Page 12

“What makes you think that there’s something wrong?” I ask. I mimic his earlier stance and cross my arms over my chest, feeling far too exposed under his gaze.

He steps closer, and his large, calloused hand settles on my cheek. “I see it in those beautiful green eyes, Corie girl. Tell me what’s going on.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Did he upset you?” My brow furrows at his assumption. “The asshole you just told that you loved on the phone. Did he upset you?” There’s a growl to his voice.

This makes me smile. “That asshole's name is Sloane, and no, she didn’t upset me.” I watch him carefully and see his shoulders relax.

“Tell me.”

“It’s nothing. Just me being an overly emotional mess.”

He drops his hand from my face, grabs my hand, and leads me to the living room. He sits on the couch and gives my hand a soft tug, and I sit next to him. He turns to face me, and I do the same. “I’m all ears.”

I have a feeling he will keep at it until I tell him, so that’s what I do. I replay my earlier conversation with Landry and even my conversation with Sloane, because she made me feel a little better about the situation.

I don’t know what I expected, but it’s not for Knox to reach into his pocket and pull out his cell phone.

He taps at the screen and places the call to his ear.

“Hey, Sally, it’s Knox. How are you?” he greets whoever this Sally person is.

He listens and then chuckles, the deep sound washing over me like a warm caress.

“Yeah, they’ll be here for all the home games.

You know they don’t like to miss them,” he tells her.

“I just happened to hear through the grapevine that Holly is leaving the organization.” He listens, and then a broad smile lights up his face.

“Good for them. That’s great. And good for me, too, because I have someone perfect for the position. ” His eyes find mine, and he winks.

Why do I feel the flutter of those lashes in my belly like a swarm of butterflies?

“Great, her name is Corie Reynolds. She’s Landry’s sister.

I’ll send her to you first thing Monday morning.

Thanks, Sally.” He ends the call and slides his cell phone back into his pocket.

“Monday morning at eight, you are to be at the stadium to meet with Sally. She’s the director of HR and is friends with my mom.

She said the position is open because Holly is pregnant and leaving to be a full-time mom.

Holly is married to Cody Martin, one of our defensive backs.

Good guy. I know they’ve been trying for a family for a while, so I’m excited for them. ”

My mouth falls open in shock. “Did you seriously just call the head of human resources? For me?”

He chuckles. “Yep.”

“Knox.” My voice cracks.

He leans in and tucks my hair behind my ear. “All better?” he asks.

“Yes, I mean—I can’t believe you did that.”

He shrugs as if he didn’t just do me the biggest favor.

“If I’d known she was leaving, I would have told her about you anyway.

How did Landry find out? Wait, let me guess, Harry?

” He’s smiling widely. “I saw the two of them chatting after drills today. Those two are the gossip kings of the Rampage.”

Before I can reply, my phone rings and Landry’s name flashes on the screen. I answer, putting the call on speaker so that Knox can hear. “Hey, Knox is here, and you’re on speaker,” I tell him. I hate being on speaker when I don’t know who can hear me on the call.

“Shit, I forgot he was coming over. Sorry, man,” Landry says. “I had to come to talk to Coach for Corie.”

“It’s all good,” Knox answers.

“Anyway, Corie, Coach Warner didn’t know about the position, but he’s going to put out some feelers and get back to me.”

“No need,” Knox speaks up. “I took care of it.”

“What do you mean? How did you take care of it?”

“I called Sally in HR. She’s good friends with my mom. They met when Mom was visiting a few years ago and hit it off.” He shrugs as if it’s no big deal. “Corie is meeting with her Monday morning at eight,” Knox explains.

Landry lets out a yelp in celebration. It’s so loud I wince and hold the phone further away. “That’s fucking right. Rampage for the win!” Landry cheers.

Knox just grins while my belly flips. This could be the break I’ve been waiting for.

Not only that, but I also get the chance to work for the same organization as my brother.

If I’m being honest, working for a professional sports team is my dream job.

I grew up living football with Landry. I’ve supported him every step of the way.

I love the game, and this couldn’t be more perfect.

I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I really want this opportunity.

“I’m going to swing by and pick up something for dessert. Don’t start on dinner without me,” Landry demands.

“We’ll wait for you,” I assure him. “Be safe.”

“Always.” The call ends, and I drop my phone onto the couch cushion.

“Thank you, Knox. This means so much to me for you to reach out on my behalf. Thank you,” I say again, because I genuinely have no words to tell him how much his kindness means to me.

“Anytime, Corie girl. I hate seeing you sad. Now, what smells so damn good?”

“I made dinner, and you’re joining us. There’s plenty.”

“Thank you. What is it?”

“I don’t really have a name for it. It’s chicken with pasta, marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, and a bunch of seasoning. It sounds weird, but I promise, it’s the best thing you’ll ever taste.”

His eyes heat. “I’m not so sure about that, but I’m certain it will be as delicious as you say. You made it, after all.” Another wink and another flight of butterflies lift off in my belly.

His heated gaze holds me captive. I want to reach out and run my fingers through his hair.

Maybe trace a few of his tattoos—or all of them—with my tongue.

Something weird is going on between us. I hadn’t seen him since the night we all got together and watched movies where he held my hand beneath the blanket like we were in grade school, hiding from our parents. I fell asleep on his shoulder.

When I’d woken, Sloane had been lying on me, while I’d been snuggled close to Knox, and Landry had been snoring in the recliner.

We didn’t talk about it. He simply kissed my temple and said goodnight.

He stood slowly, and I watched him leave.

I waited until he was out the door before waking Sloane and Landry to go to bed.

I want to talk to Sloane about it, but I haven’t yet.

I guess I’ve been keeping that night just for me for a little while longer.

I don’t know what it meant, if anything.

I do know that he’s Knox freaking Beckett, the number one quarterback in the league, and he could have anyone he wants.

I can tell you that’s not me—his best friend’s unemployed little sister.

Maybe if I don’t talk about it, I won’t jinx it, and I’ll get more of those little moments with him—moments like earlier when he cradled my cheek with a look of concern, asking what was wrong.

If I don’t talk about it, I can pretend he’s mine, at least in those stolen moments.

However, I can admit to myself that the crush I’ve always had on Knox Beckett is alive and well.