Page 17 of Firefly Effect

That’s just the thing, I realize. I don’t want her to leave, and it’s not because I want her as a client.

I’ve been attracted to many women in my life, dated a handful when I felt like we could eventually become something more, but I’ve never felt an attraction quite this strong to someone I barely know. Since the moment I laid eyes on her in my office, I’ve been fighting an obsession to know more about Evie. I know it’s not healthy or normal—and from a professional standpoint, it’s wrong in every way.

But as I look at Evie, I’m just not sure how much I’m willing to listen to that bird chirping away inside my head about what’s right and wrong.

“Thank you again for helping Francine with the furnace issue,” I say.

Evie’s lips curve up. “Not a problem, really. I lived in that guesthouse for a few years, so I know all the tricks. It’s just a broken nozzle. You have to remove the plastic cover and turn the actual metal piece itself.” She sighs. “Patrick tried ordering a new piece years ago, but it’s so old that they don’t make replacements anymore.”

“Well, you’re a lifesaver.”

Evie shakes her head and chuckles. “You’re giving me way too much credit.”

I shrug, craving more laughs from her just like that one. “Get used to it. I’m sure your assistance will be needed again soon.”

She smiles. “You know where to find me.”

When she turns and begins to stroll down the driveway, I realize she isn’t heading toward a car. “How did you get here?”

She tilts her head. “I walked.”

Mortification rips through me. “You walked all the way here?”

Evie lets out another laugh. “You say that like it’s far.”

My mental calculation of time and distance isn’t adding up fast enough, so she takes pity on me.

“It took ten minutes,” she says. “It’s fine. Really.”

“Let me drive you.” I didn’t mean to blurt out the words like that, so I try again. “We’re heading in the same direction,” I say, this time making a conscious effort to slow down my words. “I just need to get Lucy fed, then?—”

“It’s okay, really.” Evie starts to back away. “It’s my choice to walk rather than drive.”

I move toward her, not ready to give up. “You’re telling me you have a car?”

“I don’t, but Patrick has plenty. I can always borrow one of his if I really want.”

“But you don’t want.” It’s not a question. I just can’t believe what I’m hearing.

Evie shakes her head then swivels around to walk away. She raises one hand and waves without looking back. “See you around, Doc.”

And as I watch her reach the end of the driveway and turn the corner, I wonder how many other excuses I can find to get her to come back to my house soon.

CHAPTER

FIVE

EVELYN

Golden, foamy liquid splatters onto the red-oak surface of the bar, thanks to the beer mug someone just slammed onto it.

What the fuck? My head whips up to see one of my regulars.

“What’s the problem, Jimmy?” I ask, holding back my temper as I wipe up the spilled drink with my rag. “Spot that ex-wife of yours again?”

Jimmy’s still scowling as he swivels his neck back to face me. “Fuck her, that cheating whore.”

The man has been divorced for four years, but that doesn’t stop him from reminding the town that his then-wife’s infidelity ruined his life. Can’t say any of us were surprised about the affair, seeing as his ex-wife is Lilith’s mom. The woman has had more marriages in a lifetime than should be legal.

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