Page 4 of All The Ways to Miss You

“Meow.” He chuckles.

I shove Aggie’s gag gift into the pocket of my running pants. “Funny,” I deadpan, trying to appear unaffected.

Still, Evan seems thrilled to torment me. It’s something he’s excelled at since the day we met. It may be I’m still tipsy from the champagne, but recalling his history of irritating jokes, I pause. I tilt my head and stare at him in confusion when a doubtful revelation hits me.

Is this what Aggie was talking about? Is Evan flirting with me? Has he been flirting all this time?

I shake my head. Impossible.

“It’s too late to get the parts I need,” he says. “So, tomorrow.”

When he wipes his dirty hands on one of my towels, leaving a dark streak, I bite the inside of my cheek.

“That’s not going to work. I have an appointment first thing in the morning, and I need a shower.” I gesture to my sweaty T-shirt.

“No kidding, Cat, I can smell you from here.”

“It’s Cait, you ass.” I kick off my loose sneaker, launching it in his direction. I aim to nail him in the head, but he ducks. The shoe bounces off the wall and tumbles to the floor.

His grin widens. “I’m kidding, Miss London. You smell like roses, as always.”

“Seriously, what am I going to do?”

“Can’t you use Gusterson’s shower?” One corner of his mouth curls upward because he already knows the answer—no. Mr. Gusterson lives across the hall, but I’ve never seen the man. I’m not sure anyone has.

For this comment, I kick my other shoe in his direction.

“Ow!” This one smacks his bicep, which he’s lifted to protect his handsome face.

I suppress a triumphant smile.

Evan stands in one fluid motion of sinewy muscle. Meeting my gaze, he rakes a hand through his tousled dark brown hair. “Fine. You don’t have to beg, Kitty Cat. You can use mine.” He puffs out his chest and flashes his brilliant white grin.

Definitely flirting.

Evan takes his time sliding past, I think, purposely brushing the heat of his body near me. I pin myself against the wall, unwilling to allow our skin to touch. When will he grasp how annoying I find him?

“I’ll pass.” I prop my hands on my hips. This is me sending a clear message. I’m not flirting.

“Suit yourself.” Unswayed, he lumbers for the door.

“What about your tools?” I gesture to his mess.

“I’ll be back tomorrow.” He turns, spreading his arms wide, his palms skyward, and strolls backward with a confident swagger. Then he hits me with his smile again and those damn dimples, like they’ll make this situation better.

My teeth clench. If I had something else to throw at him, I would. When he disappears, I remove my cell from my pocket and text Aggie.

Cait

Coming back.

Aggie

Did u barf? I knew u would.

Cait

No, but I want to.