Page 130 of Smooth Moves
“Take it.”
“So easy.” She gave a fake cackle. “But seriously, that last voucher. You try proposing on paper or via text, it’s over.”
He nodded. “Got it. I just thought I’d put it in there so you know where I’m heading with all the flowers and chocolates. I’m seducing you into keeping me.”
“Done.”
“Man, and you said I was easy.” He smiled.
Jordan felt as if she’d won the lottery.
Sometime later, as they watched Cash’s favorite reality TV show while she fed him chocolates and a decadent lasagna he’d purchased to impress her, he brought up the topic she’d been expecting.
“So Smith admitted it? He’s actually my brother?”
She nodded.
He was quiet for a moment before a slow smile crept over his face. “But more importantly, the entire crew misses me, eh?”
She snorted on laughter. “Yes, but I’m sure with Evan we’ll make do.” Which reminded her… “Did I tell you I’ve conned Evan into dealing with Miriam, our latest ‘work problem’?” she ended in quotes. She explained the situation then gasped when he planted a kiss on her.
“Man, and you wonder why I love you. Just promise me you’ll wait until I’m there to see it unfold.”
“Of course I know why you love me. I’m Little Army, and I conquered Mount Griffith.”
“You did indeed, my drama queen. Now shut up and watch. I think Michele’s back for revenge.”
She reached across him for the popcorn. “Oh, I can’t wait.”
* * *
Evan hadn’t waited to give his notice. To his surprise, Vanessa had been nice about him leaving.
“We’ll definitely miss you, Evan, but I understand. I’m taking weekends and early Fridays starting next week. I miss my baby girl and Cam.” Her husband.
He’d stared in shock, and she’d laughed.
“What? I am human, you know. Call me if you need a reference, and don’t be surprised if we shoot some clients your way. You’re too good not to continue in the job.”
“Thanks, Vanessa.” They’d shaken hands a week ago, sealing the deal. Evan and the dragon lady, who’d realized what he had—that life could pass you by if you didn’t stop and smell the…
“What is that smell?” he asked his cousin as he exited Reid’s office. Someone must have had big plans for the evening. It smelled like the cologne counter at a department store.
Before Reid could answer, Cash entered the lobby, the crew waiting to welcome him back before they turned in for the day. Cash looked a lot better than the last time Evan had seen the guy. The shiner had faded, and only a light purple bruise underscored his eye. His arm was now in a cast and would be that way for the next eight weeks, but it was the way Cash walked, with purpose, not in pain, that showed he was on the mend. The light in his eyes as he rejoined his friends, and Jordan, was telling.
Here stood a guy who had everything. Evan envied him, but he knew Cash had more than earned it. Such a great man, one Evan was proud to call family.
As one, the group ignored the mostly sullen Smith, who lingered by the wall. Though Smith hadn’t been hostile to Evan yesterday, during Evan’s first move with Vets on the Go!, he hadn’t been friendly either. Evan had no idea how Jordan got along with the guy, but then, she got along with everyone. He loved working with her because she was up front about procedures and didn’t let anyone screw with the “new guy.”
“Um, Evan?”
He glanced up to see everyone looking his way. “What?”
Hector sighed. “Reid, he has to. I saw the landlord talking to her yesterday. The guy glared at me in my Vets on the Go! shirt. I told you she hasn’t forgiven or forgotten the situation.”
Reid groaned.
Ah, yes. The Miriam’s Modiste issue. Evan shook his head. “Are you serious? You told me you were going to handle it while I finished up at work last week.”
