Holy hell, she looks amazing.
She’d worn a simple burgundy dress, but on Evangeline, simple became elegant. The knit material clung to her curves while the low neckline offered him a peek at her phenomenal cleavage, but it was those gorgeous, long legs that snagged his full attention.I’m a goner.
“You arestunning.”
A smile danced on her lips, which were covered in clear gloss. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. From her sweeping updo that highlighted her beautiful neckline, to the way her light eyes popped from the smoky makeup, he drank in her beauty. “I’m going to forget all about work.”
“You look pretty hot yourself, Mr. Develin.”
He’d dressed in all black, down to his boxers.
They entered her apartment and he shut the door.
“These are for you.” He handed her a boutique bag and a hand-carved walnut box before dropping his overcoat on the sofa.
“Thank you.” After setting the bag on the sofa, she opened the box, and stared at the vodka bottle. “This looks insanely expensive.”
“It’s Stoli Elit, Himalayan edition, from my private collection.”
“This is a work of art.”
The gift box included a gold-plated ice pick and she read the inscription. “Oh, wow, they contribute a portion of their sales to an organization that protects the world’s oceans.” She kissed him. “This is the most amazing gift I’ve ever received. Thank you.”
“Stolichnaya made three hundred bottles of this edition.”
Her eyebrows jumped up. “And we’re supposed to drink it?”
He chuckled. “How else can we appreciate it?”
“Then, we’ll have some before we head out.” She vanished into her kitchen, returning with two juice glasses.
He opened it, poured, and handed her a glass.
“Here’s to finding the woman in the video,” she said.
His heart dropped. For her, thiswasall business.
Then, she shot him an adorable smile. “I’m just messing with you. Here’s to the one man who…” she peered into his eyes, “takes incredibly good care of me.”
“To you, Evan. My brilliant, gorgeous enigma.” She stilled while he tossed back the luxurious liquor. “Drink up.”
She sipped the vodka, closed her eyes, and sighed. A peace settled over her face, and, when her eyes opened, she took another sip. “I’m going to say this once and only once. I like you Sinclair Develin. I like you…a lot. And not just because you bought me the best vodka on the planet.”
He laughed.I like you, too. One helluva lot.
“But my liking you doesn’t change a thing.”
Yeah, right.He stifled a smile. “Of course not.” Evangeline Worthington had played her hand. For reasons he couldn’t begin to analyze, that didn’t scare him. In fact, he liked knowing how she felt because he felt the exact same way.
She lifted the bag off the sofa. “Also for me?”
“Yes.”
First, she looked inside. Then, she pulled out the full-length cashmere coat. “This is too much.” She slipped it on and ran her hands down its length. “This is, by far, the most beautiful piece of clothing I have ever owned. Thank you so much.”
“You are so beautiful,” he murmured.
“So are you,” she replied, her voice a breathy whisper. She dropped a soft peck on his mouth. “Thank you for these gifts.”
