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Surely it wasn’t one-sided, was it?
Part of me wanted to believe it was, because then it would be nothing more than a childish infatuation with my boss. But another part of me knew the feeling was mutual. Knew Knox longed for me the way I burned for him. And that staying anywhere near him was asking for trouble.
“Absolutely,” he said. “But we have a charity event coming up, and I need you.” Had I imagined the seductive tone to his voice?
I nodded and turned my attention to the pool. Stared out at the water in an attempt to compose myself.
After a moment passed, he said, “Kendall? Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” I said.
“You know this has Jude’s blessing, yet you remain hesitant. Does that have anything to do with me?”
“I, um—” I fidgeted with the hem of my skirt. “I’m not sure I should answer.”
“Because you think I won’t like your answer?”
“Mm.” I shook my head, trying hard not to laugh. “No. Not exactly.”
“Do you want to know what I think?” he asked.
I hesitated a moment then nodded. I was weak when it came to this man. How much longer could I resist?
“I think you’re smart and kind. Selfless and caring.”
I dipped my head and smiled. “Thank you.”
“But I’ve always known you were incredible.”
I lifted my head. “Thank you,” I said again, stunned.
Knox had said nothing about my physical appearance and everything about my heart. It was as if he saw me. Not the version of Kendall everyone else saw, but the true me.
“And while I know you could do this job in your sleep, and you have dreams that are so much bigger than this, I’m confident you could do a lot of good in this role. Because every time you help someone, I see the way you light up. Whether it’s taking a sandwich to Vincent…”
I opened my mouth.He’d seen that?
He smirked. “Or baking one of the garden crew a nut-free, vegan cake for their birthday. You like celebrating people. And that’s why I think you’d be perfect to help with this.”
“Wow.” I blinked a few times, my resistance melting away the longer he spoke. “I don’t know what to say.”
“I’m not going to pressure you into anything. But I’d love to have you on my team.”
“Okay,” I said. “I’ll consider it.” How could I not after a speech like that? I mean…wow.
“Our lives on this planet are short, but the legacy we leave behind can last forever.”
I nodded, knowing how important legacy was to Knox. And how right he was.
His honesty encouraged me to be vulnerable. For the moment, he wasn’t my boss. He was just a man. Someone I respected and admired, not because of what he’d accomplished but because of the type of person he was.
So with a shaky breath, I asked, “Do you want to know what I think?”
He leaned forward, and the pull between us intensified. “Very much.”
I smiled, forcing myself to say the words I’d been thinking since…well, forever. “I’ve always thought you were a good man. Kind and handsome.”
“Thank you.” He tugged at the collar of his shirt.
