Page 45 of Anyone But You

“To protect my curls. Next question.”

This man gets on my everlasting nerves. He has the gall to be so nonchalant when he’s dressed like someone’s Big Mama.

“Your hair is getting a little hang time, and now you’re acting brand new.”

“A little? I can put it in a ponytail now. As you would say, you’re hating.”

“Knox Sharkeisha Ramsey, ain’t nobody hating on you.”

“Hey. I kinda like that,” he said, chuckling at my diss.

“You would,” I huffed, staring into the fire.

“It has a nice little ring to it.”

“When are you going to tell me your middle name?”

“When we’re rescued,” he answered honestly.

Okay…probably never.

“Who hurt you?”

“Excuse me?” he asked. His brow raised to the top of his head, and he paused, licking the chocolate wrapper.

“I don’t believe the workaholic bit, and that’s why you’re a forever bachelor. Somebody hurt you.”

He remained silent but resumed his licking activities. I looked away briefly.

This man is licking this wrapper in the same reverent way he licks my cat.

“You first,” he said, catching me off guard.

“Excuse me?” It was my turn to question him in disbelief.

“I don’t believe the overworked executive assistant bit. You’re a very intelligent and attractive woman with a heart of gold, Victoria. You could have any man you desire.”

“And you’re a wealthy, handsome man with a heart of coal. You could have any woman you desire,” I rebutted.

He snickered. “You forgot intelligent.”

“I didn’t forget. That was intentional.”

“I have the woman I desire,” he answered casually, not realizing that he was making my heart do illegal Simone Biles moves in my chest.

“Anyway, what’s your story? What’s her name?”

“You first.”

“I asked first,” I argued back.

“I have to go last for dramatic effect.”

“Why do you always have to be so fucking difficult? Damn,” I muttered. “His name was Desmond Banks—”

“Desmond Banks? Why does that name sound familiar?” Knox asked, narrowing his eyes as he attempted to pinpoint why his name was ringing a bell.

“He was my high school sweetheart, and we dated throughout college. He played football and was drafted to—”