Knox’s face lights up. It’s not even smug. He’s just genuinely pleased.
Until Arizona opens her mouth again. “We’re really hoping he calls.”
“Wow.” Matti almost misses his mouth with his fork on that one.
“That was messed up.” Knox laughs.
Arizona smirks, perfectly satisfied with the results of her joke.
“So, what’s the favor?” he prompts her when she tries to go back to eating her pancakes like nothing happened.
“What favor?”
“You know, the one you ask me for after you insult me,” he reminds her, still grinning.
“Oh.” She puts down her fork. “Right.” She taps her chin as she thinks it over. “You know, I actually think I’m going to do you one.”
Knox leans over the table toward her, clearly curious to hear what she’s offering. “Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah.” Her eyes move from looking at him to lock on mine and I’m instantly nervous. She smirks, then returns her attention to Knox. “I’m going to let you in on a secret only I know.”
“And what’s that?”
“Kenley is a sucker for sunrise walks on the beach after a night of all you can eat pancakes.”
“That’s a good secret.” He smiles. “And an excellent favor.”
“You don’t have to do anything with that information,” I assure him. The last thing I want is for him to feel like he’s being put on the spot to spend more time with me.
“I know.” He’s still smiling. He’s also starting to clear everyone’s empty plates, stacking them up before he slides the small tower over toward the edge of the table. “I’m going to though. That is, if you’re interested.”
“She’s interested,” Arizona beats me to the punch. “She’s just having a hard time accepting that feeling is mutual.”
Knox turns to me, suddenly serious.
Thankfully, before he can ask me anything else, Jake shows up, forcing a change in subject.
Saved by the pancake god.
We wind up sitting here for another three rounds. Though, only Arizona, Knox, Matti, and I make it to the final serving of pancakes. Everyone else bows out the one before.
With plenty of sugar and caffeine (the coffee refills were coming just as steadily) in our systems, the chatter turns increasingly ridiculous, helping me evade Knox and his serious face. At least for now.
Then, it’s time to settle up.
Or I think it’s time. Apparently, that time has passed.
“It’s all paid for,” Jake says again when Arizona and I just stare at him, like we can’t comprehend what he’s saying. “Knox Marley left his card with the cashier on the way in.”
I turn to scowl at Knox. “Why would you do that?”
He shrugs. “Guess I had a sixth sense about you and your inability to accept a meal from a man. Calm down, woman. They’re just pancakes. You can get the coffees after we watch the sun come up.”
“After we watch the sun come up?” Now I’m directing my blank stare at him. He can’t possibly mean what I think he means.
“We’re going for a walk, remember?” It’s his turn to slide out of the booth. As soon as he’s out, he’s turning back for me, handstretched out to help me. Much to my own hyper-independent ass’s surprise, I take it. And then, I notice, he doesn’t let go.
“Don’t you have to get back on the road?”
