Page 11 of Knox (Graeme #3)

I Miss You

G inger and her husband, Mike, were removing garment bags containing costumes from the back of a van when I pulled around the building to park. Students were waiting for their costumes, and Knox hurried out to get his.

Lacey's shrill laughter echoed through the building as she walked in behind us, but thankfully, tonight, she wasn't laughing at me. I stopped in the office, grabbing the clipboard to take roll, and make notes for Ian.

Chose my normal seat in the center of the auditorium and waited while everyone changed for the first scene.

The seat beside me eased down, and Jasper's familiar cologne teased me.

"What are you doing here?" I murmured as I read over the notes Ian had made last night.

"I missed you. Can't really respond on my phone. Lana checks it five times a day," he said.

"Huh."

"Josh, I didn't plan this."

"You didn't tell me either. Could have and I would have understood."

Knox walked onto the stage wearing his suit, fedora pulled low over his face, and I smiled as he acted like he was on the runway.

He struck a pose and tilted the hat up, delivering a wicked smile, causing me to laugh.

The man had perfect timing, and his little show kept me from hitting Jasper.

Knox was really cute, too. I pulled my phone from my pocket and snapped a photo.

He strutted behind the curtain again, and I turned my attention back to the clipboard, checking Knox off for attendance.

"Knox is cool," Jasper said.

"He is, yeah. Do you need something?" Okay, I was being mean.

"For you to forgive me. I want to be friends, Josh."

"Friends. I drove you crazy, Jasper. You don't like me, so how can we be friends?"

He placed his hand on top of mine, catching the pen. "Josh, I love you. Just because my brother is stupid doesn't mean I-"

"I can't do this right now, Jasper," I whispered, easing out of his grasp. "You didn't tell me. Did you expect to have us both?"

He stood when Ian walked out from behind the curtain and Finn exited the stage door. "Please forgive me."

Jasper hurried up the aisle with Finn behind him. Ian watched me for a moment, and I smiled.

My uncle worried about me, and I loved him for it, but this was something he couldn't help me with. I had to handle it on my own.

My cell vibrated in my hand, and I glanced at the screen.

Knox You okay? He's not supposed to talk to you anymore.

Me Well, that explains some things. Yeah. I'm good. Love the suit. You look good.

Knox Thanks.

"Places!" Ian hollered, and I tucked my phone back into my pocket as Finn strode past my row on his way to the stage.

His brother, Adam, joined me then, and I looked around, discovering Damon standing behind the center seats at the back.

"Are we expecting an attack?" I whispered.

"No. Jasper broke the rules, Josh. You are Ian MacGraeme's heir, and therefore heir to the Chief. Jasper cannot speak to you anymore."

"Who is watching the horses?"

Adam laughed softly. "There are several of us, Josh. You and Ian are in the barn; Damon and I are in the barn. You're here and we're here."

"I have a date tonight," I blurted, and Adam lips twitched.

"I know."

How did he know? I only told Ian. Ian probably told Finn. Well, damn. What were the repercussions of a date? Why was everything so complicated?

"Are you going, too?" I whispered, and he nodded subtly, his eyes on the stage.

Jasper and I didn't need a sitter when we left the house. Why did I have a guard now?