Page 9 of Engaging Evelyn (Blissful Bets)

“I’ll be fine. Fresh air will help.” Evelyn grabbed her purse and stood. Paul walked over to her. Her mind raced for what she was going to tell him. Why did she feel so guilty? It wasn’t like she was lying. The thought of leaving with him did make her stomach turn slightly.

“We’re going to have to do a rain check. I’m not feeling so well.”

Paul smiled at her tenderly. “I can take you home and get you tucked into bed. I promise to be a perfect gentleman.”

“No thanks,” Brandon said, wrapping his arm around Evelyn’s shoulder. “I’ll do that. We’re neighbors after all. It’ll be easier for you that way, Paul, less driving. Plus, I’m ready to go home.”

Paul narrowed his eyes, looking annoyed, but remained quiet.

Sarah glanced over at Evelyn, her face close to panic. Confused, Evelyn didn’t know what to do. She didn’t want Brandon riding home with her. That was asking for trouble.

“Sarah lives on the island, too. I’m sure when she’s ready to go you could catch a ride with her,” Evelyn rushed to say.

Sarah nodded her head a little too desperately. Poor girl, Evelyn thought, she wanted this man, bad.

“Actually, I want to go home now, and since we live two doors down, it would be the easiest solution.”

Well, shit, this wasn’t good.

“Well, you see…” She tried to think of a way to come right out and say it without making herself sound like a liar. “I think I’d rather be alone. I—”

“Sounds great, you ready?” he said, cutting her off.

His arm tightened around her shoulders. Evelyn was being pulled to the door before she could even open her mouth to politely reject him. Did this guy not understand what in the hell she was trying to tell him? Maybe he did and that’s why he already had her in the parking lot. This man had rejection issues.

Thinking of something fast to stop him, she remembered what she told him earlier and didn’t care if her half-lie about not feeling good came out. “I hate to be so blunt, but I don’t think you understand. I told you earlier that I had plans for afterward. I’m not going home right now. If I’m lucky, I won’t be home until the sun rises. Get my point. Sorry to reject your friend like that, but something told me to stay away from him.”

They came to a stop in the middle of the parking lot.

“Smart girl. You should stay away from him. I see what you’re saying. Let me ask you a question, though. You’re obviously going to meet a man, correct?”

Evelyn was quiet for a few seconds, not sure what in the hell she was going to do when she left, but finally she decided to enlighten him. “Yes, that’s right.”

“Would you say that you love this man?”

She laughed. She couldn’t help it. “Of course not.” After she said it, she wished she could have taken it back. He was obviously getting to something, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to know.

“Then why are you going to him? You don’t love him. Do you usually give away your passion so freely?”

Anger began to thrum inside of her. “It’s none of your business what I do with my passion, as you so nicely put it. Let me give you some insight since you seem to be missing the flashing sign that so clearly says, ‘Not interested.’ I fuck whomever I want, and if I need companionship, then that’s no one’s business but mine.”

Evelyn regretted the harsh words as soon as they were out. She closed her eyes to block off the tears. He was right. She did freely give away her body, her passion, and, slowly, her soul.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pried into your private life. Forgive me.” Brandon‘s voice lowered with what sounded like regret.

His palm cupped her cheek so softly she wasn’t sure if she was imagining it. Evelyn opened her eyes and couldn’t stop the tear that collided with his thumb. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. Let’s go. I’ll drop you off.”

She stepped away from him and headed in the direction of the car. The lights flashed as she unlocked the door. Evelyn needed to get this guy home. If anything, he might have been right, but he also had convinced her that she needed someone more stable in her life, a damn boy toy.

“Are you okay? Really, I’m sorry. I was out of line.”

Without a word, she opened the door, gesturing for him to get in the passenger side. “I’m fine now, completely sober if you must know. Now get in.”

The engine roared, mainly from her pushing on the accelerator. It seemed that she was in one of those moods again, just like earlier with Bill. “I hope you like to go fast, Brandon, or else you got in the wrong car.”

Evelyn peeled out of the parking lot and, looking over at him, tried her best not to smile as they slid sideways onto the access road. When you can’t outrun your problems, then outdrive them. Well, maybe that wasn’t the best motto, but shit, it worked for her.

“How in the hell did you learn to drive like this,” he asked, clutching onto the seat. Laughter burst from her mouth. “You really want to know?”

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