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“Yep. And then, at that point, I was just dead set on pissing you off because I knew Hadleigh wanted me,” I admit.
“Shit. We totally fucked this up.” He chuckles softly, scratching his cheek.
I laugh. “Yeah, we’re kinda known for that.”
“So what made you come to your senses?” he asks, then notices my clothes. “All dressed up too, huh?” he muses.
“I can’t let her get away again. When I heard she was on a date and not having a good time, I knew I had to find her. And hopefully, when I show up, she’ll let me explain and forgive me.”
Fuck, I hope she does.
“Good. I want you both to be happy.”
“You’re really sure this is okay with you?” I ask, needing confirmation. “Because no matter how much alcohol I drink, I’m not sharing her again.”
He bellows out a laugh. “I wondered when you were gonna use that against me.”
I brush a hand through my hair. “And you’re to never bring it up.”
“Fair enough. And yes, I’m one-hundred-percent fine with you two being together. As long as you don’t hurt her because you know then I’ll have to properly fuck you up,” he threatens weakly.
I chuckle in amusement. “Deal.”
“Great, now you better get goin’ because it’s Saturday night, and traffic’s gonna get crazy in the city.” He waves me off.
“Thanks, Kane.”
My blood pumps as I speed down the road. I hope I’m not too late to intervene and tell her what I need to say. Harper said Hadleigh wasn’t having a good time, but what if that changes? What if he takes her back to his place?
The thought of her being with someone else has me seeing red, and I step on the gas. Interrupting this date could be the biggest mistake or the best decision I’ve ever made. Considering how the past few weeks have gone, she could be happy to see me or tell me to go fuck myself.
After twenty minutes, I get a text from Harper.
Harper: They just got to the Ale House.
Fuck, I need to get there faster.
Knox: Okay, thanks. Keep me updated.
Harper: Just remember who gets to be the godparent of your kids.
Knox: Deal.
The rest of the drive seems to take forever. Of course, I hit every red light in San Angelo, and the traffic is shit because of the show. I’m losing my patience, but I’m more than thankful that Harper has kept her promise to keep me in the loop.
When I pull up to the restaurant, I read the last text Harper sent to me.
Harper: She’s still there. Now is your chance. ;)
Knox: I owe you.
Harper: Yes, you do!
I suck in a deep breath, swallow my damn pride, and walk toward the entrance. It’s now or never.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
HADLEIGH
“That was exquisite,” Aiden leans in and whispers when the curtain falls. “Did you enjoy yourself?”
“Yes, it was good,” I lie and force a smile.
The audience erupts into a standing ovation. It was a bad performance, but my head has been elsewhere all night. Aiden’s been a gentleman, but there’s no spark between us. I joined him so he didn’t have to come alone, but now I wonder if it was a mistake. I don’t want to give him the wrong impression or lead him on, something I’m apparently very good at these days.
“Are you ready to go to dinner?” he asks as we make our way out of the theater.
“Yeah, I’m starving.” And I need some alcohol to clear my stupid head.
While we wait for the valet to bring his car around, I fish my phone out of my purse. I texted Harper during intermission.
Hadleigh: We’re about to go to Ale House. The show was fine, but I’m bored as hell. I just want to get drunk and eat junk food on my couch.
Harper: If he’s buying, I say order the expensive shit!
Hadleigh: I don’t wanna be rude. He’s a nice guy…
Harper: But he’s not Knox…?
I sigh because dammit, she’s right. We haven't spoken since our text fight last weekend, and I hate it. Knox has never been good at confronting his feelings, and this is no different. Ever since Kane and I spoke, there’s still a lingering weight on my chest that I need to resolve with Knox. He confessed his feelings and basically begged me to say I was his, and I didn’t. Now I’m the one longing for a second chance.
God, I’m insufferable.
“So what was your residency like?” I ask while we wait for our food at the restaurant. We’ve been here thirty minutes and have made lots of small talk, but still, it’s like hanging out with a friend. Like when Kane and I used to watch movies and talk about random shit.
“It was hard and demanding, but nothing I couldn’t handle. Long shifts and even longer nights. I learned a lot, but I’m glad to be at a smaller hospital now. Makes me feel like I can actually devote more time to my patients. I do miss my co-workers, though.”
