It was challenging to focus on her question while her soft hand was still holding mine.
Fuck, I wanted her. I wanted to pull her onto my lap and take what was mine. But this couldn’t be rushed. Though I wasn’t used to patience in these matters, Evangelina wasn’t like the women I kicked out of my penthouse and hotels after sex. I’d never courted anyone before, but something told me she’d be the exception.
“I’m a tactical instructor.”
She released my hand and shifted back against her seat.
“You live in a million-dollar home and neighborhood and drive a damn Bentley. That doesn’t seem at all suspicious.”
I leaned my head against the seat and belted out a laugh. “I thought you were homicide, not FBI.”
“I’m a woman of many talents.”
Her words sent another jolt to my dick.
“Is that so?” I asked, all humor gone from my voice.
Eva turned to me, the bottom corner of her lip between her teeth again.
“I was talking about the job.”
“Of course you were.”
She scoffed and squeezed the steering wheel with both hands.
A nervous twitch.
“Eva, I’m not a felon. I own Sloane’s Gun and Tactical. And my adoptive father is the CEO of Janus Security, of which I’m also CFO. My GT was a Christmas bonus.”
“That was one hell of a bonus.”
My face hurt from smiling so much, and I didn’t know how I felt about that. “As you said, I’ve done quite well for myself.”
“You have.” Her eyes found mine again. “Derek, James was wrong for doing what he did. But you’re right; the past doesn’t matter. And now that I know you, I want us to be… friends. I want us to get to know each other. If that’s okay.”
My mouth kicked up into a wider grin. “Of course.”
This was almost too easy. Eva handed me her phone.
“You can call and text me whenever.” Her shoulders immediately tensed, eyes widening. Perhaps she thought she’d been too forward, yet she was utterly oblivious that she no longer had a choice. She was mine. Better she understood that sooner than later.
I reluctantly exited the car, instantly missing the smell of her perfume.
“Oh, and Evangelina,” I said, leaning into the open window. “It’s not average.” Her eyes narrowed, not following. “Your height. It’s not average.”
Understanding lit up the corners of her eyes. “Again, with the short jokes, Derek?” Her tone was mirthful and light.
I shook my head. “No. It’s just that absolutelynothingabout you is average.”
As she wet her lips, I couldn’t help licking my own, as if anticipating a taste.
Soon enough.
She curled that pretty mouth of hers.“Bye, Derek.”
CHAPTERFIVE
EVANGELINA
