“I think Jake’s going to do okay.A few little glitches, but he paid attention.”
Vince gave him an encouraging smile.“You’re good at this.Thank you.Keep it up.”
Evan was able to read his lips, but then Vince took out his phone and spoke into it.—How’s the Level Two book coming along?—
His stomach clenched, but then he thought about how much he and Mercedes had done and everything he’d learned from it.“Almost done.Still studying.”
—If you have any questions or have a hard time with something, don’t be afraid to ask for help.I’m here for you if you need it.I really want to give you more responsibility, especially after seeing how good you were mentoring Jake today.We need people with your work ethic on the jobsite.—
Pride burst inside him, and he tried to keep a grin from taking over his face.“Thank you.I’ll keep working at it.”
After the praise he’d just received, he was determined to study harder than ever.He couldn’t wait to go home and share this news with Mercedes.After all, she was part of the reason he’d gotten this far, and it was only right to celebrate with her.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Waking up snuggled next to Evan after being with him all night was now one of Mercedes’ favorite things to do.His scent, his warmth, his hard body alongside her soft one.He pressed a few kisses on her hair, and she shivered.Little things like that were what made her love him more each day.
“We should probably get up soon.It’s already ten, and we have to be at my parents’ around noon.” Yet Evan didn’t move away from her.
“You’re right,” she responded.“We should get up.I really like where I am at this moment, though.”
“Me, too.”He waggled his eyebrows seductively and a lopsided grin popped onto his face.Then, he kissed her.She was addicted to these kisses, no doubt about it.How had she ever survived without them?
A few minutes later, Evan groaned and reluctantly edged away.“I’m sorry.I wish we could stay here all day, but my mom is expecting us.”
“I know.Make sure I remember to bring the deviled eggs I made yesterday.We certainly can’t eat them all.”
“I could sure try.I love your deviled eggs.”
Too bad he hadn’t said he loved her.Was it too early for that?She was aware of her feelings, but had Evan figured them out yet?Did he love her, or was he still in the infatuation stage?Would it scare him off if she declared how she felt?
Evan kissed the top of her head before he scooped up his hearing aids from the bedside table and left.He’d been wearing them lately when he was home with her, and her face heated as she recalled his reason.They didn’t help him hear all that much better, however he claimed he could feel the vibration of her purring when they were intimate.He said it really turned him on.
The shower started up so she sat up in bed.Reaching into her bedside table, she removed her journal and pen.She didn’t write in it every day, but her entries had been more frequent ever since she and Evan had begun dating.She’d written about all the different kinds of dates they’d been on and how they’d gotten along during each one.The emotions she’d experienced for the past few months were inscribed all over the pages, detailing her love for this incredible man who made her feel so wonderful.
After scribbling more musings, she tucked the book back in the drawer and slid out of bed.With her robe on, she padded to the bathroom right as Evan exited.The steam from the shower wafted out of the door as his broad shoulders and bare chest filled the doorway.She’d never get enough of seeing him this way, so manly and sexy.The mischievous grin and adorable dimple always made her stomach flip flop.
“Your turn.I left you some hot water.”
“You’re so kind, sir.” Fortunately, the hot water in this apartment was excellent, so unless he spent an hour in there, she’d be okay.She stood on her toes to kiss his cheek, and he yanked her into his arms for a tight hug.
When he did this, simply held her with no sexual intention, it went straight to her heart.Sometimes, she wondered if he needed the contact and wasn’t merely doing it for her.
When he eased back, she said,“I won’t be long.I don’t need to wash my hair today.”With how long it took for her curls to dry, she had to schedule washing her hair for when she had more time.
“I’ll make you some coffee while you’re in there.”
“You’re an angel.”
He laughed.“If you say so.I’m not sure my family would agree.”
Later, in the kitchen, her coffee sat ready on the warmer, and Evan had a glass of Mountain Dew in front of him.A plate of toast and one of bacon sat in the middle of the table.
“Definitely an angel.Thank you.”
“You cook meals for us all the time.I have been known to make breakfast on occasion.”
Sitting next to him, she said,“True, but it’s typically no more than pouring cereal into a bowl with milk or opening a packet of Pop Tarts.”
