Page 27 of Knox

Seven thousand square feet of custom finishes and designer furniture, sitting on property that had once been home to nesting shorebirds near the maritime forest. My mother called it our family’s “coastal retreat.” I called it highly unfortunate.

The sound of an approaching vehicle drew my attention back to the window. Knox’s Jeep rolled up the driveway and parked near the front entrance. My heart rate escalated as I watched him climb out.

He’d changed since this morning. The dark jeans, black fitted T-shirt and mirrored aviators made him look far more dangerous than anyone I should invite into my home. His brown hair was still damp from a shower, and I’d never been so thankful for the arrival of a guest.

I hurried toward the door, my bare feet silent on the cool marble. I’d showered and changed after leaving Knox’s place this morning too. I’d washed away the sand and salt, pulled on a pair of loose, tan linen pants and a sage-green tank top that left a stripe of my abdomen exposed. My long hair hung around my shoulders in thick, blown-out waves.

I reached the front door and pulled it open just as Knox raised his hand to knock.

For a moment we just looked at each other. His blue eyes tracked over my face then down my body.

“Hey,” I said softly. I tucked my shaky hands behind my back.

“You okay?” His gaze followed my hands.

I nodded. “Feeling a little better than this morning. A nap helped.” I’d managed an hour of fitful rest after leaving him, but every moment counted since I’d barely slept last night. “Come on. I set up lunch out back.”

On impulse, I reached for his hand, needing the anchor. His fingers closed around mine immediately, as if he’d been waiting for permission. The simple touch steadied something inside me that had been shaking since last night.

He squeezed my palm as we moved down the hallway. “How are you feeling?” His voice was low and rough, adding depth to my fantasy.

“Better now.”

I released him, reluctantly, as we reached the back patio. This was my favorite part of the house, covered by a pergola wrapped in flowering jasmine. The wicker furniture set was comfortable, and the view of the sound made me forget my every care.

I’d asked the estate manager, Marissa, to set up a simple meal at the teak table, and she’d done an incredible job. A spread of cold chicken salad, with fresh bread, fruit and cheese from the farmers market in town, centered the table. A sweating pitcher of iced tea stood near the table’s edge, beside two tall glasses.

Marissa looked up as we approached, busily arranging flowers in a vase. Her dark eyes widened slightly when she saw Knox.

I suspected he got that response a lot.

“Knox Hawthorne?” Marissa asked.

His expression morphed instantly, from guarded to genuinely warm. “Marissa Alverez? Is that you?”

“It is!” Marissa wiped her hands on her apron and crossed to give Knox a hug. “I heard you were back in town. I’m so sorry about your mama. She was wonderful.”

“Thank you.” Knox’s frame stiffened, but he kept his voice steady. “She thought the world of your family. Your dad still running the marina?”

“He is. Busier than ever now that we’ve added a few more families to the area.” Marissa glanced between Knox and me, curiosity bright in her expression. “Are you two...?”

“Knox is helping me with some security concerns,” I said smoothly. “We’ll be working together for the next week or two.”

Marissa smiled, but something knowing flickered in her eyes. “Well, you’re in good hands. Knox is a force to be reckoned with. Just like his mama.”

Knox’s expression turned soft, clearly pleased by the comparison.

Marissa squeezed his arm. The friendly gesture made something twist in my stomach. I had no claim on Knox. We barely knew each other. But I envied the familiarity there. “I’ll leave you two to your lunch. Call if you need anything.”

Marissa disappeared into the house, leaving us alone on the patio. Knox pulled out my chair, and I tried not to notice how the simple gesture made my pulse quicken.

“So,” I said once we were both seated, “do you know everyone on this island?”

“Everyone who lived here, or vacationed here regularly, before I joined the service, yes. After that, it’s hit or miss. I met a lot of folks on breaks and leaves helping Mom at the store.”

I reached for the pitcher of iced tea, pouring us each a glass. “I like the idea of that a lot. Living somewhere you can truly know your neighbors. I haven’t had it before now. I’m still learning names and faces, but it’s hard when my family is considered one of the island’s enemies.”

He nodded without telling me I was wrong. Everyone knew the truth and where they stood on the issue. My family and several others had ruined this land to build our summer homes. It wasn’t fair, and it wasn’t right. But I’d truly love to know the other islanders, and be liked by them, as Knox and his mom were. “Have I thanked you for saving my life last night?” I asked. I honestly wasn’t sure I’d said the words. I put the pitcher down and met his eyes.