Knox: A Suspenseful M/M Brother's Best Friend Romance, page 5
Gunnar lets out a snicker. “As a doctor, I wouldn’t recommend it either. I mean, most things are good in moderation, but if I remember correctly, you were eating pizza every day at one point.”
“Yup. When Mom found out, she damn near whooped my ass.”
My heart sinks a little at the memory of my mom.
“You, okay?” Gunnar asks after a long pause of silence.
“Just missing her,” I reply softly. “I still can’t believe she’s been gone for four and a half years already.
“Me either. She was a great woman,” Gunnar tells me with a soft smile and kind eyes filled with understanding.
Our families are extremely close, and it hit him, his sister, and their parents just as hard as us.
We don’t say anything, but the silence isn’t awkward this time. It isn’t until after the grocery order is picked up and we make our way to a pizza joint nearby that one of us finally speaks up.
“Are you still a heathen who likes pineapple on his pizza?” I ask, holding the door open for Gunnar.
He chuckles, and things finally feel comfortable between us again. Here’s hoping I don’t fuck things up again.
“Pineapple belongs on pizza. You’re the heathen who likes black olives,” he counters.
I scoff. “Vegetables are meant for pizza, not fruit.”
“What can I get you guys?” a slender man with piercing ice-blue eyes and a wicked smile asks.
“Could I get two slices of your meat lovers?” I request, and don’t miss the way his eyes scan over my body.
“Absolutely,” he responds with a wink that has me blushing.
“Could I get two slices of ham and pineapple,” Gunnar asks, making the guy blink a few times before tearing his eyes away from me.
“Oh, yeah,” the guy responds and moves to get our pizza.
“Could he be any more obvious?” Gunnar grumbles under his voice.
“I don’t mind,” I respond. “I might even get his number.”
I waggle my brows, but Gunnar doesn’t laugh like I thought he would. Instead, his jaw clenches, and his spine goes stiff. What the fuck does that mean?
“Isn’t he a little young for you?” he asks with a snotty tone that pisses me off a little.
“You got a problem with age gaps?” I question with a raised brow.
“No… it’s just…” He pauses, grabbing the back of his neck. “Never mind.”
“No. You don’t get to make me sound like a creep and then play it off as nothing. Tell me what you were thinking,” I demand.
“It’s not the age,” he grunts out.
“Then what is it?”
“Here you go,” the pizza guy calls out, saving Gunnar from answering.
“I wrote my number on the box. Call if you’re looking for some fun,” the guy says after I pay for all the pizza and grab the box.
Gunnar huffs out a breath and stalks away.
“Shit are you two together?” the pizza guy asks.
I shake my head. “Nah, he’s my brother’s best friend. I think he’s just trying to look out for me.”
The guy laughs, raising a brow at me. “Honey, that was not how a friend who’s looking out for you reacts in a situation like this. That man has the hots for you and was jealous.”
It’s my turn to laugh. “Not possible.”
“I’m rarely wrong about these things. If it turns out I’m right, do me a favor and text me. I love feeling vindicated.”
I smile. “Sure, but I can guarantee you won’t be getting that text.”
“Then I hope for a different kind of message,” he replies with a wink, then moves to help another customer.
When I get to the car, Gunnar is leaning against it, looking pissed, and his hair is messed up like he’s been running his fingers through it.
Is there some way the pizza guy was right?
Maybe Gunnar is jealous. But that doesn’t make sense to me.
Instead of dwelling on this delusional thought train, I unlock the car and get in. We still need to get home and eat our pizza before heading to Nixon and Dante’s house.
Chapter Eight
Gunnar
What the fuck is wrong with me?
I have no reason to be jealous of someone flirting with Knox. He’s a good-looking single dude. Obviously, men are going to want to be with him, yet I don’t want them to be.
I want to flirt with him, and honestly, I kind of have been most of the afternoon. It started out unintentionally, but then it became fun and exciting, and I couldn’t stop myself. That was until he winked at me. It made me want to melt into a puddle of goo and realize I’d gone too far. Then I went and made it awkward and tense because I couldn’t explain it to him.
Of course, that created even more tension between us, which I hated, but it was for the best. I’m not supposed to develop feelings for Knox. He’s supposed to be like a brother to me.
If I ever crossed a line with Knox, Malcolm would kill me. He might not have said it directly to me, but he’s made it extremely clear to all his friends over the years that Knox is strictly off-limits. Surely, that means double for me because of how close our families were growing up.
I’ll admit when we were kids, then again as teens, I did see Knox as an annoying little brother, but it hasn’t been like that in years. And it’s not like we are actually related. But my friendship with Malcolm is important to me. I can’t risk that, even if I am extremely attracted to his brother.
Yet knowing he is off-limits didn’t stop me from almost punching the pizza worker for simply flirting with Knox. I should be the one Knox is flirting with, even if it is wrong.
Even if I could ask Knox out and keep my friendship with Malcolm, that doesn’t mean we are compatible in a relationship way. Just because he’s hot and I’m more than a little attracted to him doesn’t mean the feelings are reciprocated.
“You gonna tell me what was going on in there?” Knox asks after he gets into the SUV, staring at me with a lifted brow.
I shake my head, staring out the window. I’m embarrassed by how I acted and don’t want to admit to my jealousy.
Thankfully, he doesn’t push me and puts the car into drive. I’m sure he knows why I stormed out of the pizza joint. Even if I admitted the truth, I don’t have a reason why I acted that way. Confessing the truth is just going to open a can of worms.
Time passes quickly when we get home, between eating our pizza and putting away the groceries. At first, the energy in the room was awkward, but we quickly put the incident behind us and started talking like casual friends again. Albeit not as playful as we were at the farmer’s market, but that’s probably a good thing.
“Ready to head to Nixon and Dante’s?” Knox asks once I come out of my room after freshening up.
I nod and follow him to his car, keeping my eyes up because I know if I let them wander, they will zero in on his ass in those tight jeans. I’m not a perve, but I’m also only a man, and when you’ve got an ass on display like that, it’s hard not to stare.
But I don’t need to have inappropriate thoughts about Knox, so I don’t look…
… much.
I’m looking forward to the evening. I love meeting new people but don’t keep many close friends. It’s hard to keep people close when you work a crazy schedule like I do. That’s why the only person I really hang out with on the regular is Malcolm. We’ve been friends for forever, so he understands when I get busy and don’t have time to catch up.
“Anything I need to know before we get there?” I ask as Knox drives us to the wealthier part of the city.
“I don’t think so, but they might get you to sign an NDA when you get there,” he informs me.
“That makes sense. Being a celebrity must be exhausting at times. Everyone always wanting to be all up in your business.”
“Dante’s been through a lot too. He’s learning to trust again, but it wasn’t very long ago that his father was sentenced to prison after trying to out him and almost killing him,” Knox shares.
Every tabloid and news outlet was talking all about it when the court case went down. It was an impossible story to miss, so I know a little bit about it. Obviously, no one except Dante and his inner circle knows the whole story, and that’s the way it should be.
I’m shocked that Dante is willing to let new people into his life after stuff like that. I’m not sure I would be the same. I think if I was burned like he was, there wouldn’t be a chance in hell of anyone getting close to me again.
The drive is filled with easy conversation and the occasional sing-along to Knox’s playlist, but my jaw damn near hits my lap when we pull up to giant black gates with a massive house sitting on a hill in the distance.
Knox chuckles. “You’re gonna catch flies,” he teases.
I glare at him, then turn my focus back to the place as the gates open, and we make our way up. I was expecting a big place, but this is damn near a mansion. I’m not sure I’ve ever been in a house this size.
“This place is beautiful.” I take in the giant windows and neatly maintained boxes of flowers underneath each one.
The whole area screams wealth but is tasteful at the same time. From the little I know of Dante Michaelson, it makes sense.
“Ready to go in?” Knox asks with a tilt of his head after he parks.
“Absolutely,” I reply cheerfully. “I’m going to make your friends like me better than they like you.”
Knox chuckles, and we get out of the SUV. I grab the cupcakes, following Knox to the door.
“You made it,” Dante chimes after opening the door and ushering us in.
“Yup, and I brought cupcakes,” I say, smiling.
“I love cupcakes,” Dante tells me, guiding us into the house.
Expecting Knox to abandon me immediately to hang out with the other guests, I am pleasantly surprised when he stays close instead.
“Did someone say cupcakes?” a pretty blonde with a gorgeous smile shouts, sauntering over to us.
When she gets close, I realize who she is. Anna Lane. I’ve seen a lot of the chick flicks she’s starred in, and she’s super talented.
Holy shit, I’m in the presence of two amazing actors right now. How is this my life?
“I picked up a little bit of everything,” I tell them. “Hopefully, there is something you like.”
“I love all kinds of sweets,” Anna tells me. “If you keep bringing baked goods each time you show up, I may never let you go,” she teases with a wink.
I chuckle as she and Dante open the boxes, each picking a treat.
Nixon is the next person to approach us with a piece of paper in hand.
“I told you not to do that,” Dante hisses at him.
“It’s for everyone’s protection,” Nixon tells his fiancé, but Dante doesn’t back down, and his glare only intensifies.
“If it’s an NDA, I’m happy to sign it,” I offer, making Nixon smile.
“See, most people understand that it isn’t anything personal,” he says, handing me the paper and a pen.
“I’m used to keeping my mouth shut because of my job, but I don’t mind adding a second layer of security,” I assure them.
“I just don’t want you to think we don’t trust you,” Dante tells me with a little pout.
“You don’t know me. It’s okay not to trust me,” I counter. “Besides, after everything you’ve been through, you probably shouldn’t trust people.”
Nixon’s smile only grows, and I think I’m earning points with my words.
I’m totally going to have Knox’s friends liking me better than him by the end of the night.
Chapter Nine
Knox
Gunnar is the life of the party, and I can’t help but watch him throughout the night. Everyone laughs at his jokes, and people gravitate toward him like they always do in social situations.
At least he doesn’t have any trouble putting up with my friends, who can be a bit much, but in the best way.
“Now that everyone’s here, we have an announcement to make,” Nixon calls out in his booming voice, getting everyone’s attention.
“Hurry up, I’m winning at Monopoly here,” Sophy, the computer wizard at Hunter Security, shouts and sticks her tongue out at him.
Nixon closes his eyes, and his lips move, but no words come out. I’m pretty sure he’s counting so he doesn’t blow up.
Sophy is known for pushing buttons, something she gets great joy out of doing, and as long as they aren’t mine, it’s entertaining to watch.
“Dante and I are excited to announce we are starting a family,” Nixon says after he’s done calming himself, and everyone gasps.
“That’s right, bitches,” Anna yells. “I’m their surrogate, and I’m pregnant!”
The room erupts with congratulations and hugs being shared. I hang back for a moment before making my way to the happy couple to give my own words of happiness.
“How far along are you?” I ask Anna after giving her a tight squeeze.
“Fourteen weeks. I wanted to tell everyone sooner, but Dante wanted us to wait until I was past the first trimester,” she replies with an eye roll as if her best friend was crazy.
“I just wanted to be safe,” he states.
I nod with understanding. Tatiana has had multiple miscarriages over the years, and she has mentioned how hard it is to tell everyone after you’ve already announced the pregnancy. Sometimes, it’s easier to keep it to yourself until farther along when it’s statistically safer.
“Congratulations,” Gunnar tells them, but obviously doesn’t move in for a hug. “Now the NDA makes even more sense,” he says with a smirk.
Nixon beams at the statement, but Dante rolls his eyes. “Would you have run and blabbed if we didn’t make you sign one?” Dante checks, making Gunnar chuckle as he shakes his head. “See, it wasn’t even necessary.”
Dante sticks his tongue out at his fiancé, whose face goes red.
“Three,” Nixon growls out so quietly I almost miss it. Dante’s face goes a bright shade of red, and he squirms a little where he stands.
I have no idea what that’s about, but I also know it’s none of my business. I’ll just keep my mouth shut.
Gunnar looks confused but also doesn’t say anything. “How are you enjoying yourself?” I ask him as we step away from the happy couple.
“Honestly? I think I’m almost done,” he confesses. “I’m having a great time, but I’m fucking exhausted. I didn’t sleep the best last night. I’m thinking about getting an Uber.”
I shake my head. “I already told you I’ll drive you home. I don’t mind calling it an early night, and I’m not in the middle of a game with anyone.”
He looks at his feet with his lips pressed together. “Are you sure? It’s really no hardship to get a different ride.”
Without thinking, I step forward, causing Gunnar to finally look up. We are now standing toe to toe, and I can feel his breath on my face. Shit. This probably wasn’t a good idea, but I don’t want to back down yet. I need him to understand how serious I am.
“You’ve known me since I was born. Do I ever offer to do things I don’t want to do?” I ask in a firm, low voice. Gunnar blinks a couple of times, then shakes his head. “Exactly, let’s say our goodbyes, and we can head home.”
Gunnar doesn’t respond, but he looks a little like a deer in headlights, and my heart is racing from how close we are. Without saying anything more, I turn to give us both a moment and let my friends know we’re leaving.
“I can’t believe you’re having a baby before you get married,” Sophy says to Dante as they play Monopoly. “That’s kind of backward, you know.”
“Planning a celebrity wedding is no easy feat,” Dante replies, rolling his eyes.
I chuckle because I know he and Nixon are despising the big event his team is forcing them to have.
“You already know I think you should just say fuck it and elope,” I chime in.
Dante sighs. “I wish, but I see the point my agent has too, as to why it shouldn’t be small. Besides growing up as a gay kid, it would have been nice to see an openly gay celebrity couple getting married. I want to be an inspiration to those kids.”
I smile at him, loving how caring he is.
“It’s awesome how you’re trying to make a difference,” I tell him with a smile, then add, “I hate to bail early, but Gunnar and I are gonna call it a night.”
Dante’s grin turns evil, and I wonder what he’s thinking.
“He’s an awesome guy. I see why you have a crush on him.”
I glare at him. “Keep it to yourself, or you’ll be getting a new roommate because he’s going to kick me to the curb.”
Dante laughs. “I highly doubt that. I’m pretty sure he likes you too.”
“There is no way,” I reply, shaking my head. “If he liked me, he would have made a move already.”
“Maybe he’s shy and just needs a gentle shove,” Sophy suggests with a twinkle in her eyes.
“Just drop it, okay?” I grumble harshly as Gunnar makes his way to us.
“Thanks for inviting me, and congrats again,” Gunnar tells Nixon and Dante.
“Anytime, and thank you for the cupcakes,” Nixon says with a charming smile.
“It felt rude to show up empty-handed,” Gunnar replies.
“Don’t go making the rest of us feel bad,” Sophy calls out, and we all laugh.
“We’ll let you know when our next get-together is,” Dante says.
Gunnar grins. “I’d like that,” he tells him and waves as we head out.
“You look tired,” I note as we get into the car.
“It’s all because of that stupid fucking fridge this morning,” he grumbles, and a yawn slips past his lips.
“I get that. Did you have a good time?”
“I did. I’m glad I came. I’m kind of in awe of Dante,” he tells me, and I lift a brow, silently asking him to continue. “He seems to be so open and lets people in, yet he has every reason not to.”
“I’m glad you came tonight,” I tell him, pulling out of the driveway.
