Page 83 of What Comes Around

I stared at him, confused. Liam had never flirted or crossed a line. He had always been steady, respectful. But the moment Knox said it, small memories began sliding into place. Liam bringing me coffee without asking how I liked it. Offering to run with me even though he hated mornings. The way he always stepped between me and strangers. The way he had looked at me today.

“I never noticed,” I said quietly.

“I know,” Knox said. “You weren’t looking.”

My stomach twisted again. Not because Liam made me uncomfortable, but because I had never even considered it. Maybe I had been blind. Maybe Liam had been careful because he knew I wasn’t ready. Maybe he had been waiting.

Knox studied me for a moment before adding, “He’ll be fine. He just needs time.”

I nodded, though the guilt still sat heavy in my chest. “I should text him. Just to make sure he’s okay.”

Knox’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, but he didn’t stop me. Instead he stepped back, giving me space, though his eyes stayed on me like he was tracking every breath I took.

I reached for my phone and typed a quick message.

Ashley: Hey. I’m really sorry about this morning. I should’ve called. I hope you’re not upset. Thank you for coming out here, it meant a lot. See you at the gym Monday?

I hesitated before hitting send, then pressed the button.

Knox watched me the entire time.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing,” he said, though the word carried weight. “You are allowed to care about people.”

My phone buzzed almost immediately. Liam’s reply appeared on the screen.

Liam: It’s okay. I just wanted to make sure you were alright. We’ll talk later. Take care.

I exhaled, relieved. “He is not angry.”

Knox watched me for a long moment, his gaze steady, unreadable.

“What is that look for?” I asked.

He reached out, his fingers brushing lightly along my jaw. The touch was gentle, but there was something possessive in the way his thumb lingered there.

“I don’t like sharing your attention,” he said quietly. “But I’m not threatened by him.”

My pulse jumped. “Why not?”

“Because you chose me,” he said simply.

He lowered his hand, though he stayed close enough that I could still feel the warmth of his body beside me.

“Text him again later if you want,” he added. “Make sure he’s alright. I won’t stop you.”

I nodded slowly. “Thank you,” I said, though we both knew I would have texted Liam regardless.

“But,” he said, his voice dropping slightly, “don’t pretend you don’t know how he feels anymore.”

I swallowed. “I’ll be careful.”

“Good.” Some of the tension finally eased from his shoulders. “That’s all I ask.”

He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my temple, the gesture unexpectedly gentle, warm enough to make my chest ache.

Then he pulled back slightly and glanced toward the kitchen.