Unexpected Eva (Triple Trouble #3)(14)

“Do you like to cook?” Knox glides around his kitchen with relaxed confidence. He takes two champagne glasses down from an overhead cupboard and then a bottle of champagne from the integrated wine cooler.

He pulls a glass tray of fresh strawberries from the fridge. He’s refined and sophisticated as he moves with dominant ease.

Not knowing what to do with myself, I continue to stand in the middle of this overwhelming space, my arms crisscrossed around my body. I’m warm, but I don’t want to take Knox’s jacket off. It smells too good.

“I do, yeah. I’m an excellent baker too. My nana taught me. My mom’s mom. Eden and Ella were never that interested, but I loved spending time with her. She was a great baker.” I smile at the memory of my cuddly nana. She was a short, white-haired woman. The only way to describe her was round. And jolly. She was as wide as she was tall.

“I can’t remember the last time I used the cooker,” he says, watching me as he removes the foil from the top of the dark-green bottle of champagne.

“That’s a travesty. Your cooker isn’t living out its gastronomic purpose.”

“You’ll have to show me how to use it properly this weekend, then.” Expertly, he untwists the cork cage. With precision, he slowly turns the bottle and with a low hiss, then a dramatic pop, the cork breaks free from the bottle, with Knox’s firm hand capturing it.

“Okay.” Why am I so nervous? I should act like the strong woman I am. Not some silly teenage girl, like I feel tonight. And I bet Knox has been with some remarkable women.

He certainly can’t be short of offers from the many glamorous women who frequent his hotel and spa. He’s gorgeous. One of the most sought-after bachelors in the county.

Why has he never settled down with anyone?

I only ever see him with Sam. His black Labrador is always by his side, even in the hotel.

“Where’s Sam?”

I’ve watched Knox many times as he saunters along the beach. I love to watch him exercising Sam. His strong golden arms give off some serious arm-porn vibes. His all year round Mediterranean tan, although now I know why, makes me wonder what the rest of him is like underneath all of those designer clothes he wears. And his suits. Don’t get me started on the suits. He’s a Greek Adonis in a suit. Literally.

He always seems lost in thought as he walks the beaches. He’s a solitary character. Almost reclusive. He’s not one to speak about people or even spend much time around anyone. He’s careful about who he associates with. He reminds me of that title of the Phil Collins’ album my dad used to listen to all the time when we were growing up, Hello, I Must Be Going. He’s exactly like that. Been here, done it, now I’m off.

I’ve only ever seen him out at the Vault nightclub in town a handful of times with a couple of his old school buddies. Every time, I knew he was watching me. It was subtle. But there.

He’s always there. On the outer parameters, observing.

He shakes me from my thoughts. “Sam will be up the stairs, sleeping. He’s a grumpy old man now. He needs his sleep.” He holds his hand out and beckons me to him. “Come.”

I tip-tap my heels across the immaculate shiny floor. He leans into me and pushes his dress jacket down my arms, then throws it across the white sparkle granite countertop of the gigantic kitchen island.

Unexpectedly, he loops his powerful arms around my waist and summons my eyes up to his. He’s so tall and I want to climb him like a tree.

“You don’t have to be nervous around me, Eva. You know me.”

“I do, but it’s because it is you.” I lay my hands flat against his chest.

Time stretches between us as he contemplates. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for such a long time.”

“Me too,” I whisper.

His eyes shimmer in the light. “I want you, Eva.”

His confession does things to my heart I can’t even explain. It feels happy.

“How long?”

“Too long.”

That didn’t answer my question.

“Eva, you being here tonight. I never expected this. What about…”

I push my pointer finger against his lips. “Don’t. Let’s have this weekend. Together. Just us. Two nights. Okay?”

His eyes crinkle at the sides.

Knox bobs his head slowly up and down, agreeing with me. I think.

He’s a deep thinker.

I want to know what’s going on beneath that hard exterior he wears.

You actually never know what’s going on with him because he really is a man of few words. Tonight is the most I’ve ever spoken with him in at least ten years. That’s how long my dad’s been playing golf with him and since Knox took over The Sanctuary from his father.

His father, Gregor, still sits on the hotel board, but the everyday running of the hotel and spa is Knox and Lincoln’s responsibility.

“Champagne?” he asks me eventually, still holding on to me.

“Yes, please.”

That’s not what I expected him to say. I expected him to go all domineering and lay down the law with me, saying he wanted more than two nights.

I thought he would fight for me. Maybe. Oh, I don’t know.

Do I even want that?

Hell, yeah. I think maybe I do.

“Up.” Knox slaps the granite worktop, instructing me to hop on top.