Page 19 of Anchored Love
“Good question. I have no idea. When I went to get this dress from Jess, she wasn’t feeling so hot.” Everly’s luggage had gotten lost somewhere between Dallas and Miami, leaving her with no choice but to borrow clothes from her little sister who also happened to be a size smaller, making the fit snug. I’d never seen her in something as tight, but Everly was gorgeous no matter what she wore. I’d take her any way I could get her.
“Shall we?” I held an arm out to escort her to the restaurant as she took a step toward me.
The phone rang from the nightstand, and Everly shot me an apologetic smile. Hand cradling the phone, she answered, “Hello?” She paused a beat, lips curving down. “Oh that sucks. Are you sure? Is there anything I can do?” Another pause. “Only if you’re sure. I think I have that stuff for motion sickness in my bag.” Her head bobbed. “Breakfast then. I will. Okay. Later, Mom.” Everly ended the call, placing the phone on the receiver.
Hands shoved in my pockets, I asked, “Everything okay?”
“I guess. Everyone is seasick, so I guess it’s just us tonight for dinner; that is if you still want to go.”
“I’m starved.” My mouth practically watered, but not because of hunger. I had a different type of nourishment in mind, but I didn’t voice my thoughts. This was a gift, being alone with Everly, and I was taking it. “And you didn’t put that dress on not to be seen.” I winked, and she rewarded me with her brilliant smile as her cheeks turned pink. “Come on. Let me show you off.”
“If you insist.” She accepted my arm, and I felt like a damn lucky man.
The moment we entered the restaurant all eyes were on Everly. How could they not stare at her stunning beauty? I pulled out her chair, waiting for her to be seated, then took the seat across from her.
“So fancy meeting you here.” I chuckled in an attempt to lighten the mood. Nervous energy radiated from Everly in waves—from what, I wasn’t exactly sure—but she had no need for it around me. She fidgeted with her napkin and silverware. It became my mission to make Everly feel comfortable. “Relax, Ev. It’s dinner, not a marriage proposal.”
She let out a laugh and then shook her head. “You’re right. I’m sorry. This shouldn’t be weird. We’ve known each other a long time, Mason.”
“You’d think working together we’d cross paths more often.” It was a definite downfall. Or was it on purpose?
“It’s weird, isn’t it? We work on the same floor, in the same department, but I rarely see you,” she replied, placing her napkin on her lap. The place was nice, but we were on a cruise ship.
“I kind of thought maybe you were avoiding me,” I confessed.
Her face scrunched up. “Why would I do that?”
I shrugged and picked up the menu, opening it before responding. “I don’t know; I thought maybe you didn’t like me. Or that I had offended you somehow.”
She looked at me, aghast. “Whatever gave you that idea?”
We made eye contact. “I don’t know. When I’d come over to hang out with Drake, you always shied away from me.”
“Well, there were two reasons for that. One. Hold that thought.” She smirked and held up a finger, turning to the waiter. Everly ordered red wine, and I went for a beer. It appeared we were both in need of some liquid courage.
“You were saying,” I pressed, really wanting to know the answer.
“Right … well, um. One, Drake always threatened to tell everyone at school I sucked my thumb in my sleep if I came around him and his friends.”
Our drinks arrived, and I took a hard pull off the bottle while she ordered. Everly sipped her wine. I gave my steak order then waited for her to continue with number two.
She didn’t offer up further explanation even after the waiter left.
“And number two?” I prompted when the silence stretched.
She let out a breath and licked her lips, seeming to be unsure about herself. “Did I say there were two things?”
“You did.” I wasn’t letting her off the hook, genuinely wanting to know what number two was.
Her teeth came out to bite her bottom lip. It was a sexy as hell move. “I must’ve forgotten.”
“No way. I call bullshit. You aren’t getting off that easy, sweetheart.” She was so finishing this.
Her gorgeous blue orbs softened, and a hint of amusement shined behind her gaze. It was the one time in my life I wished I could read people’s thoughts. “I’m not drunk or brave enough to share that with you.”
The statement caught me off guard. “It can’t be that bad.”
“You’ll laugh or think I’m silly, and I don’t want to make things weird or awkward between us. We still have another, what—six days together. I’d rather keep some dignity while I still can.” Her eyes looked away as if she was embarrassed, which only piqued my curiosity even more.
