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“You know that I want to be with you, Summer. It won’t be easy, but I’ve seen Talia and Ryder and Kaylie and Sid manage to make it work.” I felt a swell of love for this woman who had captured my heart so completely. “I just want to do whatever it takes to prove to you that I’m committed to us, to our future together.”
“Knox, I believe you,” she whispered, her eyes shining with sincerity. “I trust you, and I trust in our love.”
As the night drew to a close, we stood under the moonlight, our bodies pressed together as we shared a tender kiss. The connection between us deepened, and I knew without a doubt that I loved this woman with every fiber of my being. At that moment, I vowed to myself that I would do everything in my power to keep us together, no matter what challenges the future might bring. She was my forever girl.
Chapter 27
Summer
CeliaandIsatdown for lunch on the patio, shielded from the hot August sun by overhead shade awnings. Strategically placed fans kept the air from stagnating and lots of greenery lent itself to a relaxing atmosphere. Our favorite outdoor restaurant buzzed with lively conversations, punctuated by the clink of glasses and laughter from other patrons. The scent of fresh herbs and spices wafted out from the kitchen, tantalizing our senses and making my stomach rumble in protest.
Celia picked up her menu. “We haven’t had a chance to talk since Knox moved in with you last week.” Her eyes twinkled with curiosity. “So, how’s it going?”
Knox had decided not to renew his apartment lease since his place wasn’t that nice and it’d be sitting empty while he was away on tour. I offered to let him move his belongings into my apartment and use it as his home base when he wasn’t on tour.
He’d essentially moved in with me and it stirred up a whirlwind of emotions that had been consuming me ever since. It felt like two worlds colliding — mine, stable and safe, yet filled with angst from past heartbreak, and his, brimming with passion and enthusiasm until it drowned out my cautious nature.
“It’s actually scary how easy it’s been. My place is tiny, so living together has been ... intimate, to say the least,” I admitted, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. “I love playing house with him, Celia. A little too much.”
A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she took a sip of her iced tea. “Intimacy can be ... delightful. You two seem good for each other.”
“Thanks.” My gaze drifted down to my hands, and I rubbed them nervously on my thighs. “The last time I lived with a man, it turned into a total disaster. I told you about Jake. He was the jackass who stole money from me before he skipped town. It’s hard not to feel a little apprehensive about sharing my life with someone again.”
Celia reached across the table, placing her hand on mine in a gesture of comfort. She didn’t speak, but her eyes conveyed understanding and sympathy.
“Knox is different, though,” I continued, my voice barely audible above the clattering dishes and chattering diners. “He cares for me, and I know he wouldn’t hurt me like that. Besides, he’s loaded. He doesn’t need my money. But still, old fears die hard.”
As our food arrived, steaming and fragrant, we paused our conversation. But the weight of my concerns lingered, even as we began to eat. Would Knox prove to be different, or was I setting myself up for disaster?
“Summer, look at me,” Celia said gently, waiting for me to meet her eyes. “Knox is not like Jake or any of those other jerks you’ve dated. I know you’ve been hurt before, but you can’t compare them. Knox loves you, and he’s shown time and again that he’s a good man.”
“I know.” I nodded, feeling a little reassured as I took a bite of my chicken entrée. She was right; it wasn’t fair to hold my past against Knox. He deserved better than that.
“Speaking of Knox,” Celia continued after a moment, “when does the tour start?”
My heart clenched at the mention, but I managed to keep my voice steady. “He’s leaving next week. They’ll be gone for months, playing shows all over the country, before they get a small break.”
“Are you worried about him being away?” Celia asked, genuine concern reflecting in her eyes.
“Of course,” I admitted, stabbing at a cherry tomato with my fork. “But we’ll figure it out.”
“Has he ever been on tour while dating someone?” Celia asked cautiously.
“No. Before me, he wasn’t a relationship kind of guy, and from what Kaylie and Talia told me, the lifestyle on tour can be wild. Crazy groupies, casual sex, you know,” I admitted, feeling a knot of unease in my stomach. “But I trust Knox. I have to, or this relationship won’t work.”
Celia dabbed at her mouth with a napkin. “But you said he wants you to go out and see him on the road, right? He wouldn’t want you out there if he planned to get mixed up with that.”
“I’m just worried that the distance and lifestyle might strain our relationship.” I hesitated, biting my lip as I admitted my deepest fear. “I’ll only be able to see him a couple of times each month due to our schedules. Honestly, Celia, I don’t know if I can handle being apart from him for that long. It’s going to be so hard... and what if he gets too used to life on the road without me?”
“Summer,” Celia said softly, her blue eyes full of sympathy, “you’re strong, and so is your love for each other. You guys will figure it out. Distance can be tough, but it doesn’t have to break you.”
“He’ll be back in November for a long break for Sid’s wedding and the birth of Ryder and Talia’s baby,” I shared, trying to sound upbeat but feeling the distance between Knox and me already. “It’s just going to be tough to make do with only an occasional visit and knowing there are tons of girls throwing themselves at him.”
Celia looked at me thoughtfully, her eyes searching mine for a moment before she spoke. “You know, Summer, relationships aren’t always easy. But if you both truly love each other, you’ll find a way to make it work. This will definitely be a test.”
“True,” I agreed. “If he passes this huge test, I just might be able to put my dating PTSD behind me for good.”
She pointed her manicured finger at me. “If he passes the test, then you demand a ring and nail down his ass ASAP. He’s a gorgeous, rich rock star with a sexy accent. What the hell else could you ask for?” She thought for a moment. “Maybe a hot brother for your best friend?”
