Page 72 of Last First Date

I couldn’t help but giggle as Knox piled a plate high with food for me, acting very much like an overprotective boyfriend. “I can feed myself, you know.”

“I know,” he replied with a grin. “But I’m just looking out for you.”

Feeling overwhelmed from the night’s events and his gestures, I thanked him and picked at the plate. Despite being on a runway in lingerie in front of hundreds of people, it was this intimate moment in the backstage chaos that really made my heart race. Between mouthfuls of mini sandwiches and sips of champagne, we exchanged glances and laughed at inside jokes. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking about the incident in the dressing room. My body hummed with the very thought of it.

As the evening began to wind down, Knox suggested we head out. “Want to go back to the hotel?” he asked.

“I thought you would never ask. I want to get this makeup off my face and put on my fuzzy slippers.”

“Let me find the director and let her know we’ll be leaving.”

“I’m going to say goodbye to the girls.”

As Knox disappeared into the crowd, I looked around for Laura and the other models. I found them huddled together, laughing and sipping champagne. They welcomed me with open arms, congratulating me once again and promising to stay in touch.

Laura pulled me aside, her cheeky grin making my heart flutter. “You’re one of us now, you know. Once you’ve walked the runway in your undies, there’s no going back.”

I laughed, but there was a sense of truth to her words. The runway had transformed me tonight, allowed me to break out of my comfort zone and be someone else. Someone bold and daring.

I would never be the same Waverly. I had a new confidence that made me feel like I could conquer the world.

30

KNOX

The drive back to the hotel was a blur, but I couldn’t help but keep my arm securely around Waverly’s waist. There was a feeling in me I couldn’t quite explain. I wanted to make her mine. It was the most primal feeling I’d ever had.

I did my best to dismiss all thoughts of her, but it didn’t work. I had the taste of her, and it was always going to be lingering. Seeing her on that runway with her body on display had been exciting and irritating. I saw the looks on the faces of the other men in the audience. It killed me that they were ogling her. I didn’t have any claim to her, but I couldn’t shake the feeling she was mine.

We stepped into the elevator with my arm around her waist. She didn’t make any attempt to pull away. “Your feet hurt?” I asked quietly as the elevator moved up.

“Yes, a little.”

“Maybe I can rub them for you,” I offered.

She laughed. “That’s not necessary.”

“Maybe I want to.”

We stepped off the elevator and made our way to our rooms. This was the moment of truth. “Would you like to come to my room for a nightcap?” I asked.

I told myself I couldn’t be disappointed if she said no. She owed me nothing. Yes, I would go to bed with blue balls and a lot of frustration, but that was her choice.

“That sounds good,” she said.

I quickly unlocked the door and led her inside. I opened the minibar and pulled out a bottle of champagne. I poured us each a glass. She had kicked off her shoes and was standing in front of the balcony doors overlooking Central Park.

I stood behind her, handing her a glass before taking a drink from my own glass.

I couldn’t resist the allure of her bare neck and leaned down to kiss the skin still dusted with gold powder. I planted a trail of kisses along the delicate skin.

“You stole the show,” I murmured against her skin. “You were the hottest woman up there.”

Her response was a soft laugh that filled the room. “I think you might be a little biased.”

“Maybe, but it doesn’t change the facts,” I whispered.

“Thank you,” she said. “I appreciate the compliment.”