“Hey, listen, I’m sorry, but I have to be at BTC for a last minute birthday party tonight.”
“Are you trying to ditch me? I’m catching a pattern here.”
“No! We could meet later tonight, if you want.”
“Are you turning this into a booty call?” I can hear the amusement in his voice as he teases me.
“I’m sorry, are you too sophisticated for such behavior?”
“Not normally, but I was really looking forward to that lasagna. I’ll take you to the birthday party and then we’ll have dinner before I show you my qualifications rank me far above booty call material, love. What time should I pick you up?”
I nearly drop the phone at his suggestion. “You want to go to an eight year old’s birthday party?”
“I want to spend time with you. Wherever.” His tone is serious. My brain is screaming at me to put an end to this right now. He’s either trying to play me, or he’s looking for more, which he won’t find with me. Either way, the result won’t be pretty, but for some reason, I can’t disappoint him. I’ve thought about him all day, and I really want to see him tonight.
“Six-thirty,” I reply.
“See you then, Evie.” Panda, Evie, Love. The man is incapable of calling me by my name. I hate how much I like it.
There’s a knock on my door at six-thirty sharp and I’m greeted by a smile that could make a nun tear off her clothes. He’s dressed in loose jeans and a long sleeved button up. For half a second, I consider dragging his luscious ass to the bedroom, but I can’t disappoint a kid.
“You look beautiful,” he says, taking my hand after I usher him out, locking the door behind me.
“A vision in jeans,” I reply, giving him a look. I really wish he’d quit with the bullshit lines. I’m not ugly, but I’m nowhere near beautiful. Before we can make it to the elevator, I find myself pinned against the hallway wall. His hand grips my hip as his other reaches to tilt my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze.
“I don’t like being called a liar, Evie. You can be assured I mean every word I say,” he whispers in my ear. “You’re stunning. I can barely keep my hands off you.” Warm sweet breath wafts across my neck. When he pulls back, his gaze falls to my lips, making me lick them. God, I want to feel his full lips on mine again. The corners of his mouth twitch in amusement. “Is there something you want, Evie?”
Ugh. Arrogant prick. If he thinks I’m asking him to kiss me, he’s a few fries short of a Happy Meal. “To be on time.” I’m relieved to hear my response come out smooth and strong, even though I feel like a trembling mess. It’s ridiculous. He barely touched me. Just the thought of his kiss shattered my brain and set my heart racing.
“Have it your way, love.” If I had it my way he’d be naked with my knees on his shoulders. He takes my hand as we wait for the elevator.
When the doors open, Ian grins at me and steps into the hall. “Ev, hey. I was just dropping by to say hi. I guess you’re on your way out?” Oh, the lying little bastard. He just had to check out Mason.
Mason instantly drops my hand and slides his arm possessively around my shoulders. “You want to introduce me, sweetheart?” Sweetheart?!
“Uh…yeah, Mason, this is Ian, my uh…foster brother.” Shit. Now I’m going to have to go through the whole ‘grew up in foster care’ story. “Ian, this is Mason.”
“Her date,” he clarifies. Great, is he going to piss on my leg?
“Nice to meet you,” Ian replies, voice thick with amusement. We all step into the elevator and Mason keeps his arms around me, tucking me against his side. He smells fantastic.
“Don’t you have a date tonight?” I ask Ian.
“Nah, but tomorrow I have two. Guess I’d better pick, huh?I have to reschedule one. The blond is super hot with tits till Tuesday, but the redhead’s more fun. What do you think, Ev?”
“I think you’re a pig and you should cancel both of them.”
His hand slides to cover his heart, his mouth falling open as he feigns offense. “I’m a perfect gentleman.”
“I’m sure.”
“Whew, nice car, man!” Ian exclaims as we step up to the curb.
A wide smile spreads across Mason’s face. “I like it. What do you think, Evie?”
“It’s pretty,” I reply with a shrug, running my finger across the deep blue paint. This is the type of car I pictured him driving. “Where’s your sedan?”
“At home.” He grins.
