Page 114 of The Challenge

After Liz left, I finally started going through the mail that had come in while I was away. I vowed that tomorrow would be a new day. I would no longer hide my true feelings for Evan out of fear. I’d call him and tell him I loved him and wanted to figure out how to make things work, if that was something that he also wanted. I’d face the truth—whatever it might be. Even if I ended up getting hurt, at least I wouldn’t live with the regret of never having said what was in my heart.

Deciding to give myself a mental break from the rumination that had paralyzed me since returning to Chicago, I ordered some sushi to be delivered. That was one thing you couldn’t get in Dry River; there were no good Japanese places. I figured maybe I’d also binge a TV show to get my mind off of things.

The doorbell rang, and I rushed to the door, starving after not having eaten for most of the day.

But when I opened, my heart practically leaped through my chest. Because it wasn’t a delivery man standing there.

Chapter 42

CHLOE

I burst into tears as I wrapped my arms around him. “Evan!”

He expelled a long breath onto my skin as if he’d been holding it all the way to Chicago.

Despite what I knew had to be a long day of travel, Evan looked incredibly hot. His dark hair was tousled, his beard a bit more grown out than usual. His sleeves were pushed up, and I’d nearly forgotten how much I’d missed those veins on his arms.

But a jolt of panic hit me after the initial shock wore off. What if this visit didn’t come with positive intentions? Had he come in person to break my heart?

I moved back to look into his eyes. “Why are you here?”

His smile faded. “Isn’t it obvious?”

“I need to hear it,” I demanded.

Evan’s eyes glistened. “I’m here because I love you, Chloe. I love you so much, and I don’t want to lose you.”

He exhaled.

He traveled halfway across the country to tell me that. “What about Effie?” I asked.

“What do you mean?”

“She wrote to me and told me her mom mentioned trying to get your family back together. I know she’s hoping for a reconciliation. She said—”

“I know what my daughter said. She told me what she wrote after she sent it to you. That was the catalyst that got me on a plane, actually. I could only imagine what you were thinking, and I wasn’t going to let you assume the wrong thing. Based on everything I’ve told you about my rationale for decisions in the past, you had every reason to believe I might try to get back with Katerina for Effie’s sake.”

Evan placed his hands on my shoulders and looked me straight in the eyes. “But I’ve learned a lot since we reconnected, and especially since Judy died. Life is fleeting. It’s too short to live inauthentically.” He shook his head. “I can’t be an example to my daughter if I’m not true to myself. I sat Effie down last night and explained to her that while I’ll always love Katerina for being her mother, I don’t love her the way a husband loves a wife—or the same way that I love you.” He nodded. “Yes. I told her I love you, Chloe. And I know that’s a little messed up considering I’d never even said those words to you.”

My eyes watered. “What did she say?”

“She understands. After I properly explained the different ways to love someone, she was happy about it.” He kissed my forehead. “And I love you in the highest way, Chloe.”

I closed my eyes to relish those words.

“I made it clear to her that even if you’d never existed, her mother and I wouldn’t be getting back together,” he continued. “She and I don’t have that kind of relationship anymore. I tried my best to explain that just because two people have a child, it doesn’t mean they’re right for each other. Seriously, Chloe, I couldn’t have Effie go another day thinking there was a chance of me getting back together with her mother. The fact of the matter is, I’m so head over heels in love with you that I can’t imagine my future with anyone else.”

My heart felt ready to burst. “I love you so much, Evan.” I threw my arms around him and could feel how fast his heart was beating. That only proved the authenticity of his words.

He groaned against my neck. “I’ve also been dreaming about fucking you every minute of the day. I think I’m addicted.”

I ran my fingers through his thick black hair. “Well, then let’s get you a fix.”

Evan lifted me and carried me across the room. He’d never been here before, yet he figured out where the bedroom was and headed straight for it.

As I wrapped my legs around him, he lifted the thin nightgown I’d been wearing and shoved my panties to the side. I fumbled with his belt and reached for his cock, directing it inside of me. How I’d missed the burn of him entering my body. I circled my hips over him as he carried me.

We were still one as we landed on the bed. I slipped my nightgown over my head. He pulled out of me just long enough to tear off his clothes, his belt landing on the floor with a clank. I pulled off my underwear and watched as he lowered his boxer briefs, his huge cock bobbing out, so hard and dripping with precum. The muscles between my legs contracted as I yearned to have him inside of me again.