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Between the way he was looking at me, the lack of clothing between us, and the thoughts that had been playing in my head way too often lately, I needed…out.
Out of this room. Maybe even out of this house and this job. I figured this placement would be ending soon anyway. Considering my body’s reaction to Knox, I wasn’t sure that was such a bad thing.
“Thanks for your help,” I said, holding the towel in front of me as if to enforce the barrier between us. “I should see who’s here. Are you expecting someone?”
Knox shook his head. “It’s probably another delivery or Lauren stopping by to check on the progress.”
I nodded, still trying to regain my composure after…whatever the hell had just happened. “Okay. I’ll handle it.”
The front door opened, and the house alarm chimed twice.
“Thanks,” Knox said, heading for his office and tossing a shirt over his shoulder. “Come get me if you need anything.”
As I watched him go, my mind conjured up all sorts of ideas about what “anything” might entail. But I told myself I was being ridiculous. Even if Knox was interested in me, there were a million reasons why we couldn’t be together.
“Hello?” I called, wrapping the towel tighter around myself as I headed toward the front door. “Lauren? Is that you?”
I’d gotten to know Knox’s designer over the past few months, and I really liked her. She was brazen and unapologetic yet professional and savvy. I enjoyed hanging out with her, and every time she asked for Knox’s opinion, he asked for mine. I didn’t know why he cared so much what I thought—it was his house. But it was empowering and flattering all the same.
I stopped short when I spotted Jude standing in the entryway in his tracksuit and designer sunglasses. I wondered if it was too late to hide.
Jude smiled at me then did a double take. “Kendall?”
I didn’t know why I’d avoided him for so long. I’d assumed our paths would cross at some point. It was inevitable since I was working for his dad and living in the guest room. But we’d gone this long. Maybe part of me naïvely hoped the placement would end before I’d have to face him.
“Hey.” I gave him a little wave. “Hey, Jude.”
He stepped closer, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. Dust motes swirled in the air, and I felt as if I’d stepped back in time. He was just as I’d remembered, yet different somehow.
The longer we stood there, the more I realized I didn’t feel anything toward Jude—not even an inkling of desire. Certainly not anything like what I felt anytime Knox was near.
Shit.
“What are you doing here?” Jude finally asked.
“I, uh—” The words caught in my throat, my mind spinning as I realized that maybe I’d been attracted to his dad all along.
What the hell is wrong with me?
“Kendall?” Knox called.
His footsteps preceded him, but when he entered the foyer, he stopped short. He was now wearing a shirt, but I was positive we both looked guilty as fuck. Knox glanced between Jude and me, and I tried to get a read on his expression.
“Oh. Hey, Jude,” Knox said, his casual tone completely at odds with my unease.
Jude furrowed his brow. “Dad?”
Knox went over to his son and shook his hand before pulling him into a hug. “I didn’t realize you were coming by today.”
“I wanted to see the new house since you said it’s getting close. But…” He focused on me again. “I don’t understand. Why’s Kendall here?”
Knox turned his attention to me, his blue eyes searching. Seeking. Asking if I was okay. When I nodded, he said, “Kendall works for me.”
Jude gave my bare shoulders a pointed look. “Doing what?”
“She’s been house-sitting,” Knox said.
“Oh.” Jude nodded. Then he said, “Ohh. Are you with the Hard—” He cleared his throat. “Hartwell Agency?”
