I heard the happiness in my voice, and he visibly relaxed as I walked toward him. Evan gave me a hug, and his scent took me right back to college. When I pulled away, he looked up and around, evidently spotting Preston.
I turned and looked at my boyfriend. The green monster was rising in him, and I had to stop that shit right now.
“Evan, this is my boyfriend, Preston James. Babe, this is Evan Ellis, my friend from college. He’s a tight end for Atlanta.”
Preston held out his hand to shake Evan’s. “Nice to meet you. Nick’s told me about you.”
I rolled my eyes, and Nicole looked at me with wide eyes.
My look told her to shut the fuck up, making her laugh. The twin thing was real.
“Evan Ellis, is that you?” my mother called as she entered the room carrying the glass of wine Preston had poured her.
He grinned from ear to ear. “Yes, ma’am. How are you, Michelle?”
She hugged him and patted his back. “I’m wonderful, sweetheart. Are you hungry? We just ate, but have plenty of food and dessert.”
“No,” he laughed, “but thank you. I just had lunch with my Mom and stepfather. I thought I’d drop by and see if Nick was here.”
Evan looked at me and there was a little longing in his gaze that I’m sure Preston had picked up on if the way he held me in his vice grip was any indication.
“Evan, how are you, son?” my dad asked.
Turning, he shook my dad’s hand. “I’m good. I’m here since we play the Pirates tomorrow, and thought I’d stop by to see everyone.”
I furrowed my brow. “Aren’t you playing for Atlanta?”
He shook his head. “No. I was traded to San Diego at the end of last season. I guess you’ve not been keeping up with me,” he teased.
I laughed, a little embarrassed. “No, I’ve been kinda busy finishing my master’s degree and working.”
“And dating me,” Mr. Jealous responded. I swear he was gonna pee on me to mark his territory.
I laughed and patted his chest. “Yes, baby. I’ve not forgotten you.”
He grunted like a Neanderthal and sat back down.
Evan looked at me and then at Preston. He shook his head in understanding.
“Mom made her cheesecake. Want a piece?” I asked, hoping he said yes.
He nodded. “Yeah, that would be great. I could never say no to her cheesecake.”
I nodded toward the kitchen. “Come on, I’ll get you some.”
Standing, I headed to the kitchen while my sister engaged Preston in conversation about New York.
“He’s territorial, huh?” he asked, as I pulled the cheesecake out of the refrigerator. “I don’t blame him.”
That was an understatement. “Yeah, a little. He’s a really good man.”
Evan was quiet while I plated up his cheesecake. When I handed it to him, he studied me and nodded. “Thanks,” he said, but only picked at the dessert. “I didn’t think you’d stay single long.”
I looked up at the man I used to love. “I was for a long time after you left, until about three months ago.”
Evan held my gaze for a minute before nodding. “I guess I waited too long. Are you guys serious?”
“Yeah. Pretty serious.” I waited as he took a bite of cheesecake. “Is that why you stopped by?” He knew what I was asking.
