Page 11 of Billion Dollar Revenge

“No. You’re not sitting at the park on your own,” I say. “Summer, stay with Nova.”

Summer winks at me and loops her arm with Nova’s.

Nova is mouthing off at how we’re being ridiculous. But as they walk off, I pause, watching as Nova limps slightly. I’ll have to offer to drive her home after lunch. I’m grateful for her support and really appreciate the girls coming out today. But I’d hate to push Nova too far.

I walk over to a sandwich shop and enter. Inside, I move to the menu and can’t help but recognize the voice at the counter ordering. Deep, yet raspy and soothing.

I can’t believe my eyes when I see Evan, Nova’s brother-in-law. My breath catches, horrified.You’ve got to be kidding me.

I’ve only met him briefly once; it was over a year ago now, at his parents’ place, when Bobby canceled our date. Evan found me crying outside and asked if I was okay. Instead of answering with words, I stepped forward and cried into his chest. After the initial shock, he wrapped his arms around me. I quickly realized what I was doing and got so embarrassed, rushing off before he could say a word.

Thankfully, I haven’t had to face him since.And I really don’t want to now…

I shrink behind the woman in front of me, which is silly, because I’m five-nine and she looks to be five feet.I still hope he doesn’t recognize me.

As he stands with his back to me, I can’t help but take in how impeccably dressed he is in a creaseless dark gray suit, crisp white shirt, tie, and shiny designer shoes, which makes meinternally groan. He stands out, looking every bit the powerful man he is.

Why did he have to show up now, without Summer and Nova as a buffer?

I keep my chin down and gaze on my comfy activewear set, which I just realized are covered in stains.

Crap.

He’ll keep walking because he’s probably forgotten what I look like.

But when his shoes appear in front of me, I recognize him by his familiar, rich, spicy scent, making my nostrils flare as I take in his distinctive smell. I slowly straighten, but I freeze as I look up at him, seeing he’s wearing a smug smirk.

Double crap.

I stare blankly at him for a few seconds as my face heats. He knows exactly what I was trying to do.

“Hello, Chelsea,” he says in a gritty voice.

“Hi, Evan.”

“No hug for me today?” he asks, teasing.

“Oh my God,” I wince, cringing at the memory. “I still can’t believe I did that. I’m never going to live it down, am I?”

“Absolutely not,” he says with a grin. “But it’s not every day I get to have a beautiful woman in my arms.” His eyes double in size, locking me in place. The air leaves my lungs in a silent whoosh at his words.

“Definitely not beautiful today. You always catch me at my worst,” I mumble, flustered, looking down at my trainers before meeting his piercing gaze.

“I’ll try better next time.”

I don’t reply because the line is moving, and there’s only the woman in front of me. I haven’t even looked at the menu, too preoccupied with Evan. He’s just so easy to talk to, and I don’t want it to end yet, so I blurt out, “Did you order a sandwich?”

A playful smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. “Well, that’s usually what you do at a sandwich shop, right?”

“I know, I’m just trying to get your recommendation,” I tease.

“Hmm, let me think,” he says, leaning in slightly as if sharing a secret. “It’s a sandwich shop…they offer sandwiches.”

Laughing lightly, I roll my eyes at his deadpan delivery. “Seems popular,” I counter, pretending to be unimpressed, but fully aware of the butterflies dancing in my stomach. “Is it always this busy?”

“Pretty much,” he says, his tone softening as he holds my gaze a second longer than necessary.

Just then, they call out his order number. He hesitates, as if torn between grabbing his food and staying a little longer. I’m relieved, but only because I need a moment to gather myself.

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