“Oh, I’m fine. Just dandy.”
He smiled.
She smiled wider.
Hector mumbled something about Evan being an idiot, which she found funny.
When Lila returned, they celebrated two fake birthdays, and she shared a decadent dessert with Evan. Every time their spoons brushed or their eyes met, she fought a shiver of arousal, so she was not herself when she agreed to meet the next night for bowling.
“And bring friends. Hector and I plan on trouncing you.”
“Oh, it’s on, big man,” Lila taunted with a wink at Hector. “We’ll bring Rachel and Will. Oh, and Daniel. He’s pretty good for a skinny teen.”
Evan shrugged. “Bring whoever you want. We’ll still kick your pretty butts all over the place. Military guys know how to throw down.”
“Nice trash talk, Evan.” Hector approved.
“Thanks, I’ve been practicing.”
The pair stood, joking with each other, and waited for Lila and Kenzie to leave with them. Before Kenzie could mention the bill, Evan told her it had been taken care of.
“Tell him thanks,” Lila prodded, not so softly.
“Thanks”—she glared at Lila—“that was nice of you.”
“I aim to please.” Evan put a hand at the small of her back and walked her to her car, while Hector did the same with Lila.
“I had a great time,” Kenzie told Evan, sincere and surprised she meant it.
“Me too.” He smiled, brushed a finger over her cheek, then stepped back. “I look forward to beating you tomorrow night. That’s if someone else doesn’t have a birthday, anniversary, or celebration that pulls you away. But hey, no problem. Just bring them with you.”
She flushed, not sure if she should stick to her story or not. “Well, heck. You flustered me, okay? I’m not used to kisses like that.”
His look turned tender. “If it makes you feel any better, I’m not either. It’s been a while since I’ve even been out on a date, to be honest.”
“Oh. Really?” Why did that brighten her night?
“Yeah. My mom’s been sick. Work has been crazy. And I just… I haven’t wanted to see anyone, I guess. Until you.” He stepped close and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. He took a quick step back. “Crap. I still feel it.”
She had to laugh, liking the fact he looked shaken. “Me too.”
He stuffed his hands in his pockets, a sure sign of nerves she found adorable—a word she never would have thought to use with sexy Evan Griffith.
“Are you really okay with me bringing my friends and Daniel tomorrow?”
“I am. I like you, Kenzie. And I’d like to get to know you better. No pressure about anything else.”
Though that should have made her feel better, he somehow made it worse. Because everything about Evan made her like him more. “Great. Tomorrow night. And don’t be surprised when I bring my own ball.”
“Oh, a ringer. I can’t wait.” He looked as if he might step close again, but he turned around with a wave and left.
She watched him leave, her lips still tingling.
Chapter 9
Evan wasn’t proud of it, but being around Kenzie had stirred him up so much he’d had to return home and take himself in hand to get some sleep.
Upon waking, he had the same problem.
