Hard Knox - Riley Hart Page 0,17

smiled and came over.

“It’s not your fault,” he said softly.

“Doesn’t feel that way.”

“It’s still not.” He smiled again and walked into the room.

He gave us instructions for Logan’s hand, then asked, “You guys have any fun plans for the weekend?”

“Dad’s taking me to get a dog tomorrow. It’s like a two-hour drive away. We have to make sure I’m not allergic. She’s hypoallergenic, but I read that it can still cause some people with asthma problems because of the dander. I’m hoping not because I really want her.”

“It sounds like you guys are taking all the right precautions. And there are other things you can do at home more often, like sweeping, dusting, vacuuming. Maybe get an air purifier. You’re pretty lucky. I love dogs. I want one.”

These were all things we did or had, but I appreciated him mentioning them.

“Do you want to go with us to get her?” Logan asked excitedly. “Oh my God, can he, Dad?”

My eyes made their way over to Callum. I could somehow read his expression, that he was telling me it wasn’t a big deal, that I didn’t have to say yes, but…I wanted to. I enjoyed his company. He intrigued me, and I wanted to know more about him. “Yeah, sure. We’d love the company if you’re available. You can come over afterward, and we can grill or something.” I told myself there was nothing different about this, that the flips in my stomach were nerves. This was the same as asking Law or Griff over, but it felt that way. I couldn’t put my finger on why.

“I’d love to go, if you’re sure. I don’t want to intrude.”

Was it me, or were Callum’s cheeks slightly pink?

“You won’t be intruding at all,” I replied, then because this felt big, felt serious, I ruffled Logan’s hair. “This brat seems to like you.”

Logan rolled his eyes.

“I like him too,” Callum replied.

“Should I, um…get your phone number? You know, so we can plan for tomorrow. We can pick you up, or whatever works.”

Yep, his cheeks were definitely pink. I didn’t want to let myself think about what that meant.

“I’d like that,” Callum replied. I pulled out my cell phone and got his phone number.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Callum

We’d decided I should drive to their house and leave my car there since I was going over for dinner afterward. My stomach had been on a roller coaster all morning—swooping, ascending, then evening out for what seemed to be no reason at all. I was spending the day with a straight guy and his son. What was the big deal? Knox probably only invited me because Logan seemed to feel comfortable with me, and he was the kind of dad who would move heaven and earth to make his son happy. It was one of my favorite things about him so far.

I’d gone back and forth deciding what to wear, which was absolutely ridiculous. I settled on a simple pair of jeans, with a denim button-up shirt left open and a white tee underneath.

“Where are you off to today?” Mom asked when I left my room. It was only eight, and she sat at the table, drinking her coffee.

“I’m, um…going to Knox’s house? His son has taken a liking to me, and they invited me—well, I don’t know what town we’re going to, actually. Somewhere that’s a couple of hours away, for Logan to see about getting a dog. Then they asked me to dinner afterward.”

“Oh.” She paused for a moment. “That’s nice. I’m glad to see you making friends here.”

“Me too. I like them.” I didn’t know them well, obviously, but I really did like them. I wanted to get to know them better. It felt good, important, that Logan seemed to have connected with me. And Knox…well, my lumberjack was easy on the eyes and fun to be around, so that was a win-win.

I popped a bagel into the toaster, then made a protein shake—not for bulking, just for the protein. When the bagel was done, I added a light dusting of butter. I had a fast metabolism and had never struggled with my weight, but I’d always eaten light and was careful about what I ate.

I put the bagel on a napkin and grabbed my stuff. “I don’t know what time I’ll be home. I’ll call you.” Without thinking, I bent over and kissed her forehead. We both froze for a moment, like neither of us expected it. There was a pang in my chest at that