She shakes her head. “I don’t think that’s possible.” Her white teeth nibble on her lower lip. “You’ve been nothing but thoughtful and kind to me.”
Taking another step, I slowly reach out to touch her face. When she doesn’t flinch, I trace the contours of her high cheekbones. Finally, her pretty ocean-colored eyes meet mine. They’re stormy, full of blues and greens competing for dominance.
“If you want to go out every night of the week, that’s your right. But I would like some warning if it’s with another guy.”
“I don’t want to go out with another guy.”
“I don’t want you to, either.”
“What does this mean for us?”
I weigh my words before saying them. Either I’ll make her run, or I’ll keep her forever. Both scare me, but one option a million times more than the other. “It means that I want to claim you as mine.”
“Do I get to claim you as mine, too?”
“Sure as hell hope so.”
“Then you’re mine.” A smile pushes the curves of Evangeline’s lips up. “When you’re feeling lonely because you’re missing Jake, I want you to come over and let me make you feel better.”
“Seriously?”
She nods. “Seriously. You’ve done so much for me, Hunter, and it’s the least I can do in return.”
“Don’t feel obligated.”
“I don’t. I want to be there for you.”
A fist pump into the air would not only be inappropriate at this time, but I’m twenty-eight, for Pete’s sake. However, the urge to give in is almost as overwhelming as kissing her.
She stands on her tiptoes. “Kiss me before I have to get back to work.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I brush a light kiss against her lips, wanting more but knowing that I can’t expect more. While office sex with her would be hot, I won’t push my luck.
Yet.
Chapter 14
Evangeline
Even though Hunter says he doesn’t care about me going out every night of the week, I still text him before I leave work to let him know where I’ll be tonight. Or maybe I’m texting him because he truly means it.
With a groan, I wait for his reply.
Hunter: Great bar. Safe place. Ask for Patricia and tell her Hunter sent you.
Me: Patricia, huh? Should I be jealous?
Hunter: Only if jealousy makes you horny.
I can’t help but laugh. This is nothing like the conversations, text or otherwise, I ever had with Penn during our marriage or while we secretly dated. Everything I said or texted was carefully worded in order to provoke him the least.
Me: Very funny.
Hunter: Is that a yes or no?
Me: Really?
Hunter: It’s really important and could save a life, specifically my sex life.
Me: -.-
Hunter: Is that your horny face? Very cute.
Evangeline: Omigosh. No! Stop.
Hunter: Only teasing. I like your O-face much better.
The reminder that he has in fact seen my face as I orgasm multiple times makes me blush and wince. I feel silly, happy, and…nothing else. While I will date Hunter and even sleep with him, my heart belongs strictly to me.
Me: Talk to you later.
Hunter: Count on it. Have fun.
—
On the way home, I take a chance and call my sister, Zoe. I figure with all these new steps I’m taking to shed my past, I should attempt to make my family a part of my future.
My palms grow slick as I wait for her to pick up the phone.
“Eva?”
I almost want to cry at the sound of her voice. “It’s me, your favorite baby sister.”
“I’m so happy to hear from you,” she says, her tone genuinely filled with happiness.
“Me, too.” I swipe at the corner of my eye. “How are things?”
“The usual. Super busy with writing books and chasing after your nieces and nephew,” she says cheerfully.
“I saw the pictures you posted on Facebook. They are getting so big, even Miss C.” My heart aches to hold them, to receive sticky kisses and hand-drawn pictures. “They probably won’t recognize me by the time I’m able to get home.”
“Oh, please. They know exactly who you are.”
“I’m in Forrestville, north of Charlotte, not out west like I told Momma,” I blurt.
“Omigosh, Eva. Are you okay?”
“Yes. I’ve…I’m finally fine.”
“Can we come see you?” my sister asks.
I want to say yes. I’m dying to say yes, but I can’t force myself to say the word.
“It’s okay if you’re still getting settled. That can take awhile.”
This is exactly why I love my sister. She’s genuinely kind and caring, and doesn’t insist on things her way. Well, not until you’ve made her mad, or snoop through her stuff. “Thanks. I promise that once things get settled, I’ll come clean and yell surprise. Think Momma and Daddy will go for that?”
“Uh, I don’t see why you couldn’t try that approach.”
“But I shouldn’t hold my breath, huh?”
Zoe laughs. “Something like that.”
“I’m in a much better place now.” I don’t know why I have to let her know this, but apparently my mouth is in gear and my brain won’t stop it. “For a while, I was depressed and—ashamed of what happened. With the divorce and all.”