Page 10 of Owning Eva

The smirk deepens, and the heat in his eyes makes me wish I’d worn something less… comfortable.

* * *

The silence stretches between us, heavy but not uncomfortable.He sips his drink, his gaze lingering on me.

“You’re quiet tonight,” Eli finally says.

“I thought you’d appreciate that,” I shoot back.

His chuckle is low and sexy, and it does things to me I’m not ready to admit. “You think you’ve got me figured out?”

“Not even close,” I admit, leaning back in my chair. “But you’re not exactly an open book.”

His eyes darken, and for a moment, I think I’ve hit a nerve. But then he leans forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “What do you want to know, Eva?”

The way he says my name—low and soft, like he’s savoring it—sends a flush of heat through me.

“Why are you here?” I blurt out, the question escaping before I can stop it.

His thick, dark brows lift slightly. “Here in the lounge?”

“Here, at this lodge, with all these people.” I gesture vaguely, trying to cover my awkwardness. “You don’t exactly strike me as the holiday retreat type.”

For a moment, Eli doesn’t answer, his gaze remaining steady and unreadable. Then he leans back, his expression softening just enough to catch me off guard.

“Sometimes, even I need a break,” he says. “And my teammates convinced me it wouldn’t be the worst way to spend a weekend.”

“That doesn’t explain why you keep staring at me like…. likethat”

The words are out before I can think them through, and the flicker of surprise in his eyes is almost worth the embarrassment.

“You want the truth?” he asks, his voice dropping even lower than his normal deep baritone.

“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t.”

Eli takes a long sip of his drink, his gaze never leaving mine. When he speaks, his voice is quiet but firm, like he’s revealing something he never planned to.

“I saw you, and suddenly, nothing else mattered.”

My breath catches, and for a moment, I forget how to function.

“You’re messing with me,” I say weakly, though his tone leaves no room for doubt.

“I don’t mess around, Eva,” he replies, leaning forward again. “Not when it comes to what’s important.”

And the way he looks at me—like I’m the only important thing in the world—makes it painfully clear he means me.

* * *

The weight of his words sits between us, heavy, undeniable. I’m not sure what to say, but my body betrays me, leaning slightly forward.

Before either of us can move, the door to the lounge swingsopen, and a group of players strolls in, laughing and jostling each other. The moment breaks, and I sit back quickly, my cheeks flaming.

Eli’s jaw tightens, his gaze flicking to the intruders before returning to me. “We’re not done,” he murmurs, his voice low and full of promise.

I barely manage a nod before he stands, his towering frame cutting an imposing figure as he strides past the group, leaving me alone with my racing heart.

* * *

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