Page 43 of Billion Dollar Revenge

“Let me put these in water. Come in,” I say, opening the door and letting him pass. But he stops at the entry and peers down at me before leaning in and kissing my cheek. His lips are soft, but there's a slight scratch on his face from where he’s shaved. I’m weak at the knees when his cologne hits me. It’s so good. I want to douse myself in it.

He pulls back, keeping his head close, his piercing eyes focused on me. I wet my lips, feeling the anticipation building.

Summer clears her throat, breaking our eye contact. Stealing our attention.

I close my eyes and curse in my head. Roommates are fun until moments like this, but as much as my body wants him, I can’t let my body take over my mind.

He straightens and peers over to the living room.

“Summer is here,” I announce in a shaky voice.

He goes silent as his gaze becomes distant. Running his hand through his hair, he pulls away from me. I hope he hasn’t withdrawn into himself again.

I close the door when he strides over to her. He says hello and shakes her hand. Her smile widens as her eyes have that awestruck look that only Evan can give when he’s fully focused on you. Like you're the most important person in the room. It’s compelling and intoxicating.

“Are you ready?” I ask, flicking my gaze from an amused Summer to his bright blues.

“Yeah.” He walks toward me and holds out his arm.

“Have fun, you two,” Summer says in an amused tone.

“Nice seeing you again, Summer,” Evan replies.

I wave at Summer, who winks at me. Shaking my head at her, I walk to the door.

Outside, the air sends a chill down my spine. We approach the car, and his hand on the handle pauses.

“Did you want to go back and grab a jacket?” he asks.

I shake my head. “No. I’d hate to be late.”

He stares at me with an unreadable expression before shaking his head.

My stomach drops. “What?” I ask.

“I’m not used to a woman being on time.”

I open my mouth to speak, but he cuts me off.

“I don’t mean women I date, but you know,” he rambles in a fluster, and it makes the corner of my lip twitch. He’s cute when he’s rattled.

“I get it.”

We climb into the car and buckle up as the car begins to move.

It’s strange having a driver. I’d never had this experience before I met Evan. I stare out the window, watching the city buildings pass by.

“I like your hair,” he suddenly says. I turn my head to face him. My hand automatically comes up to touch it. It’s not a new hairstyle, but I guess he usually sees me with my hair up.

“Thanks.” Another thing I can’t believe he noticed. I guess the shock in my face tells him as much.

“I notice everything,” he answers my silent question.

I feel my cheeks tingle with heat. I want to change the subject to something safer.

“How are you feeling? You never came to another class.”

“You were serious,” he says, eyes bulging with disbelief.

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