Page 5

CHAPTER 5

LARK

When I first wake up, I don’t want to open my eyes.

I just want to lie here, feeling warm and cozy and safe, listening to the relaxing sound of the flames in the fireplace and breathing in the aroma of something savory cooking in the kitchen.

I want to enjoy the buttery-softness of the blanket tucked over me, still smelling faintly of fabric softener, and the downy cushions of the couch I fell asleep on.

And most importantly, I want to absorb Knox’s silent presence at the other end of the couch—his hand lightly resting on my foot, the slight dip of the cushion beneath his weight, and his familiar scent wrapping around me.

With my eyes still closed, I can pretend things are different, at least for a little while.

I can imagine that we’re at my house, maybe on an actual date instead of the quick meals and visits we usually have, relaxing together after dinner and a movie.

In this imaginary setup, when I finally open my eyes, Knox will hug me. Tell me how cute I looked while I was sleeping. Then we’ll kiss, and I’ll get to find out at last if he’s as good of a kisser as I think he is.

He must be. A man as handsome as Knox must have had lots of practice. Plus, there’s just this intensity about him, like he would pour everything he has—his strength, his tenderness, his fierce protectiveness—into a kiss.

But why am I thinking about kissing him? Or dating him, for that matter?

Why am I laying here reliving the moments when he hugged me, remembering how amazing it felt to be held by him and how disappointed I was when he finally let go?

He said we were friends. It couldn’t have been clearer that he’s not interested in anything more.

And didn’t I just tell Kate the same thing? That Knox and I are just friends? That it’s better that way?

After all, I’ve sworn off relationships. They only end up with me feeling hurt and rejected.

Keeping things platonic with Knox makes more sense. Especially now, considering the absolute mess my life has turned into.

I mean, seriously. I was shot . There’s a man out there somewhere who’s very likely looking for me. And now he’s not only after me for whatever reason he came to start with, but I’ve probably pissed him off royally by shooting him .

My house is a crime scene. I don’t know how much of a mess it is, but there has to be blood, the dust they use for fingerprints, and I know I heard the laundry door breaking as I ran for the woods. So at the very least, I’m not going back there before a deep-cleaning, new door, and a top-of-the-line security system.

That’s if I can bring myself to go back there at all.

So, really, I shouldn’t be thinking about my conflicted feelings about Knox.

“Lark, sweetheart.” Knox rubs my foot gently. His voice is all low and rumbly, setting off a tiny flutter in my belly. “Can you wake up for me for a second?”

I open my eyes to find Knox staring at me, his eyes filled with apology. “I’m sorry, Lark. I hate to wake you up, but I need to meet with the team soon. And I didn’t want to just leave without talking to you.”

“Oh.” I shake my head to clear the lingering fog from my nap. As I start to push myself up, Knox moves quickly, sliding his arm behind me to help. Once I’m sitting, I ask, “How long was I asleep?”

“A couple of hours.” He smiles. “You passed out about five minutes into the movie.”

“Have you been here the entire time?”

“Of course. I wasn’t going to just leave.” His tone is lightly scolding. “I told you I was staying. I don’t break my promises. And I definitely wouldn’t have left without talking to you first.”

My cheeks heat. “Right. I’m sorry. I just… I feel bad that you’ve just been sitting here.” An alarming thought hits me. “I didn’t snore, did I?”

“Well…” Knox drags out the word .

“I did?”

The embarrassment. I never thought I was a snorer until my last ex accused me of it, claiming that’s why he never spent the night.

Although it turned out he was cheating on me, so it clearly wasn’t my snoring that kept him away.

“No, Lark.” He smiles. “I was just kidding.” Gaze softening, he adds, “But you did make some pretty cute noises while you slept.”

Eeesh. That doesn’t sound much better. “Noises?”

His lips twitch. “Yeah. Kind of… snuffly. Like a puppy.”

I jolt straight up, ignoring the flare of pain in my arm at the movement. My voice pitches up. “I sound like a puppy when I’m sleeping?”

“Not exactly.” Knox brushes a finger across my cheek, cool against my heated skin. “I didn’t explain myself well. It was just… cute. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

Augh . Wait ‘til I tell Kate about this. The sexiest man I’ve ever met compared the sounds I make when I sleep to a puppy. She’ll pee herself laughing.

“Lark. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Concern darkens his gaze. “I would never intentionally hurt you. I swear.”

Crap. Now I feel bad. The poor guy sat with me for hours, while I snuffled like a puppy, no less, made me food, brought me to this amazing cabin, stayed with me in the hospital, and protected me last night when I was in danger. A little embarrassment over an innocent comment is nothing compared to that.

“I’m fine,” I assure him. With a little smile, I ask, “But the important question is—what kind of puppy? A cute one like a Golden Retriever? Or one of those slobbery ones that drool all over?”

After a second or two of silence, Knox chuckles. “Definitely a cute Golden Retriever. And I didn’t see a hint of drool anywhere.”

“Okay. I do love Goldens. So I guess that’s alright.”

Then we both laugh, his smile as big as mine, and any remaining embarrassment fades. In its place, this sort of… warmth expands inside me. But not just warmth. It’s fizzy and electric and sends little frissons of anticipation through my body.

As we look at each other, I forget everything else. All I see is Knox’s handsome features—his Roman nose and strong cheekbones and the gorgeous sapphire color of his eyes. All I can think about is him, and how inexplicably happy I am despite the chaos I’m facing.

After a minute or an hour, I can’t quite tell, Knox breaks our gaze to glance into the kitchen. “I started some chicken soup while you were asleep. It needs another hour or so to really get the full flavor from it. But if you’re hungry now, it’s ready.”

“You made chicken soup?”

“Yes. But don’t get too excited. It’s a really basic recipe. Nothing fancy about it.”

“But it’s not from a can?”

He gives me an offended look. “Are you saying you don’t think I can cook? I made you burgers a couple of weeks ago, didn’t I?”

“No, no.” Catching his hand, I give it a little squeeze. “I just… I wasn’t expecting home-cooked food is all. Especially after staying up so late, and you must be exhausted?— ”

“I’m fine, Lark. I took a little power nap while you were sleeping. And I don’t get a lot of sleep normally, so”—he shrugs—“missing a night of sleep isn’t a big deal.”

To me, it seems like a big deal, but I’m not going to push. Instead, I say, “Well, it smells delicious. But I don’t want to eat without you. Maybe we can have it when you’re done with your meeting?”

Wait. Is he still coming back after? Knox said he would, but it’s a big ask. I’m sure he has tons of things to do at home, and he has to work tomorrow… I quickly add, “It’s okay if you need to go home, though. I mean… I’m all settled here…”

Which is true. Thanks to Winter and Enzo, I have enough clothes and toiletries to keep me stocked for weeks. And the cabin’s fridge is stocked, so I’m really all set. There’s no reason Knox needs to be here.

Do I want him here? Yes. Absolutely. But I don’t want to be selfish.

Knox stares at me for a second. Then he smiles. “And miss out on that delicious soup? No way. Plus, we never got to finish that excellent movie we started. I’m dying to find out how it ends.”

I raise my eyebrows at him. “You want to find out how The Golden Gingerbread Bachelor turns out?”

“Oh, yes. From the bit I saw, the movie sounds fascinating. A dating contest where the senior bachelor has to wear a gingerbread man costume so the women get to know his personality without being swayed by his looks? How could I not want to see it?”

A half giggle-half snort slips out. “Don’t forget, he owns a gingerbread factory. And the whole contest is a way to raise money to save it.”

“Right.” He grins, his eyes twinkling with laughter. “So you understand. It’s a must-see.”

“Definitely.”

Knox’s phone buzzes from the coffee table, and he glances over to read the screen. “Crap.”

My heart lurches. “What’s wrong?”

Standing, he pats my knee. “Sorry. Nothing’s wrong. I’m just late for the meeting, is all.”

“Oh.” Guilt spears through me. Knox told me he had to get to this meeting—about my case, no less—and here I am, distracting him. “You should go, then.”

“I guess.”

I push the blanket off my lap and turn to put my feet on the floor. “It’s okay. I’ll be fine.”

His gaze moves to my arm. “Do you need a pain pill? How is your arm feeling?”

“It’s alright.” Throbbing, but it could be worse.

“Maybe you should take another one with dinner, at least. I think it’s better to take them with food. In case your stomach is sensitive.”

His phone buzzes again, and this time, Knox snatches it up and types out a quick message. A line etches across his forehead.

“Are they upset that you’re not there yet?”

“No.” He sighs. “Honestly? I hate leaving you.”

Oh.

Friends would say that, right?

Wouldn’t they?

Even though the thought of Knox leaving makes me feel sick to my stomach, I force a smile as I say, “I’m really okay. I’ll just… watch some TV. Or I’ll call my dad. Even though he knows I’m safe, he worries.”

“Still…” Knox taps out another message. “I’d rather?—”

The phone buzzes. This time, he smiles as he reads the incoming reply. “Okay. We have a plan. Winter is coming over while we have our meeting. She has some more things for you, and she’s been wanting to meet you…”

And the unsaid part—in case I freak out being alone, there’s someone here to calm me down.

I won’t freak out, and I know I can handle an hour or two alone in this cabin, but I can tell Knox is really worried. Which feels pretty darn good, actually. And Winter is dating one of Knox’s closest friends, so it would be nice to get to know her.

“Okay.” I bob my head at him. “That sounds good. I’d like to meet her, too.”

He exhales. “Good. I think you’ll really like Winter. And I’ll be back in an hour or so. But if something comes up and you need me, just text. Okay?”

“I will.”

I won’t. Not after everything else he’s done for me.

Knox kneels in front of me, his gaze dark and intense. “I mean it, Lark. If you need anything, text. Or call. Don’t feel like you’re bothering me.”

Those flutters start up in my stomach again. Slightly breathlessly, I reply, “Okay.”

After a long pause, he asks, “Would it be okay if I hugged you before I leave?”

Friends hug, right? And I did ask him for one earlier. So it’s really no big deal .

I nod at him. “Yes. I would really like that.”

But as he carefully gives me a one-armed hug, drawing me into his very broad chest, something inside me clicks. My heart expands.

There’s the faintest brush of softness across my hair. A whisper of breath.

Knox kissing me?

Oh.

OH.

I’ve never felt like this before. Like there’s nowhere in the world I’d rather be.

Is it possible he feels the same way?

Is it possible he’s been holding back, just like me?

And maybe, despite my stubborn insistence on staying single, on only being friends, I want more.

In the midst of my revelation, the doorbell rings.

We both startle, and Knox pulls away from me, an indecipherable emotion in his gaze. “I’m sure it’s Winter,” he says, “but we have a display by the door and a camera right outside. It’s hard-wired, so no one can hack into it using Wi-Fi. It might seem like overkill, but it’s the most secure way to do it.”

A tiny shiver runs down my back. Considering my security system, which does run on Wi-Fi, did absolutely nothing for me last night, I’ll take this method instead.

A few minutes later, after introductions and effusive thanks for getting my stuff from my house, Knox is finally ready to leave. But he lingers by the door, giving last-minute instructions instead.

“Take a pain pill if you’re really hurting,” he tells me. “ They’re in the kitchen, right by the coffeemaker. And if you need me, just call. I’ll have my phone on.”

To Winter, who’s watching him with an amused smile, he says, “Lark was a little dizzy earlier. And she only slept a couple of hours. So if she?—”

“Knox.” Winter’s voice is gentle but firm. “I know you’re concerned. But Lark and I are both grown women. I think we’ll be okay.”

“I know.” A sheepish smile lifts his lips. “I just… you know.”

“I’ll call if there’s a problem,” I promise. “And I’ll see you soon.”

Once the door shuts behind him, Winter flops onto the couch and turns toward me, crossing her legs, pretzel-style. She grins. “I’ve never seen Knox like this before. It’s cute.”

“Cute?”

Winter twists her long, caramel hair as she replies, “Well, I haven’t known Knox that long, just since the summer, but I’ve spent a good amount of time with him. The guys on the team, they’re really close, you know? So we all go into town to hang out at Blissful Brews, or they come over to our house for dinner. And in all that time, the only woman I’ve ever heard him talk about is you.”

“Oh?” I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling. “What does he say?”

“How smart you are. How impressed he is by you. Every time I see Knox, he mentions something about this mysterious neighbor of his. Oh, Lark came up with this amazing all-natural recipe to deter mice. She’s too kind- hearted to put traps out. Lark loves to read; she said she reads at least three books a week. Stuff like that. ”

Watching my expression, Winter adds, “In all the times I’ve been out with the guys, he’s never responded to any of the women who approach him. But with you… he’s so… attentive. Concerned.”

“I’m sure it’s just because of everything that happened,” I reply. “We’re just friends.”

“ Are you?” One eyebrow arches up. Her lips quirk.

“Yes.” But it doesn’t sound very certain.

“These guys, they’ve all been through some crap,” she explains. “Stuff in the military. You know they all served, right?”

“Yes.” I pull the blanket back over my knees. “Knox, Enzo, and Alec were Green Berets. Gage was a Night Stalker. And Ronan was Delta.”

“Yup. So all of them, they still are dealing with some of the bad memories, you know? Like Enzo, he lost a teammate overseas. And he moved back here after his grandfather died. So he was dealing with a lot when I met him. It made him… hesitant to open up at first.”

“And you think Knox is the same way?”

She nods. “I do. And I know you don’t know me yet, so you might be thinking, why is this stranger getting all in my business? Why am I bringing this up at all?” Winter grimaces. “And I am being a bit of a busybody. But Knox… all the guys… they were so great when I was in trouble. Green Mountain Guardians didn’t even exist back then. But they all stepped up to help, anyway.”

Winter pauses before continuing, “I just wanted you to know. Knox is fantastic. And… I saw the way he looked at you. Maybe you don’t feel the same way about him, and that’s okay. You don’t have to. But if you do…” She gives a tiny shrug. “Maybe it’s something to think about.”

And even though I literally just met Winter, she’s so friendly and she looks like she really cares about Knox, I find myself asking, “You don’t think it’s a bad time? With everything going on?”

This time, she doesn’t hesitate to answer. “I thought the same thing in the beginning, with Enzo. But then I realized love doesn’t always come at the most convenient time. Sometimes it shows up when you least expect it.”

“Oh.” Suddenly flustered, I say, “I’m not in love. I mean…”

“Right. Of course not.” Winter grins again. “Not yet, at least.”

My cheeks go hot. “Oh. Well?—”

“Anyway.” Taking pity on me, she quickly changes the topic. “I brought some stuff over. Candles. Some aromatherapy. Candy. Cookies. Things to help you relax.”

I chuckle. “Cookies are relaxing?”

Winter laughs. “Well, the candles and aromatherapy are. Candy and cookies are just necessary.”

Knox was right. I do like Winter.

“So, I also heard you like Hallmark movies,” she adds. “I like them, too. And there’s a new one I haven’t seen yet. About a Christmas lights factory that’s about to be bought out by a high-powered businesswoman from?—”

“The big city,” I finish with a smile. “ Lights On for Christmas . I’ve been wanting to see it. ”

“Well, then.” Winter grabs the remote off the table and clicks the TV on. “We definitely need to watch it.”

“We do,” I agree.

While we wait for the movie to start, my mind wanders to other, romantic things.

Like Knox. And if what Winter said was right.

Is he really interested?

Is it worth risking my heart again to give it a shot?