Page 161 of The Silver Fox Brother

"But the idea seems great," he adds.

"I never really clung to it over the years. Sometimes people get caught up in the idea of a dream or a fantasy, and it doesn't do them any good. I have to deal with what's right in front of me."

He looks directly at me as he says that last part.

My breath catches in my throat. I'm not sure how to read it. His glare is intense, penetrating, like he's trying to tell me something without saying it out loud. Before I can respond, the waiter appears to refill our wine glasses and clear the plates. The moment breaks. Knox leans in again once the waiter leaves.

"How about you? Do you want marriage? Kids?"

He takes a sip of wine, then adds, "Did you have these conversations with my brother?"

Now it's obvious he's really trying to understand the dynamics of my relationship with Rowan.

I shake my head.

"We never really had conversations. He mentioned marriage in passing. But he said a lot of things in passing."

Knox nods. "You seem disappointed."

I look up at him. "No. Not at all."

There's a deafening silence between us. The music in the background seems to play a little louder, filling the space where our words shouldbe.

Knox breaks the silence after what feels like an eternity.

"What is it that you want, Winter Hayes?"

I lift my glass and take a sip, buying myself time to think.

"I guess I can start with just wanting to be happy."

"Are you happy now?" Knox asks.

I look at him, really look at him.

"In this moment, yes."

"Well, that's a start," Knox says.

The staff appears with dessert—something decadent and chocolate, plated beautifully with gold leaf and fresh berries. The chef himself comes up to our table, a tall man in his fifties with a warm smile.

"Mr. Sterling, Ms. Hayes, I hope you enjoyed your meal," he says.

Knox nods. "It was exceptional. The lobster was perfect."

"Thank you, sir. And for dessert, we have a dark chocolate torte with raspberry coulis and fresh cream. I hope you enjoy."

"I'm sure we will," I say, smiling at him.

The chef nods and retreats back toward the galley.

I take a bite of the torte and close my eyes. It's rich, smooth, the chocolate melting on my tongue with just the right amount of sweetness balanced by the tart raspberries.

"Good?" Knox asks.

"Incredible."

We eat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, just savoring the dessert and the wine. Knox sets down his fork and looks out at the water.