SEALed Under the Mistletoe

Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

VICKIE

K nox’s house wasn’t what Vickie had expected. The charming, historic, cottage-style bungalow stood across from the beach on Coronado Island—a prime piece of real estate.

“How far are you from the water?” she asked as they pulled up to the curb.

“A hundred feet,” Knox replied, stepping out to open her door and offer his arm.

A white picket fence enclosed the front yard where a fire pit stood, framed by four large chairs. The wrap-around porch looked inviting, a place she could imagine herself sitting with a glass of wine. Vickie cut off the thought before it could go any further. This was just a one-night thing, nothing more. Dreaming up a future with him was dangerous.

Knox unlocked the front door and ushered her inside, flipping on the lights. Vickie let out a low whistle that echoed off the vaulted, beamed ceilings. The craftsmanship was impeccable—polished oak floors gleamed beneath her feet, and a wall of windows showcased the ocean, where waves crashed against the sand in the moonlight. Even without seeing the rest of it, she guessed the house’s value was likely around three million in today’s market.

“Join me in the kitchen?” he offered. The open floor plan made it an easy walk. The kitchen was perfectly suited to the cottage, with modern appliances, a large gas stove, and beautiful marble counters. Every detail was thoughtful, each update carefully chosen.

“This is your house?” she asked.

“I sure hope so, otherwise I’m paying someone else’s mortgage every month.”

“It’s really impressive. How long have you owned it?”

“Almost twenty years.”

“Twenty?” She was surprised. Most men his age didn’t own homes at that point in their lives.

Knox nodded. “A couple of friends and I bought it back when we were barely legal to do so. When they all moved away on orders, I bought them out and turned it into a rental for a while. I moved back here a few years ago.”

“Do you mind if I ask how much you paid for it?” she asked, curious.

“I don’t mind at all. Just under four hundred thousand.”

“How many bedrooms does it have?”

Knox held up a hand. “Hold up—my turn. Any food allergies? Dislikes?”

“Nope. I’m not picky. Just not a fan of super spicy food.”

“Good to know.” He glanced at the clock. “If it wasn’t so late, I’d offer to make pizza in my oven, but I don’t have any dough prepped.” Knox started gathering ingredients from the fridge, and Vickie couldn’t help but wonder if she’d pried too much about his home.

“I’m sorry if I overstepped.”

“It’s your passion, right? You’re a realtor?” He gave her a reassuring smile.

“Am I that obvious?”

“Either that or you’re planning to rob me and are just terrible at recon.” They both laughed, easing any lingering tension.

He grabbed a few more ingredients and gestured toward the back door. “Come on, let’s head out back. I’ll answer any questions you want while I cook.”

Vickie stopped in her tracks as they stepped into the backyard. It was paradise. The ocean framed the fenced yard, complete with an outdoor shower, a hot tub, and a chef’s patio setup that practically screamed “luxury.” She could imagine her high-end clients scrambling to buy a property like this in seconds. This was a place anyone would want to come home to.

Knox was setting up near the outdoor grill, soaking a piece of wood in water for smoking. The setup looked like something her dad would envy. The island included a sink, double grill, pellet smoker, wood-fired pizza oven, fridge, and ample prep counters.

“Are you a chef?” she asked.

“No, just a hobbyist,” he said, setting out a thick, pink piece of salmon and starting to chop vegetables with practiced skill. “I like eating good food and discovered that if I make it myself, I can eat healthier.”

Healthier.

Did he think she was unhealthy? A familiar defensiveness crept over her as memories surfaced—judgmental looks and whispers about her weight from college guys, her days of ordering salads while craving burgers just because she knew people were watching. She couldn’t help feeling self-conscious.

“I eat healthy too,” she blurted. “I know you probably think I’m just some fat girl who only eats fried food, but?—”

“Stop.” Knox’s voice was firm. He set down his knife and walked over, placing his hands gently but firmly on her shoulders. “Take a breath. Count to five.”

Instinctively, she followed his instruction, breathing deeply and counting along with him.

“Good girl.” He lifted her chin, meeting her gaze. His dark, intense eyes softened as he held her attention. “Don’t apologize to me for being you. I didn’t judge you for your food choices. We don’t know each other well enough for that, and two meals aren’t enough to define anything.”

Vickie nodded, realizing he was right. “Sorry.”

“No more apologizing,” he said with a half-smile. “Just relax. Have a glass of wine and let me cook.”

The scent of fresh herbs and cedar soon filled the air. Knox chuckled as he watched her take in the aroma. “Hopefully, it tastes as good as it smells. It’s a dish I’ve made a few times.”

“You were going to tell me more about your house,” she reminded him. Real estate was a safe topic, one that didn’t invite insecurity.

Knox nodded. “Right, my house. It has three bedrooms, three and a half baths, and sits on a five-thousand-square-foot lot—almost unheard of for this location.”

“Do you know what it would go for if you sold it?”

“Based on the house next door, which sold in a day, I have a good idea.”

“The market’s crazy,” she agreed. “Low interest rates and limited inventory make it a seller’s dream.”

Knox studied her as she spoke, then asked, “Do you enjoy working in real estate?”

“Oh, I do. There are challenges, though. It’s not easy being anything less than a model in California. People associate beauty with competence.”

“Victoria Anne,” he interrupted her, his tone serious.

“Yes?”

“If you’re about to tell me you aren’t beautiful, I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep myself from reacting.”

She blinked. “I?—”

“Beauty has nothing to do with size or weight,” he said firmly. “Tread carefully, Vickie.”

Flustered, she tried to change the subject, but Knox leaned back, watching her with an intensity that sent a thrill through her.

“Knox is a unique name. Family tradition?”

“My dad was Army special forces. My brothers and I were named after bases. I’m the youngest—Knox came last. My brothers are Carson, Campbell, and Lewis.”

“Did the other kids give you grief for that?”

“Oh yeah. It was just more ammo for the bullies. My brothers always had to step in. How about you? Siblings?”

Vickie laughed. “Too many. Three sisters, four brothers.”

“Wow,” he said, grinning. “Your parents kept busy.”

“Twins run in the family, and two of my brothers are adopted from foster care.”

“Where do you fall in the lineup?”

“I’m the fourth child. I have a pair of twin sisters, and then my baby sister, Melody.”

“Practically the baby,” he teased, clearly amused. “Middle children have their own unique traits.”

Knox handed her a plate. The grilled vegetables surrounded a perfectly cooked piece of salmon, melting in her mouth with the first bite. She groaned, and his smile widened.

“Hard to picture you as anything but strong,” she remarked.

“I was lanky, skinny, covered in freckles,” he laughed. “High school was not my shining hour. But I’ve never cared about what society thinks. I care about character, respect.”

He was incredibly handsome, thoughtful, and self-assured. But… Why was he single? Vickie’s stomach twisted, the question lingering as she finally asked, “So… why were you at the bar alone?”

Knox gave a small smile. “My buddy was supposed to meet me, but his wife went into labor. Got the message after I’d already ordered.”

“Oh. So… you weren’t meeting anyone?” she asked, a little more relieved than she cared to admit.

He chuckled. “Nope. Not a date, not a wife, not a girlfriend.”

Knox leaned in closer, his dark eyes steady on her. “My word is my bond. Honesty’s all I have in this life, and I don’t take it lightly.”

They fell into easier conversation as they finished their meal, each learning more about the other, talking about real estate, work, and life. By the end, Vickie found herself laughing, more relaxed and comfortable in his presence than she’d expected to be.

Knox leaned back in his chair, noticing Vickie’s gaze fixed on the waves crashing against the shoreline. “You’ve been watching the ocean since we came outside. Do you want to walk down there?” His voice softened, a gentle invitation.

She turned to him, a spark of excitement in her eyes. “I’d love to!” Taking her hand, Knox led her down the winding path toward the beach. Within moments, they were at the water’s edge, surrounded by the rhythmic sounds of the waves and the scent of saltwater. The light spray from the ocean misted her face, easing her nerves. His hand, large and warm, completely covered hers, making her feel unexpectedly secure. Walking beside him, she wondered if anyone might look at them and think they made an odd couple.

She knew she was prone to judgment herself. How many times had she seen a gorgeous woman with an average-looking man and assumed he must be wealthy? Or noticed a stunning man with an ordinary-looking woman and wondered what he saw in her? She often criticized herself for that bias, but here she was, anxious about what others might think.

Why do I care? Knox’s words from earlier echoed in her mind, and she knew he had a point. What did other people’s opinions matter? Especially people she didn’t know, like some hypothetical nosy onlooker. They weren’t living her life, and they certainly weren’t the ones making her feel this thrill. If only she could stop worrying so much about others’ judgments. She’d always been a people pleaser—caring a little too much about what the wrong people thought.

As the tide began to rise, she instinctively moved closer to Knox. Smiling, he released her hand, only to wrap his arm around her shoulders, drawing her in as they walked.

“You grew up here, and you’re still not tired of the water?” he asked, glancing down at her with curiosity.

“Yeah,” she replied, looking out over the waves. “I think some people who grow up near the ocean never lose their connection to it. It feels like home to them. Others, I guess, get used to it or eventually want something different and move away.”

He looked at her with warmth, a soft smile playing on his lips. “You look beautiful with the wind blowing through your hair, and your eyes shining like that. They remind me of the North Pacific Ocean. I’ve never seen a pair quite as aqua blue as yours.”

She laughed lightly, caught off guard by his poetic choice of words. “They’re a family heirloom.”

“A priceless one,” he murmured, his gaze lingering on her.

The compliments made her uncomfortable, stirring a self-consciousness she rarely felt. Vickie wasn’t accustomed to being the focus of such attentive praise, especially from a man like Knox. His gaze was intense, and the sincerity in his voice made her cheeks flush.

In a bid to shift the focus, she quickly changed the subject. “Earlier, you mentioned you’re a dog person. What about cats?” She looked up at him, hoping for a safe, easy conversation topic.

Knox’s brow furrowed slightly, and a faint smile curved his lips. “You’re not comfortable with compliments, are you?”

Her face grew warm, and she averted her eyes, feeling caught. “I… guess not.”

“Well, get used to it,” he said with a chuckle. “Because I plan on complimenting you so often that eventually, you’ll only be able to respond with a smile or a simple thank you.”

She smiled, both charmed and a little flustered.

Knox’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he looked at Vickie. “Not sure about just one date, huh?”

She laughed, a bit nervously. “I don’t know… one date doesn’t mean you’re in for more.”

“Nah,” he said with a grin, “I’m like a potato chip. Once you start, you can’t stop.”

Vickie chuckled, feeling self-conscious. “I guess we’ll see about that. Some chips I could eat an entire bag of, and others, I’m done after just one bite.” He laughed, but Vickie felt a surge of insecurity rising inside her. She was out on a date with this incredibly attractive man who happened to own her dream property right on Coronado Beach, yet she kept feeling as if she was stumbling over her words.

She thought she’d grown past this, that she’d developed a strong sense of confidence about herself. But here she was, self-doubt gnawing at her. She’d put on this armor of confidence, tried to rise above the number on the scale, and had told herself she was enough as she was. But somehow, just being around Knox seemed to strip all that away, bringing her insecurities right back to the surface.

She glanced at him and wondered why she cared so much. She’d been confident and self-assured for years, but now her mind wandered back to all the times she’d seen couples scrutinized on social media: the gorgeous, curvy women dating athletic men and the hate they received for it. She’d always admired women who didn’t let that bother them.

If they can do it, why can’t I? she thought. She didn’t want to care what anyone else thought, and yet she found herself wondering if she truly was strong enough to ignore it.

Knox’s voice broke her reverie. “I’ll never tire of this view,” he said, gesturing toward the shoreline.

“Same,” she said with a soft smile. “The ocean’s always felt like my safe place. Which is funny because, well, it’s not safe at all. The ocean’s powerful, unpredictable. But that’s why I don’t turn my back on it. I like to watch the waves roll in, getting bigger as they reach the shore. When I’m in the water, I face them.”

Knox looked at her with a hint of admiration. “You sound like you’ve spent a lot of time out here.”

She nodded. “My family used to go boating every now and then, but honestly, I prefer the shore or maybe a sandbar. It’s not that I get seasick, but I like solid ground under my feet.”

Knox released her hand for a moment and bent down, picking up a sand dollar from the ground. He held it out to her with a warm smile. “A little souvenir from tonight.”

Touched, Vickie smiled back, taking the sand dollar and tucking it safely into her pocket. Then Knox’s arm circled around her waist, pulling her close. She felt the heat of his body against hers, grounding her and making her heart skip a beat.

“You know what I do,” she said, “but I realize I haven’t asked what you do.”

He glanced at her, a bit surprised. “I’m in the military.”

Her eyes softened with interest. She figured as much. “What branch?”

“The Navy,” he replied. It struck her as unusual—most military guys were quick to declare their branch, especially in a town like Coronado, where military pride was everywhere. But there hadn’t been a single emblem or flag in his house. No sign that he was Navy at all. It made him different, somehow—a humble military man.

Knox gave a small nod. “I’ll tell you what I can when I can. But there are some things I won’t be able to disclose, you know—national security and all that.”

Vickie read between the lines, catching a glimpse of the truth. He was special operations, likely a Navy SEAL, but unlike many of the younger, cockier guys, he didn’t feel the need to brag about it. She found it endearing, a quiet confidence that only made her like him more.

“I have a question for you now, Vickie,” Knox said, turning to face her fully, his hand warm against her waist. “How would you like the rest of tonight to go? We could head back to my place, cuddle on the couch, maybe watch a movie or do you want me to show you how I can make you fall in love with your curves and what it will be like dating me…” He trailed off, letting the suggestion linger, a hint of vulnerability in his gaze as he waited for her answer.

Knox was bold— very bold.

Vickie’s heart raced. It had been a while since she’d been with anyone, and here she was, with a man she’d just met, feeling temptation stirring inside her. But could she really just fall into bed with him? Her mother’s warning echoed in her mind: Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?

She frowned, feeling a surge of doubt. Maybe he wasn’t a cheater, but perhaps he was just a player, saying exactly what he knew she wanted to hear to get her into bed. After all, what would a guy like Knox see in her? He was strikingly handsome and fit—a vision of confidence that made her question herself in ways she hadn’t in years. Old insecurities threatened to bubble up, reminding her of the societal expectations she’d fought to ignore. It nagged at her, a little voice questioning whether he could really be interested in her as more than a fleeting thrill.

“Vickie?” Knox’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. He was watching her, waiting patiently for her answer, no trace of impatience or pressure.

She swallowed. “I’m not… I’m not a whore.”

His expression softened, as if understanding her inner battle. “I don’t think that, Vickie,” he replied gently. “You’re the one who called this a one-night thing. I’m hoping to change your mind. But there’s no pressure. If you want to watch a movie, drink wine under the stars, or even skinny dip in the hot tub, we can do whatever you like. Whatever happens, though, I’d like it to end with us scheduling our next date. Even if that means you’re just using me for my house.”

Her laughter softened the tension she’d been holding. “Now you’re speaking my language,” she teased. “Or, you know, if you ever need a house-sitter…”

His deep chuckle made her grin, and they continued walking back toward the house. Her heart sped up as they reached the back door. He stepped ahead, holding it open for her, then gently guided her through with a hand on the small of her back. The thought struck her—she’d mentioned this at the bar, how she loved that simple touch. Did he remember it, or was this just part of his natural charm?

Knox flipped on a light and led her down the hallway into the cozy living room. He stopped and nodded toward the couch. “Well?” he said with a hint of mischief. “The couch is right here, and my bedroom’s the first door on the right. The choice is yours.”

She swallowed, trying to calm her racing heart. She met his gaze, feeling time slow as their eyes locked. There was no mistaking the intensity in his eyes, the unspoken question lingering between them.

Her tongue darted out to wet her dry lips, a reflex that seemed to be all the signal he needed. Knox closed the distance between them, his hand coming up to cup her neck, his mouth hovering tantalizingly close. “Is this what you want?” he murmured. “Can I kiss you?”

He was asking for permission—to kiss her. At that moment, clarity struck her. This wasn’t the behavior of a player. A player would rush in, eager to seize the moment without waiting for hesitation or second thoughts. But Knox was different. He was giving her an out, allowing her the choice and respecting her before they even began.

Without answering, she closed the distance, pressing her lips to his. His grip on her neck firmed as he responded, deepening the kiss. His mouth moved against hers with growing urgency, and he held her close, his lips pressing against hers until she felt breathless. When he finally broke the kiss, he held her gaze, his expression tender yet ablaze with passion.

“It’s still your choice,” he whispered, his voice low and rough. “We can stop here, or we can go into my room, and I?—”

“Are you going to ask permission for everything?” she interrupted, a teasing smile pulling at her lips. “Because, honestly, it’s kind of a mood killer.”

He threw his head back and laughed, the sound warm and rumbling. “I’ll take that as a yes, then?”

“Yes, Knox. It’s a yes,” she replied, breathless and exhilarated. She wasn’t entirely sure what she was agreeing to, but at that moment, she didn’t care. Whatever he had in mind, she was ready to experience it.

With a growl, he took her hand and led her firmly toward the bedroom, his eyes flashing with anticipation.

Oh yes , she thought, a thrill rushing through her.

Vickie couldn’t believe it—Knox was like someone pulled straight from the pages of a romance novel.

In his bedroom, he backed her against the wall, one large hand pressing gently but firmly against her collarbone, while the other braced beside her head. His head dipped down, and this time, it was his lips that took the lead. Hard and unyielding, they claimed hers, parting her lips with a moan escaping from deep within her. His tongue delved into her mouth, his body pressing close, his arousal evident through the fabric of her sundress. His kiss was so consuming, so intense, it left her breathless, her head spinning.

With a small step back, he pulled off his shirt, revealing a physique sculpted to perfection. His body was solid, strong—a testament to years of military workouts and California sun. His chest was broad, his abs and arms defined, with a few scars adding character to the otherwise flawless figure. When his pants dropped, she felt an animalistic urge surge within her at the sight of him fully exposed, his arousal evident and commanding. Knox was beyond hot—he was fire, pure and smoldering.

His gaze traveled over her with hunger as he deftly removed her sundress, slipping off her bra and underwear and letting them fall to the floor. Leading her to the bed, he gently lowered her onto it, the mattress shifting as he joined her. His lips skimmed up her neck, feathering over her cheek, brushing across her lips, and then trailing down to her shoulder. He nibbled lightly, his touch both possessive and reverent.

“You’re beautiful, Vickie,” he murmured, his words warm and tender. Though sweet, they made her uneasy. Such compliments felt foreign to her.

His arousal pressed against her side, and, eager to return the favor, her hand found him, stroking slowly, feeling his response under her touch. A drop of pre-cum beaded at the tip, and as she spread it, he shuddered in pleasure. But then he gently captured her hands, pinning them above her head with one large hand.

“No, Vickie,” he said, his tone firm but soft. “Tonight is all about you. I want to show you what it’s like to be worshiped.”

A shiver ran through her. No man had ever spoken to her like this. Every other experience had felt rushed, one-sided.

“You’re so damn tempting. I could just devour every inch of you,” he whispered, his lips resuming their path down her body, kissing a trail from her shoulder to the hollow between her breasts. He continued lower, but as he neared her stomach, she instinctively crossed her arms over it, feeling self-conscious.

Knox paused, then turned her to her side and landed a playful swat on her backside, leaving a light sting. “Don’t hide from me,” he chided gently. “I want to see all of you. Next time, I won’t be so gentle.” He took her hands in his and resumed his journey, passionately covering with kisses the area she’d tried to conceal.

His hands cupped her breasts, his gaze intense. “You’re perfect,” he said. He raked his teeth across her nipple, sending a jolt through her body that made her arch off the bed.

“Oh, my God,” she gasped.

He chuckled softly against her skin. “My name is Knox. Did you forget already?” He teased, his mouth still on her, flicking his tongue over her nipple as his teeth gently grazed it, making her gasp in a mix of pain and pleasure.

“Knox!” she cried, her body responding instinctively, her fingers digging into his shoulders.

“That’s it, baby girl. Hold on to me.” His mouth opened wider, taking her deeper, as his other hand moved to her other breast, pinching her nipple between his fingers, sending a thrill through her. A guttural cry escaped her—louder than she’d ever been during sex, but she didn’t care. The mix of pleasure and pain was intoxicating, overwhelming.

“That’s my good girl,” he murmured. “You like a little pain with your pleasure, don’t you?” His lips trailed down to her stomach and lower, kissing every inch, leaving her trembling with anticipation.

He moved lower, his fingers parting her as his tongue flicked over her sensitive clit. The sensation almost sent her flying off the bed, but his free hand pressed down on her abdomen, holding her firmly in place as he continued, his mouth working magic. He added a finger, plunging it inside her, matching his tongue’s rhythm, pushing her higher and higher toward release.

“Oh, God…” she gasped.

He pulled his finger out, meeting her eyes as he slowly licked it clean. “I knew you’d taste amazing,” he murmured, his voice low and rough, before returning his fingers to her, stroking her deeply, each movement expertly designed to bring her closer to the edge.

“Please, Knox. Please,” she begged, her need for him overtaking her. He reached over to the nightstand, grabbing a condom and expertly rolling it on, but even then, he didn’t immediately enter her. His head dipped back between her legs, his tongue diving where his fingers had been, feasting on her with an intensity that left her breathless. His fingers traced her clit as his tongue moved lower, exploring with a sensual precision that left her writhing beneath him.

It felt dirty—almost forbidden. But she couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe. She could only feel, her body winding tighter and tighter, the pleasure building to an unbearable peak.

“Please!” she cried, her voice hoarse.

Finally, he positioned himself, pressing the head of his thick cock against her entrance, slowly entering her. She was so wet, but even so, he stretched her, filling her completely. She tilted her hips, and he drove into her, slamming her against the bed.

“Yes,” she breathed. “Finally…”

He picked up speed, thrusting deeper, harder, each stroke driving her closer to a peak she’d never felt before. She wrapped her legs around his thighs, her hands clawing at his back as he took her with a raw intensity. She felt herself climbing, her body pulling tight, her pleasure nearing an explosive high.

“Fuck me,” she managed to gasp. “P-please.” She held onto him, all thoughts of insecurities forgotten in the incredible fullness, the complete connection.

His hand slid between their bodies, finding her clit as he pounded into her, the sensation sending shockwaves through her. She grasped his head, her fingers tangling in his hair, as her climax built to a crescendo. His other hand slipped under her ass, tilting her hips, his cock grazing a spot inside her that sent her spiraling over the edge.

Vickie cried out, a high-pitched keening filling the room as she came, her body clenching around him, wave after wave of pleasure coursing through her. Her legs shook, her body pulsing with release, her vision flashing white as she rode out the most intense climax she’d ever experienced.

Knox’s mouth covered hers, absorbing her screams as he continued to thrust, his fingers digging into her hips, his own climax hitting as he groaned her name, his body finally relaxing against hers as he collapsed.

Knox pulled Vickie close, nuzzling his chin against her head. “Go to sleep, sweetheart. We’ll talk in the morning about this notion of yours that this was a one-date thing.” He kissed her forehead gently, his lips warm and comforting against her skin.

She sighed, and her body relaxed instinctively into his touch. It was madness, how easily she responded to him, how effortlessly he seemed to take control.

When she awoke, the first thing she noticed was the note on the pillow beside her.

Vickie,

You were sleeping so peacefully. I didn’t want to wake you. Got called into work. My number is: 619-545-7325. Text me when you wake up so we can schedule our next date.

Behave yourself until then,

Knox

Vickie read the note over and over, her mind buzzing with indecision. Should she text him? Maybe she should let last night live in her memory, wrapped up tightly like a perfect little gift. Because if they saw each other again, things might turn complicated, maybe even messy. But what if... what if they turned into something more?

Still undecided, Vickie got out of bed and started gathering her scattered clothing. She briefly considered using his shower, but the thought made her self-conscious. She didn’t want him walking in on her, vulnerable and alone in his bathroom. It was safer to wait until she was home.

Once dressed, she glanced around his room, absently smoothing the sheets on his bed, wondering if she should strip them and wash them for him. After all, last night had been wild. But she decided against it, hoping her quick, tidy fixes were enough. She caught her reflection in the dresser mirror and winced. Her makeup was smeared, and her hair was a wild mess.

Vickie rushed to the bathroom and splashed her face with warm water, scrubbing away the remnants of her mascara. She ended up with a splotchy, pink-cheeked look, but at least it was better than a “walk of shame” face. She pulled her hair back into a quick bun and, feeling a wave of awkwardness at lingering in Knox’s space, called for a rideshare and headed outside to wait.

Just as she stepped onto the front porch, closing the door behind her, she noticed a woman approaching on the sidewalk. The stranger was blonde, effortlessly beautiful, with a confident bounce to her step. Vickie’s stomach tightened with unease.

The woman’s expression soured as she looked Vickie up and down, eyes narrowing in appraisal. “Who are you?” she asked bluntly, her voice sharp with suspicion.

“Uh…” Vickie stammered, caught off guard.

“And why are you coming out of Knox’s house?” the blonde pressed, crossing her arms as if staking her claim.

Vickie’s heart sank. “You know Knox?”

The woman’s mouth twisted into a thin smile. “Of course I know Knox. Very well. I see him a few times a week, if not every day. The real question is, how do you know Knox?”

Her tone was harsh, her gaze piercing, as if daring Vickie to answer.

The implications hit Vickie all at once. This must be his girlfriend , she realized, her stomach churning with guilt and embarrassment. He’s with her… and he cheated on her with me.

Her cheeks flushed. Knox had been so attentive, so charming; she’d been swept off her feet without a second thought. She’d asked him if he was single, and he’d said yes. But he was a stranger. What made her think he’d be honest with her? How many dishonest men had she met playing wingman for her friends? She hadn’t considered that he might be lying to her. Suddenly, she felt like a fool.

“Oh, I’m, um… I’m a realtor,” she replied quickly, her voice shaky. “I was just… checking out his property. Seeing if he’s interested in selling.”

The woman’s glare didn’t soften. In fact, her lips curled into a smirk. “Right. Well, he’s not interested in selling,” she said, her tone ice-cold. “And even if he was, he wouldn’t be interested in anything you’re offering.”

There was an unmistakable, territorial edge in her voice. Vickie swallowed hard, fighting the sting of tears. Just then, her ride pulled up to the curb. She didn’t even check the license plate, just opened the door and slid into the back seat, desperate to escape the awkward, crushing moment.

As she settled into the seat, Vickie gave the driver her address, her voice barely more than a whisper. She tried to keep her emotions in check, but the shame and guilt were overwhelming.

This was only supposed to be one date, she reminded herself, her heart heavy. She’d let her guard down and gotten caught up in a fantasy, believing Knox might be different, that he might be someone she could actually get to know, maybe even trust. But he was clearly a player—a smooth-talking charmer who’d used her, then slipped back into the arms of the perfect blonde he apparently saw “a few times a week.”

Still, she couldn’t deny the impact the night had on her. For a brief, shimmering moment, Knox had made her feel wanted, cherished. She’d learned something about herself, even if they weren’t meant to be, and for that, she’d always be grateful. As painful as it was, it had been a night she’d treasure—no matter how bittersweet.