Page 121 of Last First Date

“Thank you,” I said, a genuine smile tugging at my lips. “I appreciate it. If you need anything, just let me know.”

With that, I turned to leave, leaving the confrontation I had planned hanging in the air. The door closed behind me, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of relief and confusion. The tension that had been building seemed to evaporate. I’d been steaming and worrying about the issue for a week, plotting my revenge, and in a matter of seconds, it was over. I didn’t feel like I needed to punish him. What happened was in the past. Richard’s stroke was a reminder life was short. Getting bent out of shape over some low pettiness wouldn’t serve me.

As I headed back to my desk, I couldn’t help but glance back at his office door. He looked really sad.

I couldn’t shake the sense that something had shifted between Knox and me. It made me wonder if we were more connected than I had thought. The sappy side of me wanted to take care of him. I wanted to be his rock. I knew he was taking care of everyone and no one was there to take care of him. Despite what Benjamin said, I had a hard time believing the connection I shared with Knox was based on a bet alone. Maybe that had been the initial reason we hooked up, but it evolved. I wasn’t that naive. I saw and felt the way Knox talked to me. The way he touched me.

More importantly, the way he made love to me.

I shook my head, trying to clear the thoughts. I was possibly mistaking professional courtesy for something else entirely. And yet, the questions seemed to linger. Being around him was a painful reminder of what could have been.

As I sat at my desk, my heart was pounding in my chest. I replayed the interaction. Did Knox feel anything more for me? Did he see me as just his assistant or was there something more? What was this strange limbo we were stuck in?

Marcy appeared at my desk with a mug filled with chocolate pieces and a little balloon with a smiley face on it.

“What’s this?” I asked.

“I know how close you and Richard are,” she said. “I know you’re probably having a hard time.”

“You are so sweet,” I said. “Thank you. This is very thoughtful.”

“That’s what friends are for, right?” Marcy gave me a small smile.

“How are things going with Benjamin’s event?” I asked.

She looked toward Knox’s office. “I didn’t get to tell you about my conversation with Knox after you left that day,” she whispered.

She didn’t have to specify which day. “About?”

“About Benjamin. He was not happy with the man. He told me he pulled you off the event because of Benjamin’s behavior. It had nothing to do with Benjamin complaining about you. He said I’m not to talk to Benajmin or be alone with him. I get the feeling Knox has a history with him.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” she said, nodding. “He was very protective of you and me. I thought it was very gentlemanly.”

I scoffed. “I’m not willing to go that far just yet.”

“Well, you should be,” Marcy retorted, her voice a mere whisper. “I don’t think he was doing it to cover his ass. He was genuinely worried about us. He insisted I inform him if Benjamin tried anything.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I replied, making a mental note of it. Knox was concerned about my well-being?

As Marcy walked away, my thoughts were spinning. Here I was, thinking Knox had been cold and aloof when in reality he had been looking out for me all along. If he would just tell me what was going on, a lot of this could be avoided.

I finished with my tasks for the day and shut down my computer. I felt like I was playing hooky. But if Knox was telling me to take time off, I wasn’t going to argue with him.

With a free afternoon, I decided to go by the hospital. I stopped by Hallmark and spent a few minutes picking out the right card for Richard.

Armed with a card loaded with sentiments of healing and comfort, I made my way to the hospital. The sterile white walls echoed with the hustle and bustle of nurses and doctors.

Richard was propped up against his pillows, his usual robust complexion paler than I had ever seen. His eyes lit up the moment I walked in. “Is that for me?” he asked, nodding toward the card.

“Who else would it be for?” I retorted in mock annoyance, trying to lighten the mood. A faint smile tugged at Richard’s mouth as he gingerly took the card from me.

He read it, his brows furrowing as he did so. “You didn’t have to do this,” he murmured, his voice weak. “I’m not going anywhere, but I appreciate the gesture.”

“But I wanted to,” I replied quietly. “I care about you, Richard. Whether you like it or not. I miss your stubbornness at the office.”

He chuckled softly, but the effort seemed to drain him. “I suppose I can’t argue with that. I’m surprised you’re not at work today.”