Tap. Tap. Tap. We swivel our attention toward the source of the sound. It’s a distinct sound that cuts into the silence. For fuck’s sake, I forgot to put my phone on vibrate, and Ever is typing away with her cute, slender fingers.
“You making notes, sweetness?”
I said the words loud and clear, but she ignores me. Or at least, I think she does. Then I realize Ever is absorbed in whatever she’s doing. What the hell is she doing? I have a good guess what it is when she makes a half-heart on her angelic face and snaps a picture, but I need confirmation.
I stride over and bracket my arms near her hips just because I can. Plus, I like a close-up of her eye action when I lean into her space and kiss her right between her beautiful eyes. They widen, then cross.
Ever holds the phone up between us. I look at her work. She listed her name in my contacts as “Sweetness,” and she saved her selfie for the picture.
“Digging it, Ever. Thank you.” I move my mouth over hers. She tastes and smells sweet.
Having assured her that I’m not interested in other women or have their contact information, I take my phone and slip it into my back pocket. I jerk my head toward the living area, then up the stairs. “Come help a guy out with ideas, why don’t you? There’s a lot of work to be done in two weeks.”
She sweeps her gaze over the open floor plan and up the stairs, looking overwhelmed. I’m feeling the same. “I’ve helped my friend Arie and her brothers with a house in similar condition, and it took a lot more time than two weeks. It took them three months.”
“You want to make a bet?” I’m up for the challenge.
She shakes her head vigorously. “Not from a guy who gives a coed five grand in exchange for twenty-four hours. I can’t decide whether you’re generous, crazy, or indecent.”
I waggle my brows. “How about all of the above?”
“It’s not funny.”
It is. She’s trying hard not to crack a smile, and it’s adorable as fuck when she’s looking around like she’s lost something, trying to avoid meeting my gaze.
“You don’t want to give it a try?” I bop her elegant nose. When she doesn’t budge, I grasp her chin and plant a kiss where I bopped. She’s cross-eyed again, and rich laughter pours from me.
I’ve never smiled or laughed so much in such a short time in my life.
“I promise it’ll be in both our favor.” I drop my voice to a husky drawl.
Her brows furrow. Ever is curious. She said she has nine lives, and boy, do I believe her. I’m betting my left kidney that this girl’s curiosity has gotten her in trouble many times over.
“What is it?”
“Say you’re in first, and then I’ll tell.”
“That’s not fair.” She playfully pouts.
I can kiss her now, fuck an audience. We already gave them a show earlier when the guys caught Ever with her arms and legs wrapped around me like a baby koala hanging on to a tree limb.
“All’s fair in love and war.” I wink.
Uncertainty flashes across her face before she locks down her expression, replacing it with curiosity. “Are we in love or at war?”
I grasp her chin and skim my thumb across her bottom lip. She trembles. “That’s up to you, sweetness.” I’m certain where I stand, but it takes two to tango, and Ever should have free will to decide.
Her dark brows angle low to her nose. “We barely know each other.”
“I agree.” With her chin in my grasp, I bring her close.
She glares. “We shouldn’t be going this fast!”
“I concur. But you can’t deny the pull between us. Feels like I’ve known you forever, sweetness.”
“Forever or not, it’s too fast.” She jabs my chest, then palms the spot above my heart. “A few meetups because you don’t date”—she air quotes—“and video calls do not make up whatever it is we have.”
She’s upset. She’s conflicted. And I’m here for all of it. I’ll keep my word. I will protect her, including from herself, if need be. “We did more than have meetups and video chats, beautiful. And what we have is a relationship that started unconventionally, but it began nonetheless and led us here. We lived out your fantasy. You helped me live mine. A beautiful and sweet girl watching the sunset with me after a serene ride on my bike is priceless and memorable, Ever After.”
