Page 44 of Falling for You
Drumming his fingers on the steering wheel, Evan couldn’t disagree. “Yeah, you’re right. Then it’s got to be something else.”
Evan heard muffled voices on the line before Mallory came back on. “Shoot, I gotta run. They brought in four people from a bad car crash. Can I call you tomorrow?”
“Of course. Take it easy.” Evan disconnected the call and focused on the drive to Max’s place. In true Midwestern fashion, the roads weren’t winding, but straight as arrows. It was easy to maneuver back to Buckeye Falls. CeCe drove faster than normal, as if she was trying to get through the day as fast as possible.
When they finally arrived at Max’s place, Evan was still worked up over what was bothering CeCe. Max greeted them outside with a huge grin on his face. Evan could tell his boss was stoked about this competition, and this was the last logistical piece of the puzzle.
“This beast is amazing,” Max gushed, knocking on the side of the truck with his fist.
Evan hopped out and handed over the keys. “Yeah, it’s actually not bad to drive either.”
CeCe joined them, her face looking a little brighter, her eyes a little clearer. “It’s all real now, huh?” She inched closer to Evan and his fingers ached to reach out and touch her.
God, he wanted to stand there and hold her hand and show Max how their relationship had shifted. Because it was growing harder to keep it a secret.
“Certainly is,” Max said, his hand tracing the side panel. “Gin found a guy who can paint it for us, but we need to come up with a design.”
Evan opened his mouth to volunteer on the designing, when CeCe blurted out, “Evan and I are dating.” Her statement killed the conversation. Both men turned to look at her, and she shrugged. “I thought you should know.”
Max beamed and pulled them both into a messy group hug. “I knew something was going on. This is great news!” As they pulled back, Max playfully punched Evan on the shoulder. “I’m so happy for you two.”
Evan reached out and finally took CeCe’s hand, which she took and squeezed. “I don’t want to make a thing of it at work,” she said, pointing at each of them. “When we’re at work, it’s work. Got it?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Max and Evan said at the same time.
“I feel like I’m missing drill team out here,” Ginny said as she joined the trio. Her face was flushed and a towel hung over her shoulder. “You guys staying for dinner? Max made enchiladas.”
Evan’s stomach rumbled, but he wanted to talk to CeCe alone. While very welcome, her declaration gave him pause.
“Rain check?” CeCe beat him to it. “I have a few things I need to take care of at home. But maybe the four of us can get together over the weekend?”
“The four of us?” Ginny asked, a knowing smile curving her lips.
Before CeCe or Evan could speak, Max exclaimed, “They’re dating! Isn’t it wonderful?” Only a man in love could truly understand the rush of emotions coursing through Evan. Watching Max and Ginny find each other again had been wonderful, and Evan cherished the fact that he could be a part of their lives. These people in front of him were more like family than his own sometimes. And while that should depress him, it gave him strength.
Now he wanted to share that strength with CeCe, because he could tell she needed it.
