Page 113 of Wine & Whiskey
As Carrie and Nathan say their thanks and goodbyes, Evan guides her away from the group. “I know this might be weird, but do you want to come and see the house? I’d like to show you what I’ve done with it.”
A nicer reunion than she expected, she welcomes his attempts to make amends, but not his invitation. Going back to the house and facing old ghosts is too much, more than she can attempt with her heart so fragile. “I think I’m ready to go. But thank you.”
“Please? I want you to see how it turned out. I’ll take you home right afterward.”
Soft but pleading, his voice reminds her of his gentle nature, the nice guy he’s always been. Good to her until the end, only lashing out because of circumstance, fighting against her mother for their broken dreams. Maybe another friend in her corner would be a good idea. “Okay. Just for a few minutes.”
They say their goodbyes without answering Carrie’s raised-eyebrow questions, and drive in silence to his property, trailed by Nick’s security team.
At the house, he gives her the tour, making her smile at his modesty describing the hand cut crown molding and hardwood floors, as well as the custom mocha and silk finished cabinets. He had the vision, and she had the doubts. “It’s gorgeous, Evan. Did you really do all of the work yourself?”
“Not the electrical or plumbing. You have to be licensed for those. But everything else was me.”
“How did you get it all done?”
A slight frown crosses his lips before he looks away. “I needed something to fill my time after we broke up, and this was it. A good hobby to keep me busy.”
Guilt stabs her chest. She hurt him just as much, listening to her mother when she should have followed her own heart. “You should be proud.”
He turns back, his gaze meeting hers, all the questions from earlier furrowing his brow. “I always hoped you would come back. This should be ours. We should be here together.”
Too late, she realizes her mistake in coming with him. Giving hope where there isn’t any. Whether she likes it or not, only one man fills her thoughts and her heart. “I think it’s time for me to go.”
“Wait.” He slides a finger under her chin and tilts her head up to face him. “I’ve missed you.”
Nothing. There was a time when his touch made her giddy. Now, he holds the only feelings between them. “Please don’t do this.”
“Nathan told me everything. I know it’s over between you and Nick.”
Tears sting her eyes. Everyone else knows what she can’t accept. “That doesn’t have anything to do with you and me.”
“It means you can give me another chance. You know how sorry I am for what I did to you.”
She steps back from him, wrapping her arms around herself. Both of them bear the burden of their implosion. “I am too, but it doesn’t mean I want to get back together.”
“Do you hate me?”
Never realizing the true impact of their separation on him, she shakes her head. All this time, he thought she was angry rather than wounded and ashamed. “No, of course not.”
“Then, please, listen to me for just a minute. I want you back. You’re all I’ve thought about for the past year, and I don’t want to miss another chance to be with you.”
“Evan—”
“I know you still have feelings for him, but I have enough love for the both of us. Enough to take care of you and the baby.”
Hesitant to hurt him, she can only be honest. He’ll never be able to fill the void Nick left behind. “I can’t be with you when I love someone else.”
“I know I’m second choice. But if you give me a chance, I think you’ll learn to love me again. Just like we used to be. No drama, no danger.” He nods toward the window at the men milling around his driveway. “Just a safe, peaceful life in the house meant for us.”
“No, it’s wrong. I can’t do that to you.”
“You’re not doing anything to me. I know exactly what I’m asking. Nick would never have to know. You could marry me, and he’ll think the baby is mine.”
Her hands fly to her face. His suggestion is too outrageous to consider. “Why would you want to do this? How can you pretend to be the father of another man’s child?”
“Because I love you. I want to give you what he won’t.”
She shakes her spinning head. “This is crazy.”
“I know. But, if you say yes, you’ll be free of him, and we can be together.” He runs his finger across her cheek. “At least say you’ll think about it.”
Her breath catches at the realization of what his proposal means. Marrying a man she doesn’t love saves the one she does. Rather than gain her freedom, she can release Nick from the torment holding him prisoner. He always puts her needs before his own, even when she doesn’t agree with him. Now, it’s her turn to sacrifice her happiness for his.
All she can do is whisper as he takes her hand. “Okay. I promise.”
