“Please, you have to know how sorry I am,” Jana said. “I shouldn’t have tripped anyone. And I’m sorry about your locker. If you find out who it was, I’ll go break some kneecaps.”
Evie peeked at Jana. “You’re not just saying that because you want my approval for you to date my brother again?”
Jana exhaled. “Look. Knox and I are… I don’t know, hanging out? We got some things straightened out between us, and I guess we’re sort of dating now. Not officially, though. I mean, I’m still trying to figure out where he is in his life, and where I am in relation to it.”
“Knox said you were his girlfriend.”
Jana’s cheeks heated up. “Yeah, I heard.”
Evie looked surprised at this. “So it’s not a two-way street.”
It was Jana’s turn to look away. “I won’t deny that Knox has always had part of my heart, and always will. But I’m not seventeen anymore. And I know things have been complicated in his life.”
Evie laughed, and Jana looked at her in surprise.
“That about sums it up,” Evie said, still smiling. “I for one am glad you aren’t blinded by Knox’s way with the ladies.”
Jana nodded. “Honestly, that’s what worries me most.” There, it was out there. In actual conversation. To Knox’s own sister.
Evie moved closer and put a hand on Jana’s arm. “Look, Knox’s past mistakes aren’t any of my business. But I know he’s paid a lot of penance. He’s changed. Everyone in our family can see that. Losing Macie, and almost losing Ruby, really shook him up.”
Jana exhaled, then nodded. “I know he’s changed… but it’s hard for me to trust in good things sometimes.”
“I get that more than probably everyone.” Evie smiled, her tears completely gone now. “Want my advice?”
“Of course,” Jana said. “I could definitely use any advice now.”
“Take it one day at a time.”
The advice was simple—so simple that Jana should have thought of it. “Okay, I will.”
“Oh, and Jana,” Evie said, “I’ve never seen Knox like this around another woman. Not even his ex-wife when they were first together. So for what it’s worth, to him, you are the real deal.”
Jana was speechless.
“Now,” Evie continued, “let’s get those snacks.”
Jana followed her to the concessions, feeling like she’d just lived through two lifetimes. Things between her and Evie were cleared up, and things with her and Knox? More promising than she expected.
“Let me help you carry that stuff,” Jana said as Evie began to scoop up her purchases. “Hungry?”
Evie laughed. “It’s for all of us.”
Once they joined Carson back in the arena, the bull-riding was announced. Evie settled next to Carson, grasping his hand. Jana watched each bull-rider, paying more attention than she ever had to the sport, now that she understood it better.
When Knox’s name was called, Evie and Carson jumped to their feet to cheer. Jana joined them, her heart thudding, almost in time to her clapping. They took their seats, but Jana’s heart was still in the air, jumping each time the bull bucked and tried to throw off its rider.
“I don’t know why he beats himself up like that,” Evie said, gripping Jana’s hand as the announcer counted down the time.
When the buzzer rang, everyone cheered. His ride had been great, but there had been a couple of other great ones, too. Would Knox be able to pull it off?
Evie started eating the nachos like she was starving. “I’m a stress eater,” she said, then ate another chip.
Jana would have laughed, but her heart was in her throat. Finally, the announcer said that Knox had won by a single point. She jumped to her feet, cheering as loud as she could.
The winners of the rodeo events were paraded back into the arena, and the awards were handed over. “Let’s go congratulate him,” Evie said.
“Right on the arena floor?” Jana asked, following the pair as they headed to the aisle.
Evie glanced back. “Sure, why not?”
Why not? Because Knox was surrounded, and Jana would rather hang back. Wait until he was alone—which she realized now would probably never happen while he was still in the arena.
Evie and Carson seemed to have no problem making their way through the crowd, so Jana kept close behind them. Still, when they reached the group surrounding Knox, Jana’s stomach took a nosedive. Most of the people simply shook his hand, and a few asked for pictures. Some of the women were making their interest clear, though.
Evie scoffed as they overheard one woman ask for his number.
“Write it on my arm, darlin’,” said a woman with brows so thick, they must’ve been painted on.
“Sorry, sugar, my girlfriend wouldn’t be happy.” Then he looked over at Jana and winked.
She didn’t even realize he knew she was at the back of the crowd.
The eyebrow woman turned and stared at Jana.
What in the world… ? Jana felt her cheeks heat, but she refused to look away from the woman who had no business asking Knox for his number in the first place. Single or not. In that moment, Jana saw another side of Knox’s life. Where he had to turn down pestering people who only looked at him for his outer fame, and didn’t care about anything beyond that.
The eyebrow woman turned back to Knox. “I can still give you my number, just in case.”
Knox chuckled. “Have a great evening, and thanks for coming.” Then he turned to the next person, a woman with her son, and signed a poster for them.
Jana didn’t even know there were posters of Knox. Wow. Pretty amazing. Evie and Carson shuffled forward, waiting their turn, and Jana moved with them. She felt detached from those pressing for a moment of Knox’s time, and she looked at these people from another perspective. They were here as fans, nothing else. Except for that eyebrow woman—and there were probably more like her.
But Knox wasn’t responsible for another person’s behavior. He was only responsible for his own. He was handling these people remarkably well, with friendliness and professionalism. His personality was naturally charming, but he wasn’t crossing any lines. Not now, and not at the rodeo in Prosper, Jana realized.
Evie had said her brother had changed from the issues he’d had with Macie, and Jana was now a current witness to it. Somehow, she knew that even if she hadn’t come tonight, Knox would still be putting off the woman. Not for her, specifically, but because of his own decisions.
Jana moved forward again. Finally, the crowd had thinned, and about half the people he’d greeted and taken pictures with were now gone.
“Congrats, bro,” Evie said, stepping forward to hug him.
Knox grinned and hugged her tight, then he released her and clasped hands with Carson.
“You were amazing,” Carson said. “I think you get better every time I see you.”
“Thanks, man,” Knox said, his green eyes shifting to Jana.
“Congratulations,” she said as someone jostled her from behind. She nearly tripped forward, but Knox grasped her.
“Sorry,” she said. “Your fans are pretty wild.”
Knox grinned and pulled her closer. “What about you?”
Her heart was already hammering, and now, he was going to make her blush in front of everyone?
“Selfie, everyone!” Evie announced, moving to the other side of Knox. She held up her phone as Carson crowded behind them.
Knox’s arm snaked around Jana’s waist more fully, and just before Evie took the picture, he kissed Jana’s cheek.
“Hey, look at the camera, Knox,” Evie said with a laugh.
Knox did, grinning, and Jana wanted to laugh with giddiness. She herself was turning into quite the fan of Knox Prosper. Evie and Carson stepped away, but Knox didn’t release Jana.
“Dinner after?” he said to his sister and her boyfriend.
“Of course,” Evie said. “Where should we meet?”
“I’ll text you when we decide,” Kn
ox said, apparently including Jana in the “we.”
He still hadn’t released her, and when she made a move to step away and give him space with the waiting fans, he grasped her hand.
“Where are you going?” he asked, his gaze fully focused on her like there weren’t twenty people waiting for autographs and pictures.
“I can wait by your truck.”
“Wait with me,” he said. “These folks are friendly.”
She was totally blushing now, and she really didn’t want to argue with him in front of all these waiting people. “Okay.”
Knox smiled, then leaned down and kissed her on the mouth.
She was so shocked, she didn’t move. He only smiled, then turned to the next person waiting to talk to him. When pictures were requested, he released her hand and obliged, but through it all, he managed to continue holding her hand most of the time. He even stole another kiss, and Jana wondered how many photos there were out there now of them kissing.
She knew she’d feel more self-conscious later about it all, but right now, she felt like she was existing in a dream state. Was this all truly real? Knox’s pointed attention on her when so many others were vying for his?
When the line finally dwindled to the last person, Knox sent the young man off with a selfie of the two of them and a signed program. Then he turned to Jana and slipped his hands about her waist. She rested her hands on his biceps, feeling the warm heat beneath the cotton of his shirt. The green of his eyes was solely focused on her, and he smelled of dirt and spice and man. She wanted everyone and everything to disappear so she could kiss him properly.
“Thanks for waiting with me,” he said in a low voice. The arena had mostly cleared out, but there were still plenty of people around.
“I could have just waited in the parking lot,” she said.
“You told me that,” he said, his gaze straying to her mouth, then lower. “You look beautiful.”
For an instant, Jana couldn’t even remember which outfit she’d chosen that night. Knox’s intense gaze was crowding out all of her short-term memory. “You look like you just won a rodeo.”
He chuckled, then pulled her closer.
Before she knew it, his mouth was on hers, and the scruff along his jaw was scraping her skin as he deepened his kiss.
Well, then…
Knox had no trouble with PDA, it seemed. Jana curled her fingers into his shirt to keep herself in balance. So, this dating Knox thing was pretty much a different universe to exist in.
“Let’s get out of here,” he whispered.
Knox was in a good mood. A very good mood. His sister had warmed to Jana, and to be honest, he’d been worried about that. Not that Evie’s disapproval would have changed his mind about Jana. But having family support was always nice, especially since he’d cut himself off from it for so long.
But on the drive over to the restaurant, Jana had told him about her conversation with his sister, how they’d worked things out. And that was just peachy with Knox.
Now, as they all sat at a restaurant, he smiled as Jana and Evie swapped stories about growing up in Prosper. And Barb. Ah, Barb was always the center of attention wherever she went.
“Next time you’re in Prosper, you should hang out with us,” Jana told his sister.
Evie looked surprised, but pleased. She reached for Carson’s hand, then said, “Maybe I will.”
Jana smiled. “Good to hear. What’s your cell number?”
The women swapped numbers, and Knox hoped it meant they would officially be friends. He draped an arm across the back of Jana’s chair when the waiter came over and asked if anyone wanted dessert.
“I can’t eat another thing,” Evie declared.
Carson chuckled. “Why am I not surprised? You should have seen the stuff she bought at the rodeo.”
“Hey.” Evie elbowed him. “I shared with the kids behind us.”
Carson smirked, his gaze dancing with amusement.
“Do you want anything, Jana?” Knox asked close to her ear.
She rested a hand on his leg. “I’m stuffed, too.”
“Want to share the lava cake? It has raspberries on it.”
She glanced up at him, and he loved her knowing smile. “Okay.”
“A lava cake with four forks,” he told the waitress.
While she left to fulfill their order, Jana nestled closer, and Knox decided this was the best date he’d ever been on. Even though it was more of a double date, and he knew he had to talk to Jana about her dad tonight. Being here with family, plus Jana, was something he hadn’t been able to expect or dream of for years.
Funny how life worked sometimes. He’d never take his relationships for granted again.
“So, Knox said you’re running the jam company for your parents now that they’re retired,” his sister said to Jana.
Jana straightened a little. “Basically. My dad still does all the accounting, and my mom keeps the website updated. But I’m doing all the production.”
Evie’s brow wrinkled. “Just you? What about Natalie?”
“Oh, she’s the resident family lawyer,” Jana said, a tinge of hesitation in her voice. “She gives my dad legal advice, but she’s not really the type to tie on an apron.”
Knox loved this very thing about Jana. He trailed his fingers over her shoulder.
“Where do you sell your jam?” Carson asked.
“My dad has connections with a bunch of mom and pop stores in the area,” she said. “He’s had a couple of buyout offers, but says he wants to wait. Probably until the price is right.” She picked up her drink and sipped more water.
“So your parents are here, in San Antonio, right?” Evie asked.
“Yep,” Jana said.
“We should have invited them to the rodeo,” Evie continued. “Knox, why didn’t you offer them tickets?”
“Uh, I told him not to bother since it was such short notice,” Jana cut in before he could answer. “Besides, I didn’t want all the questions.”
Evie’s brows lifted, and she looked from Jana to Knox. “Ah. I get it. You’re dating, but don’t really want it to be the number one news item in Prosper.”
“Right,” Knox said, taking Jana’s side. He’d brought up the same thing, about inviting her parents, but Jana had seemed extremely reluctant, so he’d dropped it without questioning her. “You know small towns. Especially since I don’t live there, I don’t want Jana hounded with questions. Or anyone else in our family.”
“Makes sense,” Evie said.
A short silence fell amongst the group, and Knox was pretty sure everyone was thinking of the questions that might be asked of Macie, Holt, and even Ruby.
Still… they all knew, and Holt had practically given Knox his blessing. Not that Knox needed it from anyone. But it had been nice, of course.
When the lava cake came, everyone dug in, even Evie.
“When are you heading back?” Evie asked Jana. “We can meet for breakfast in the morning, although it will have to be early. I have to be in the office by eight.”
“I’ll plan my next trip out here for longer,” Jana said. “I’ve got to fill orders tomorrow, so I’m leaving around six.”
“Okay, no problem,” Evie said, then stifled a yawn. “We’d better head out.”
Knox stood and hugged his sister goodbye, then shook Carson’s hand. When he turned, Jana had stood as well.
“I think I’d better get to the hotel,” she said. “Early morning.”
Knox knew this night wouldn’t last forever, but reality was hitting fast. “Okay, I’ll take you to your car back at the arena. Are you sure you don’t want to stay in a room at my hotel?”
She smiled. “I’m sure.”
“Okay…” Knox paid the bill, then walked out of the restaurant with her, hand in hand. On the drive back to arena, he knew now was the time. He’d promised Holt, and timing might be important here. “Hey, I need to ask you something, and I want you to know that it’s just a busin
ess question.”
Jana looked at him in surprise.
He explained how Holt had secured grant money to fund the horse rehabilitations, and now that grant would be divided.
Jana said nothing as she listened, until he got to the email part that listed the company who’d claimed to have a volunteer vet. “There’s only one vet in Prosper, unless they’re bringing in another one, but who would do that much volunteering? Maybe a retired vet?” she said.
“Maybe,” Knox said as he pulled into the arena parking lot and headed to where she’d parked. “But Holt and I looked into the equestrian company more and found that one of Prosper’s local citizens is on the board of directors.”
Jana’s brows shot up. “Oh, wow. So they’re going in through a back door? Piggybacking on the grant work that Holt already did?”
Knox parked next to Jana’s SUV. “That’s Holt’s theory, and maybe mine, too. But I wanted to talk to you about it first.”
Jana’s brow creased. “I’m not an expert in business organizations.”
He released a breath, then turned to face her more fully. “Your dad is, though, and I found his name listed on the board of directors for RD & Associates.”
“Really?” Jana said, her eyes widening.
Knox nodded to confirm.
Jana blinked. “Wow. I had no idea. I mean, I don’t really track my dad’s business.” She pulled out her phone and looked up the name of the company he’d told her.
He couldn’t explain the relief he felt that Jana had no knowledge of RD & Associates applying for the grant. He’d known it in his heart, but to have it verbally confirmed was even better. Jana had the board of directors page pulled up, and she read through the list of names.
“I still don’t get why they’re doing this—on top of the one that’s already established at Prosperity Ranch,” Jana said. “You’d think they’d just apply for a grant in another location so they didn’t have to split it.”
“I don’t understand it, either,” Knox said. “But I need to help Holt find out, so when we saw your dad’s name…” He didn’t finish, because he didn’t have to.
“I’m calling him right now,” Jana said, pulling up her contacts.
Not Over You (Prosperity Ranch Book 3) Page 11