“Laying it on a bit thick, aren’t you?” I snort, giving in and shutting the door.
“Nothing but the truth, love.”
“You’re the first non-English person I’ve ever heard uselove as an endearment.”
“I spent a few years in London and some of the local dialect seeps in.” My eyes are drawn to the flex of his arms while he steers the van onto the highway. Would it kill him to wear a shirt that isn’t a size too small? His biceps are trying to bust through the cotton. “Put your seatbelt on.”
“Excuse me?”
“Put your belt on, Evie. We’re getting on the highway.” I usually do wear a seatbelt, but his demand sort of pisses me off. “What?” he asks, as I stare at him.
“I’m trying to find a less juvenile way to say ‘don’t tell me what to do.’”
He rolls his eyes. “Ms. Hall, will you please buckle up and set my mind at ease?”
Fastening the belt, I mumble, “It’s not like I’d stick you with the ticket.”
“I’m more concerned with keeping you on the right side of the windshield.”
I don’t have a response for that. After a few minutes, I blurt, “You don’t look like the CEO of an organization.”
I’m rewarded with his sexy laugh. “Oh? What does a CEO look like?”
“I don’t know. Old, fitted suits, less tats.”
“I own a few suits. Tell me about yourself, Evie. We have an hour drive ahead of us.”
“Well, for starters, my name isEverly.My friends call me Ev.”
With a little side glance, he asks, “Are you single, Evie?” I don’t know whether to choke him or jump in his lap.
I take a sudden interest in the scenery flowing past my window. “Yes, with every intention of staying that way.”
“That’s good.”
“It is?”
“Yes, that attitude will keep other men away while I wear you down.”
“I’m not very susceptible to badgering.”
“I can be very persuasive. I’ll make a pest of myself.”
Laughing, I turn the radio to a classic rock station. “Some willing woman will fall at your feet and I’ll be off the hook.”
He turns and flashes a crooked smile. “I don’t give up, love. In fact, I’ll bet you I can get at least a lunch date with you by Friday.”
“No, thank you. I’m not interested in dating right now.”
“If I win, you have to go to the S.B. Carnival with me.”
“I’m not going on a date with you.” He won’t win this bet. I’ve had my fill of bad boys and he’s got heartbreaker written all over him.
“We’re just going to lunch.”
“No, we’re not.”
“Then it should be a safe bet,” he teases.
