Page 17 of Another Round
The lady launches into an agitated discourse about a schedule for some training that Evie seems to understand and discusses in depth. While the only thing I can focus on is our fingers coupled together. Fucking with my head when she doesn’t let me go.
The first time she’s ever touched me besides a friendly hug. The first time she’s ever been possessive. The first time she’s ever made me consider that maybe she might actually feel what I feel.
More of her co-workers stop by and chat. Sometimes talking about projects and deadlines, but mostly about her. A little about me as I wait beside her. Pride swells inside me from how popular she is. How much they must like her to seek her out. All the while she never releases her grip on me. I’m a willing prisoner held in place by a delicate grip that occasionally tightens when she introduces or mentions me.
After a few hours the party winds down, with only about twenty people left outside besides us. She turns to me and smiles. Impossible to believe she’s even more beautiful than the first time I saw her with the joy radiating in her expression.
“Are you ready to go?”
Hell yes. “Whenever you are love.”
I follow her lead and stand when she does. Risking everything to keep ahold of her hand. Thanking the holy angels above that she lets me.
Patrick’s nowhere around that I can see which definitely doesn’t disappoint me. We can avoid good-byes that linger too long and promises to get together again that we don’t mean so I can have her all to myself again. Sand scrapes under her glittery sandals when we step from the path to the asphalt and wind through the vehicles parked on each side of his curved driveway. Once I assist her with climbing inside my SUV, I stride around to my side and take her hand again as soon as I drop into the seat. Wrong or right, we aren’t going backward. “Did you have a good time?”
She stretches back against the black leather and rests her head on the cushion. Drowsy but seemingly content.
“Yes, I had a fabulous time. It was so different than the parties I’m used to.”
“Is ‘different’ better?”
“Hell yes. At school, they were just drunk fests with lots of stupid drama. This felt like where I belong. Where I want to be.WhoI want to be.”
I’m surprised yet pleased from the solemnity of her tone. Gratified from the earnestness of her proclamation from the recognition. “Then I guess the life altering journey has occurred.”
Her carefree laugh implies she thinks I’m joking. But I’m actually sincere. The realization is proof of her maturity. Evidence her perspective of the world is expanding beyond her previously constrained existence.
“I guess so…”
Her thoughtful gaze remains on me as I navigate the narrow roads. Blanketed in thick darkness cut only by the light of my headlamps. The contemplation in her inquisitive eyes piercing enough I can’t stop myself from glancing over at her to catch a glimpse of her stunning face lingering on mine.
“…and I’m glad.”
My heart thuds hard in my chest from the implication of more than just outgrowing university parties. “Me too.”
She smiles and settles back again. Satisfied and tranquil. As if we both understand the significance. Agree to the same connotation. Realize the same conclusion. Even though I really have no idea what the hell she means since I know I want something she doesn’t need. She’s barely an adult, my friend’s daughter, my job assignment, yet I want her to be mine.
I unwrap my fingers from hers, pretending I need both hands to steer into a sharp turn. Perplexity frowns her forehead when I keep my grip on the wheel and my eyes on the windshield. Giving her mixed signals like an arsehole. Because I am an arsehole. Especially when she keeps her arm resting between our seats. Waiting for me to hold her again and I don’t. I can’t.
Mercifully silent the rest of the thirty minutes back home. Not that I don’t love hearing her talk. I’m just too afraid she’ll ask me questions I shouldn’t answer. Once we arrive, I clutch her elbow after I help her out of the vehicle and guide her upstairs. Innocuous, professional, and appropriate. Everything I should’ve been all along.
Relief floods my clenched muscles once we reach the landing. Only a few more feet, and she’ll be inside her apartment. Safe from danger. Safe from me. She pauses at the door and looks up. Hope bubbling in her expression where there shouldn’t be any. I shouldn’t have created any.
“Wait just a second. I’ll be right back.”
This isn’t good. I should tell her good night and lock the door behind her. Walk away literally and figuratively. Instead, I stand here waiting once again. Not impatient or irritated. Because I know she’s coming back, and she’s always well worth the wait.
Of course she’s fucking gorgeous when she does. A sparkling smile, glowing with joy and mischief, grows with each step closer.
“What are you up to trouble?”
She holds up the heavy pink blanket draped over her bent arm. “Want to be naughty with me?”
Impossible to resist with her eyebrow twerking up in challenge, I nod automatically. Without thought or reason for what’s right or logical or decent. My turn to be curious as to what she’s implying. She points to the silver metal ladder attached to the wall at the end of the corridor.
“Let’s go up on the roof and look at the stars again.”
Beyond wrong, but I can’t seem to tell her no with the excitement brewing in her expression as she flexes on her feet. Eager to climb up. Keen to learn more. “All right. For a little bit.”
