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My spirits dim just a little at that information.

Sally must notice because she adds, “I’m not sure we need to look further.” She winks at me. “I’ll contact you in a few days and update you on the process.”

The wink… does that mean she’s going to offer me the job?

I push that to the back of my mind, thank her again, and step outside the building.

It’s not until I’m in my car with the air conditioning running that I scream in excitement.

The interview was great, and that wink has to be what that meant.

Sally and I hit it off instantly, and she put me at ease.

I want this so badly.

Pulling my phone out of my purse, I see a missed text message from my brother.

Landry: How did it go?

Landry: Are you still with her?

Landry: You’re killing me here, little sister. I need details.

Landry: I called to talk to Sally, and her assistant said she was in an interview. That’s a good sign, right?

I smile as my fingers fly across the keyboard to reply to him.

Me: Just finished up. I’m sitting in my car in the parking lot. It went well, I think.

Landry: Of course, it went well. You’re a Reynolds.

Landry: Just in case, want me to make a call? I know Knox already did, but I can, too.

Me: No. I want to do this on my own. Thank you. You both have been great, but it’s in my hands now.

Landry: Fine.

He follows that up with a string of pouting emojis, which makes me laugh.

Me: I’m heading home now.

Landry: I’m here. The guys and I are hanging out by the pool.

He follows that up with a picture of the pool. When he says guys, I’m sure it’s his core group of friends from the offensive line. The five of them have become thick as thieves over the years.

That also means that Knox will be there. I need to thank him for today and then keep my distance. No way do I want to risk him getting benched or, worse, traded over some harmless flirting.

It was fun while it lasted.

I go to drop my phone into the cupholder but scroll through my contacts instead. I stop when I find Knox’s name. When I went away to college, Landry gave me a list of his closest teammates’ numbers in case I needed him and couldn’t reach him. I’ve never used any of them. Not once.

Biting down on my bottom lip, I waver back and forth about whether this is a good idea, but texting is better than getting flustered and not being able to thank him properly face-to-face.

Also, it cuts back on the interaction we need to have.

I have to distance myself from the sexy, irresistible quarterback.

Decision made, I start a new message and quickly hit Send before I can change my mind.

Me: Hey, it’s Corie. Landry gave me your number when I left for college. Sorry to text, but I wanted to say thank you for the inside connection with Sally. I just left my interview, and it went really well. I appreciate your help.

I don’t know what I expected, but it’s not an immediate reply.

Knox Beckett: No thanks needed. I’m glad it went well.

His reply has me smiling so big, my face starts to hurt. I don’t reply. Instead, I heart his message and point my car toward home.

The house is quiet, so I know the guys are still outside. I debate on joining them but think better of it. I want to say hello, which is how I find myself in my pencil skirt, white blouse, and heels, making my way to the edge of the pool.

“Damn, baby Reynolds,” Reid calls out from the pool.

“Knock it off,” Landry scolds him.

“What?” Reid acts innocent. We all know he’s trying to get a rise out of my brother. “She’s a beautiful woman. I can appreciate that without touching her.”

“No, you can’t,” Knox says, a growl in his voice.

Reid grins widely, and his attention is on me so he doesn’t see Foster coming at him and dunking him underwater. Knox comes out of the water, sputtering with laughter and flipping Foster off before wiping the water from his face.

“How was the interview?” Baker asks.

I smile at him. “Good. It went really well.”

“Nice. It’ll be good to have you as a part of the Rampage family,” he tells me.

“She’s already a part of the Rampage family,” Landry corrects him.

“Yeah, but this way, she’s doing it on her own.” Baker winks, and I offer him a grateful smile.

“What he said.” I point to Baker.

“Whatever,” Landry pouts. “You’re my family.”

“When will you know? Did Sally say?” Knox asks me.

“She said that she’d update me on the process in a few days. The position hasn’t been posted yet, so I was the first interview.”

“They should just stop with you,” Landry tells me. “You’re obviously the best one for the job.”

“I think you’re a little biased, big brother, but I’ll take the compliment.”

“Go get your suit on and join us,” Landry tells me.

“Thanks, but I started a book last night. I’m going to change out of these clothes and curl up on the couch and finish it.” I wave at the guys, turn on my heels, and head back to the house.

It doesn’t take me long to change into a pair of shorts and a tank top, grab my Kindle, and head downstairs to the living room. I’m settling in when the patio door opens. I look up and see Knox step into the living room.

“Hey.” He grins. In a few long strides, he’s standing next to where I’m sitting, curled up in the corner of the couch.

He perches his ass on the edge and glances over at me.

“You looked beautiful today.” He places his hand on my bare knee, and chills race down my spine at the contact.

Knox notices and reaches for the throw on the back of the couch and covers me with it.

He has no idea his touch is affecting me and not the cool air conditioning.

“Thanks.” I smile and try not to let him see me reacting to his touch.

“You’ll get it, Corie girl. I know you will.

” His hand lands on my knee, this time the blanket separating his skin from mine, but the action is no less potent.

He leans in as if he’s going to kiss me, and I lick my lips, knowing it’s wrong but not doing a damn thing to stop him.

Instead, he reaches out and pushes my hair out of my eyes.

His palm rests against my cheek for a few rapid heartbeats before he stands and walks away.

My heart is racing, and my hands are sweaty.

I’m making too much out of this. Knox is just being Knox.

It’s my crush that has me seeing things that aren’t really there.

Right? I’ve trusted the wrong man in the past, and I told myself that I was going to focus on finding a job and moving into my own place before I started to date again.

Not that Knox wants to date me. He’s Landry’s best friend.

He’s Knox Beckett, and he’s way out of my league.

I know all of this to be true, yet my heart still beats to a rhythm of ridiculous hope that he could one day be mine.