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CHAPTER 28
Candice rubbed herarms and stared out of the window of the police cruiser as Knox silently drove her back to the Baker Mansion. Things had gotten a little better between them, but they still weren’t anywhere like it had been before Natalie showed up.
When they pulled up, Candice opened the door before he had the car turned off.
“Thanks for taking me to the hospital to see Sutton.” Candice forced herself to look into his eyes.
That was a big mistake, because in those eyes she saw all of the need that she was trying so hard to keep at bay.
“Would you like to come in?” The offer was out before she knew what she was saying.
Knox didn’t even hesitate to turn the police cruiser off and race around the back of the car to extend a hand to Candice.
She blushed and took his arm. It was sweet and old-fashioned, and something in her heart fluttered for the briefest moment. Candice fumbled with her keys but eventually was able to get the door open. Maggie and Brian were somewhere in the house, so she motioned for Knox to follow her into the kitchen. She had intended on making coffee, but the moment she set her purse down, Knox had his arm around her waist and was drawing her close.
“I need to talk to you.” His voice was gruff.
Candice swallowed nervously. “We are talking.”
Knox growled. “I don’t mind talking here, but if I end up losing control and trying to fuck you on the counters, I don’t think Sutton will appreciate it.”
Candice gasped as she registered the impossibly hard cock that brushed against her belly.
“We could—” She coughed. “We could go to my room?”
“Perfect.” Knox released her and followed when Candice picked her purse back up again and made her way to the steps leading to the basement.
Knox hadn’t expected a basement to be as gorgeous as this one was. The ceilings were at least ten feet and the light colors made it feel open and breezy. There was a full apartment downstairs with three bedrooms. One Maggie was using, and Brian was in the other. But Candice’s room was at the other end of the basement; it was the largest and had a full en suite with a walk-in closet. The other two bedrooms had bathrooms as well, but they were smaller and only consisted of a shower.
The moment she closed the door, Candice rounded on him.
“You wanted to talk, so let’s talk. We don’t need to be naked or fucking to communicate.”
Knox grinned. “But you must admit that it is more fun that way.”
Candice narrowed her eyes. “You have five minutes.”
His face grew serious. “Candice, I am sick of us dancing around each other. I don’t know how I fucked up so badly. All I know is that I will do anything to get you to forgive me. I am miserable without you in my life. I need you. I love you, and I hate being apart from each other.”
Candice wanted to believe him, she really did. But a large part of her was still worried that if another Natalie came along the same thing would happen.
“Say something,” he pleaded. “What happened?”
Candice cleared her throat. “Did you have feelings for Natalie?”
Knox frowned. “Was I angry that she was an undercover detective?”
“No!” Candice was exasperated. “She’s a beautiful woman, Knox! I know that men like women who look like that and who flaunt their ‘assets’ like she did.”
He shook his head. “You think Natalie is beautiful?”
Candice’s lips were pinched. “You don’t?”