Page 142 of The Silver Fox Brother

I nod. "Alright. Let's go."

The afternoon passes as we visit another property—a smaller development in a different part of Naples. Knox walks me through the concept, points out specific design choices, asks my thoughts on material selections. It's professional. Focused. But there's an undercurrent of tension that never quite dissipates. By the time we finish, the sun is starting to lower in the sky. We get back in the car and Knox gives the driver directions back to the Four Seasons.

"I have an event tonight," Knox says as we drive.

"A banquet dinner. Client-sponsored. I want you to attend with me."

I glance at him. "Okay. What's the dress code?"

Knox looks at me, and there's something flirtatious in his expression.

"You have a little black dress and nice shoes?"

"Yes."

"Then you're fine."

I hold his gaze for a beat longer than necessary before looking away. We arrive back at the resort and head inside. The lobby is busier now, guests moving through the space, staff attending to check-ins and inquiries. We make our way to the elevator and step inside. As we ride up, Knox speaks.

"You should order room service. Get whatever you want." He pauses.

"We can meet around seven."

There's a beat of silence.

"Where should we meet?" I ask.

"Should I just knock on your door?"

Knox looks at me. "I guess we can meet in the lobby. If that's more comfortable for you."

We stare at each other in the elevator, the air between us thick with unspoken tension.

The elevator dings and the doors slide open, breaking the moment.

I step out of the trance. "Okay. I'll be ready."

I step out of the elevator and walk down the hall, Knox following a few paces behind. We arrive at our respective suite doors at the same time. I try to resist, but I can't help glancing back over my shoulder before I swipe my key card.

Knox is looking at me.

I turn the handle and walk inside, closing the door behind me. I take a deep breath and lean against the door for a moment. Then I walk to the bedroom, straight to my suitcase and I pull out the black dress I packed, along with the heels and the small clutch I brought. I never leave home without it.

I set everything on the bed and assess the outfit. Whatever this evening is, I need to be ready.

ChapterSixteen

Knox

I'm standing in the grand lobby, finishing a call with Fletcher about the Riverside project timeline.

"We'll discuss it when I'm back in New York," I say, wrapping up the conversation.

"Send me the updated projections by end of day tomorrow."

I end the call and slip my phone into my pocket.

7:02 pm.