He’s a man about Everett’s age with short, curly hair in the loveliest shade of brown—with just a bit of warmth where the sun kisses it. His eyes crinkle when he smiles. I force myself to hold his gaze, even though all I want to do is run away.
I’ve seen attractive people before, of course. Who hasn’t? I see them every day. Sometimes, they stop by the bakery. Other times, I meet them at school. Sometimes, they’re even my professors, which makes them a little older—like Theo.
This is something else. My body’s reaction makes no sense. My hands shake, my heart races, and my smile is big enough to take over my face.
He’s even well-dressed, rare for a man, wearing light brown pants and a white shirt with an abstract pattern splashed across it. He’s not overdressed, but next to my brother’s beach bum look… well, he’s stunning.
Oh no.I’ve been quiet for an embarrassingly long time, haven’t I? This is the worst time to meet someone this good-looking. I’m covered in flour and powdered sugar, and my hair falls out of the bun on my head.
Everett was right. Theo is way too early; I didn’t even have time to get ready.
“Evie,” I mumble. “You can call me Evie.”
Chapter Three
THEO
Everett will kill me if I miss his party. I already ruined a date with one of his friends, and I doubt he’ll forgive me after one week.
Not that I’ve had any time to think about it. I’ve been scrambling around all week, doing the work of two people, and finally, the weekend is here. I deserve a break, even if Ishouldbe looking for a new assistant. The stack of resumes on my desk taunts me, but I can’t bring myself to work. Not today.
Replacing my old assistant won’t be easy. She had a decade of experience working for people more successful than I’ll ever be. She kept my life perfectly tidy, knew my schedule by heart, and had no problem putting me in my place. After working together for five years, her departure is heartbreaking, even if it will benefit her.
I’ll forget about it for a few hours, at least until I leave the party.
Everett leads me through the quiet house. Soft pop music and the drone of his voice are all I can hear. He throws these parties every weekend, and I only come half the time, but I’m usually the first one here when I am. Today is an exception. He has another guest—his sister.
I’m already smiling when I enter the kitchen, prepared to meet someone he’s told menothingabout. I know he has siblings, but that’sallI know. Everett may be talkative and friendly, but he has his secrets.
Who doesn’t?
A woman with a mess of blonde waves meets my expectations. Her hair is the same shade as Everett’s, but without all the gray hairs he’s developed over the last few years.
She lifts her head, meets my gaze, and my stomach flips. When she smiles back at me, it’s enough to knock me off my feet. Her hair isn’t the only messy thing about her. My attention trails down to a flour-covered apron.
She may be a mess, but she’s the sweetest thing I’ve seen, with bright blue eyes, cherry-pink lips, and a smile that couldn’t be faked by Hollywood’s best.
Oh, and she looks younger than Everett. Much younger. She looks so young, I can’t believe she’s his sister. Maybe she’s just aging well. She could have had a facelift. I don’t know, and it’s none of my business, but it takes me a moment to recover from the shock.
Evelyn. Her name is Evelyn.
Everett crosses his arms. If he said something, I wasn’t listening.
“Evie,” she says, her voice so soft I barely hear it. “You can call me Evie.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Evie.” I recover smoothly. “I would offer to shake your hand, but…”
She sticks her hand out, but quickly draws it back, likely realizing the issue.
“Right!” She giggles, shaking her head. “The flour, the sugar… you don’t want to get all sticky.”
“You’re right. I don’t.” My smile until my cheeks hurt. “Little too early in the party for that.”
“Jesus, Theo.” Everett laughs. “Don’t make jokes like that around my baby sister.”
My lips part, and my face is probably as red as can be. “I didn’t mean?—"
I can’t even begin to imagine what he’s referring to, and I’m not sure I want to know.
