since. It's been tough trying to keep whatever we have under wraps, but then again, what's there to hide if we're barely even talking?

"Knox, are you okay? You're kinda zoning out," Genesis asks, her voice laced with concern.

"Oh, sorry, I'm listening. You were saying...about Robyn?" I try to refocus.

Genesis shakes her head, "Yeah, she hasn’t seen it yet. She wants to wait for the final piece, but we’re on a deadline here. I need to get this wrapped up before the New Year. I plan to show her after Christmas."

I nod, my mind racing. "And when does this thing hit the stands?" I ask.

Genesis looks a bit puzzled at my urgency. "What’s up? Are you worried about the article?"

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