Evan wasn’t really sure what they said or who “they” really were.He simply knew he hadn’t gotten tired of being with Mercedes.Not yet.Would there ever come a time where he did?
Chapter Sixteen
Mercedes braced herself, wondering what Evan’s mood would be tonight.He’d gone with her dad to a Red Sox game a few nights ago and had come back in high spirits.It seemed like the two of them were now bonded as besties.She thought she was his bestie for a while.Had their proximity destroyed that?Was asking Evan to move in with her a mistake?It hadn’t seemed like it at the time, but things had gotten a bit awkward every now and then between them.
Like the almost kiss?
Why was she still calling it an almost kiss?The first one, yes, but the second one?It was a kiss.Full lip contact with another pair of lips.They hadn’t stayed together as long as she’d wanted, but they’d certainly touched.
Tonight, they’d scheduled another reading session.She made sure not to call it a lesson, because it was apparent he was embarrassed by the fact he needed help.She hated that she couldn’t help him overcome that.He was so confident and successful in many things, this one shouldn’t matter.But it did to him.
His truck rattled into the driveway, and she shot off the couch to make sure the food in the crock pot was ready.As happened every night, Evan stomped onto the porch, kicked his boots against the threshold to get the dirt off, then came in.Footsteps sounded down the hallway and into his bedroom.Moments later, softer footsteps padded toward the bathroom and the shower turned on.She could set her watch to him.
She pulled down two large bowls and scooped some of the pot roast, potatoes, and carrots into each one.By the time she placed them on the table and set utensils next to them, Evan had popped his head into the kitchen.
“That smells delicious.”He gave her one of his winning smiles that probably turned women’s heads everywhere.She’d certainly seen a few double-takes when they’d been out together.
After he’d shoveled in a mouthful, he signed.Tastes delicious, too.Not surprised.Everything you make is yummy.Thanks.
“I’m glad you like it.”
They ate in silence for several minutes, only occasionally signing a question or comment about work or someone they knew.
“My dad texted today and was really happy you went to the game with him.My mom isn’t huge into sports, and Jonas prefers football.”
His expression grew excited.“I had a blast.I can’t believe how close our seats were.You could see the sweat on the player’s faces.”
“You enjoy seeing sweat?”she teased.
He laughed.“When it’s not mine, and it means my team is playing well.That last home run with the bases loaded was outstanding.Can’t believe I was right there to see it.Your dad is great.”When he said this, his cheeks colored.
“What’s that look for?”
He shrugged.“Nothing.”
“Pretty sure you just blushed.I want to know what made the cocky Evan Jameson get embarrassed.”
“There you are saying I’m cocky again.”He smirked.
“And you’re getting off the subject.What did my father say that made you uncomfortable?”
His gaze slanted to the side for a second.“Well,he mentioned that he wasn’t a fan of your old boyfriend, Callum.I thought he’d love the guy since he’s a book nerd like you.”
Mercedes rolled her eyes.“Not all book nerds are interesting people.Why were you talking about my old boyfriend anyway?”
The color in his cheeks darkened.“Some girl was flirting with me, trying to sign, though she only knew a few of the basic ones.He asked if I was seeing anyone.”
“Are you?”She kind of knew the answer but wanted clarity in case she was wrong.When he’d moved in, he’d said he hadn’t dated anyone lately, but he certainly could have started.
“Have you seen me bring any girls over here?Or go out other than work or Deaf Night Out or my parents’?”
“I don’t keep track of where you go,” she lied.
His smirk killed her.It made him look too adorable, and that was dangerous, especially if there was no chance of them ever being anything more than friends.
He laughed but didn’t say anything.He simply dug into the rest of his food.When they were done, he did the dishes.Mercedes had to admit she much preferred cooking to cleaning up afterward.This arrangement was the best of both worlds.
As Evan wiped down the kitchen table, she set her book bag on the coffee table in the living room and pulled out a few of the books she’d gotten from the library.Some were for Evan and some were for her.
