-Good morning. I got the passes and wristbands. The kids are so excited. Thanks so much!-
An idea strikes me and I call for the kids. Danny helps me wrangle them and a few minutes later, I text Mason a picture of the group with Thank You Mr. Reed written across the bottom.
-They’re very welcome. You have your hands full today.-
-Not today. Just stopped by to share the good news.-
-Good. You’ll have plenty of time to prepare for our date tonight.-
Ha, nice try.
-I think you need to check the calendar. Our date is weeks away.-
-Far too long. I want to see you.-
-Sorry, have to pass.-
-Do you have a date, Evie?-
-With my couch and a new book.-
-Let me guess, a romance? I can give you romance.-
Uh, huh, until the moment he comes. It’s time to mess with him.
-Sort of a romance book, I guess, if you call bondage and spanking romance.-
-You just made me hard at work. I’ll see you at seven.-
Stubborn arrogant jackass.
-No, you won’t. Not tonight.-
-Talk to you later, beautiful.-
Ugh! This man is so irritating! Sweet, but stubborn as hell. I’m not going out with him tonight. Absolutely not.
* * * *
The knock at the door sounds at exactly seven o’clock. That arrogant bastard. I told him no! He can’t just order me on a date. Screw him. I’m not opening the door. “Evie, I’ll sit here all night. Open up.”
A few seconds later, I hear Charlotte, my elderly neighbor, call out, “Everly? You okay, sweetie?” Shit Shit Shit. Now I have to open the door or make a scene.
Mason’s amused look when I yank open the door makes me want to punch him in the throat. Instead, I force a smile. “I’m fine, Charlotte, thank you.” She grins and heads back into her apartment. “Come in,” I grumble.
“I’d love to.” That damn smirk. His eyes travel over my sweats. “Not that you don’t look lovely in anything, but the restaurant may have a bare minimum of a dress code.”
“I told you I’m not going out with you. And I’ve already eaten,” I add, gesturing to the pizza box on the table.
“We don’t have to go to dinner. Just let me take you out. I have something very special I want to show you.”
I’ll bet he does. He laughs when my eyes involuntarily dart to his crotch. “Not that special, although I’m happy to arrange a viewing of that as well.”
“I’ll pass on both.”
“Are you always this stubborn?”
“Are you always this persistent?”
