I vaguely remember her saying something once about going to the same gym as Kale and Jace, which is a local boxing gym I also belong to. Once again, I wonder how I never noticed her before, but I try not to think too much about it. Before my deployment, Jace and I always went after our shifts and I guess we probably just never crossed paths. There aren’t many girls who come in and box and I know I would’ve noticed her.

“Oh, sweetheart, I know how you love to verbally spar, so I guess it only makes sense that you like to do it physically, too.”

Rolling her eyes, she sighs. “I don’t love to verbally spar. You just make it so damn easy. But yeah, I’ve been boxing since I was a kid. It’s not always easy finding a worthy opponent because the guys at the gym don’t like to hit me, especially with Dad watching, but Kale’s been pretty competitive. Jace mentioned that he goes there, too, but I’ve never seen him. I love doing it. It’s a rush and such a great way to stay in shape, especially with all the training.”

Yeah, it’s official. The girl of my dreams. You know, if I intended on actually settling down. It figures the universe would send the perfect girl to my doorstep, only to make sure that we can’t stand each other half the time.

“As soon as I’m cleared, I’ll box with you. I figure we’re equal when we get in the ring. I promise I won’t take it easy on you,” I tell her, secretly hoping to land her flat on her back, my body pressed against hers as I pin her down, even though we don’t exactly do that when we box.

“You’re on. Kale and Dad are the only ones I can get to take me seriously, and it’d feel good to kick your ass.” She grins before changing the subject. “Okay, Knox, there’s something I’m dying to ask.”

Oh fuck me. This night was going so well. The playful back-and-forth banter has actually been refreshing, and I’ve really been enjoying her company. Now I’m reminded why I don’t deal with chicks. There’s always something.

She’s look at me expectantly and I just nod, encouraging her to continue. Before she can speak, our food is delivered and she cuts into her steak immediately. She lets out a sexy moan as she takes the first bite.

“God, it’s been so long since I’ve had a good filet. I’ve been saving my money to get my own place, so a nice, juicy steak has been out of the question. This definitely hits the spot.”

Furrowing my brow, I’m confused because I’ve gotten used to having her around. We’re about halfway through the summer that Jace bet me to stay with her, and I already know I don’t want her to leave.

My hand reaches across the table and grabs hers. “Charlie, you don’t have to go anywhere. Seriously. This whole roommate thing is working out just fine. I have the room, so there’s no reason for you to leave just because I’m all healed up.”

Her eyes widen and she stares at me as if she’s trying to digest my words. A moment passes before she responds. “Are you sure, Knox? I don’t want to impose. Now that you can drive, you don’t really need me around anymore. I’d completely understand if you want me to move out sooner. I can stay with Dad until Lucy gets back.” She’s fingering the rim of her beer, not meeting my eyes.

When I lean across the table, my hand takes hold of her chin, moving her head up so she’ll look at me.

“Sweetheart, I really do appreciate all you’ve done for me. And…well, I’ve kinda gotten used to having you around, even if you’re a pain in my ass. I guess what I’m saying is I don’t want you to leave yet.”

Her beautiful brown eyes gloss over, and I’m praying that she doesn’t cry. Blinking a few times, she pulls away from my hold. Toying with the paper napkin on the table, she takes a few moments before she returns my gaze.

“I’d like that, Knox,” is all she says, and it’s just enough.

We return to our meals, talking about less serious subjects. She’s curious about Jace and Lexi’s relationship. I tell her what I know, but it really isn’t all that much. The waitress drops off the check, and I am about to pay when I remember that she was about to ask me something.

“What was it that you were dying to ask, Charlie?” I ask, reminding her of whatever was on her mind before she had a foodgasm and forgot.

“Oh, that,” she says, waving her fork at me. “It’s no big deal, really. It’s just me being nosy and you don’t have to answer.” She looks away. “I’ve noticed you haven’t brought a single girl over since I moved in. I guess I’m just wondering if you’re doing that for my benefit. Because if you do, you know, want to have someone over, I don’t mind. Seriously.”

Oh, man. When she said she had something to ask, that definitely was not what I’d been expecting. Leaning against the back of the booth, I finish my beer before answering her.

“Charlie, I appreciate you giving me the okay, but I’m not seeing anyone or even interested in starting anything.” I’m two seconds away from telling her that I like spending my time with her, not anyone else, but she looks past me and pales.

She sits up straight and ruffles her hair, and I’m wondering what the hell is going on. I’m about to ask her what’s up when a male voice beats me to it.

“Hello, Charlotte,” the voice says. When I look up, I see a man standing at our table, staring intently at her. He’s probably a few years older than me. He’s lean with dark hair and stubble that looks like he hasn’t shaved in days. Completely ignoring the fact that I’m sitting here, he continues to watch her, waiting for her response.

“Drew,” is all she says as she slides out of the booth and stands up beside him. I follow suit, but he has his back to me. Putting two to two together, I realize that this must be the asshole who cheated on her. Before I can stop myself, I go around him and place my arm around Charlie’s waist, drawing her into me. His eyes narrow as he takes in the sight.

“So this is him?” he asks, confusing the shit out of me.

Charlie looks embarrassed for a split second, but then she straightens her shoulders and places her own arm around me. She gives me a silent plea, and I just follow her lead.

“Umm, Drew, this is Knox. We’re…” She trails off as if she doesn’t know what to say. Jumping in, I hold my hand out to shake his. He hesitates to shake it, but finally relents.

“She’s just being shy. We live together. Have for about a month now,” I tell him, and I can’t help but relish the way his eyes darken as he looks back and forth between the two of us.

“So this is the guy you said you were seeing?” he asks, quietly, through clenched teeth. Wait. What? She’s seeing someone? The way she looks up at me with pleading eyes lets me know she wants me to be that guy—at least for now—so I draw her in closer to my body, planting a soft kiss on her temple.

“I don’t know what she’s told you, but this girl’s been driving me crazy from the moment I met her. I just can’t get enough.” I know I’m laying it on thick, but I’m having too much fun watching his jaw clench. As he processes my words, I realize that everything I just said is completely true.

Taking a moment to look down at Charlie, I realize she’s watching me instead of him. Her mouth is slightly open and her eyes are wide with surprise, as if my words were shocking to her. Hell, they kind of are to me, but I guess I need to start getting used to the idea that this girl is slowing working her way into my heart, even if I want to fight it with everything I have. This Drew guy clears his throat, causing her to turn back to him.

“It was nice to see you, Drew, but we’re going to get out of here. Have a fantastic evening,” she tells him, grabbing my hand and hauling me towards the door.

When we get outside, she tries to drag me to the car, but I have different plans. Grasping her waist, I push her back up against the building. She gasps at the force of it. I grab both of her wrists and hold them over her head. Looking down into her eyes, I bring my lips to her ear.