Page 81 of Billion Dollar Revenge

My eyes lift from her assessing ones to the garden that is very well-kept. I bet she has a gardener every day. The yard reminds me of my parents' place. It allows my body to sink into the chair, relax and talk openly with her.

“He’s reserved, but he’s very sweet inside.”

A wrinkle forms between my eyebrows as I glance back at her. “Everyone keeps telling me he’s quiet, even he does. But I don’t get that from him.”

A soft, easy smile lifts on her lips. “He’s comfortable with you. I can see that.”

“You can?”

She nods slowly. “Yes, dear. When a man like Evan opens himself up, it means he feels safe.”

I take a minute to let her words sink in. “I guess I hadn’t thought of it that way. I just see this incredibly generous person.”

She reaches over and pats my hand. “You bring out the best in him. We can all see that.”

I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. “Thank you. He brings out the best in me too.”

Leaning back, her gaze turns to the garden. “You know, when I met my husband, he was the same way. Quiet and reserved. But with time, he became my best friend. My son is also like that, so I’m not surprised one of my grandchildren turned out the same.”

I appreciate her sharing her story. It helps me understand the family and Evan on a deeper level.

Her eyes shift back to me, and I share what’s in my heart. “You give me hope for the future.”

She smiles softly. “I can see a very promising one for you and Evan. Just keep being yourself.”

Evan arrives back, cutting our conversation short. She excuses herself inside and encourages us to take a quick walk in the garden.

I admire the white flowers; they are the same ones from his balcony. “I love these.”

“Gardenias.”

“Oh, someone knows his flowers.” I poke his ribs playfully. He captures my finger, and he pulls me into his arms. I land into his strong, hard chest. His arms hug me, and I settle my head on his chest, staring at the gardenias.

“I’ll tell you a secret. I used to help Gram in the garden. It was our time.”

He rests his head on mine as my chest warms, imagining all the time he’s spent with his gram.

“What’s your favorite flower?”

“I don’t have one. I’m more of a tree guy.”

I snort. “What type of tree?”

“White oak.”

I frown as my eyes search the garden. “There isn’t one here.”

“I know, but my parents had one in our backyard when I was little. They were so big and beautiful.”

“Like you.”

His head lifts, and he’s staring longingly into my eyes. Something passes between us.

“The only beautiful thing I know is you.”

I peer down briefly before batting my lashes at his compliment.

“Th?”

---