Everly (Striking Back #1) Page 3

  The books we choose—when we actually read one—are typically the kind you want on your e-reader instead of in paperback, so no one can see the cover. Bellini’s is owned by Marie’s family and they reserve the back dining room for our boisterous group of fifteen wine guzzling, gossiping women. I love it.

  “Ev!” Marie calls, as I make my way to an empty chair beside her. “You’ll back me up on this.” She gestures to Macy. “Best way to get over somebody is to get under somebody, am I right?” A grin settles on her face as she fills my wine glass.

  “Oh, Macy, did you and Al break up?”

  Macy’s eyes glaze and she nods. “He’s too controlling. I can’t take it anymore. That alpha male shit may be hot in books, but in real life it sucks.”

  “You deserve better,” I agree.

  “He wants to tell me what to wear, who to talk to, where I can go. He’s so jealous.”

  “I know it’s hard now, but you’re doing the right thing. Guys like that only get worse.” Sometimes until they end up beating the shit out of the woman. “Look at you,” I say with a grin, taking in her long straight ebony hair and almond shaped eyes. “You’re gorgeous. The guys will be all over you when they find out you’re single. Let him stick that up his jealous ass.”

  A wide smile spreads across her face and she gulps the last of her wine. “And Marie’s not wrong,” I add. “A little change of dick never hurt anybody.” The room fills with laughter as Macy, Marie, and I clink our wine glasses together.

  My phone chirps with a text message from an unfamiliar number.

  -Having fun with your book club?-

  Who the hell?

  -Who is this?-

  -You promised to remember my name until the carnival. I’m devastated.-

  Mason. His stalker skills know no bounds. The bastard must’ve got to my phone when I wasn’t watching.

  -Do you invade everyone’s privacy or am I special?-

  -You’re special. And I didn’t look in your phone. Just used it to call mine.-

  -Well, now I have your number, it’s going on the bathroom wall.-

  -You trying to get me a date?-

  -Men’s bathroom wall.-

  -Ouch! I surrender.-

  I can’t help but smile, picturing his wicked grin.

  -Good night Mason.-

  -Good night Evie.-

  “And who put that smile on your face?” Macy asks.

  “What? Nobody.”

  Marie and Macy glance at each other before staring at me. “Spill it,” Marie insists.

  “He’s infuriating, a stubborn Neanderthal. I didn’t even give him my number! He swiped my phone to call his.”

  “Uh-huh. What’s he look like?”

  Sighing, I mumble, “Like a Greek God mated with a body building rock star.”

  “So what’s the problem?” Macy asks.

  “We sort of…work together.” The table is filled with groans as the ladies nod in agreement.

  “Run from that shit,” Macy agrees.

  “I know. I’m roped into this charity carnival thing with him. After that, no more contact.”

  “You sound like you’re trying to convince yourself,” Marie warns.

  “Despite his caveman mentality, he’s charming and fun, but I know better than to get involved with someone like him. I’m sure there’s a trail of shattered hearts behind him.”

  “A playboy, huh?”

  “Too gorgeous not to be.”

  Chapter Three

  The jackhammer pounding away at my skull wakes me the next morning. That third glass of wine was a mistake. Before I can drag my hung over ass out of bed, there’s a knock at my door. Great. It’s not like I want to brush my teeth or shower before I face another human being.

  “Who is it?” I ask, not recognizing the woman through the peephole.

  “I have a delivery for Ms. Everly Hall from Mr. Reed.”

  Seriously? It’s seven a.m. on a Saturday. The lady grins at me as if I don’t look like death’s grandmother. “Sorry to wake you, Ms. Hall, but Mr. Reed insisted I deliver these.” A thick manila envelope is placed into my hand.

  “Thank you,” I mumble, but the woman is already halfway down the hall. Deciding the package can wait until I can see clearly, I head for the shower. My thoughts stray to Mason as I get cleaned up. It’s not like I’ve never seen a hot guy before. I’ve had a few, but I always know where to draw the line.

  Never sleep with someone who works with me, lives near me, or is a friend of a friend. It makes things too awkward when the inevitable end comes. Relationships are temporary and it’s a hell of a lot easier to deal with that fact when you don’t have to see that person again after it’s over.

  Dating Mason would be totally against my rules, but that doesn’t stop me from thinking about him. I mean, maybe I could have him just once. I’ve never seen him before at S.B. and I’ve been there for months. Maybe it wouldn’t be an issue. Yeah, this is me trying to find a loophole. I can’t wait any longer to see what he sent me.

  I dress quickly and towel dry my hair before flopping on the couch with the package. Evie is scrawled across the center of the envelope. Christ, even his handwriting is sexy. When I tear off the end, twenty day passes to Adventure River slide into my lap. He really sent passes for the kids! I’m confused by the twenty red paper wristbands I find next until I read the accompanying note.

  Evie,

  The wristbands are for unlimited rides at the carnival. Let me know if you need more. Remember to bring the other counselors. I want you all to myself for our date. I’ll be thinking of you, beautiful.

  How am I supposed to resist this? He’s just arranged for fifteen underprivileged kids to spend a day at a waterpark and the evening at a carnival. Why is he doing this? To make sure I’ll go? If so, it’s working. I can’t cancel now.

  After a piece of toast and some orange juice, my head feels much better, and though it’s not one of my usual days to volunteer at Building Tomorrow’s Child, I can’t wait to tell the kids. Danny, one of the boy’s counselors, answers the phone when I call. “Hi, Danny, how’s everything?”

  “Just fine. Are you in today?”

  “No, but I wanted to stop by. I have a surprise for the kids. Is it a good day?” Danny knows what I’m asking. There are a lot of challenges in running a group home, and that simple question encompasses a lot of others. Are there irate parents giving you shit? Are social workers or cops coming to inspect? Is one of the kids having a bad day?

  “Everything’s calm and peaceful, all things considered. Come on by. The kids will be glad to see you.”

  “On my way.”

  I can’t resist stopping at a donut shop on my way. “Sweet tooth?” The elderly man behind the counter grins as he takes my order for four dozen donuts.

  “Fifteen hungry kids,” I reply with a laugh. “Half of them teenagers.”

  His eyes drift to my B.T.C. pin. “You work at the orphanage?”

  “At the group home, yes, I volunteer.”

  “Well, aren’t you a sweetheart.” He gives me a wide smile. “I put an extra dozen glazed in there. I know how much a teenage boy can eat. Raised two of my own.”

  “Thank you. That’s so kind. The boys will put them away,” I reply, dropping a few bucks in the tip jar.

  There are times when I get frustrated seeing how little the average person seems to care about the plight of their fellow humans. It’s all about getting the next new phone or the latest tablet. Then I run into someone like the donut guy and I’m reminded the world is full of people who still care, who do what they can to help.

  I’m mobbed by kids when I walk through the door of the group home. “Everly!” Justin cries, his skinny arms clamping around my waist.

  “Hey, buddy! Are you having a good day?”

  “Yep. Danny’s going to let me pick tomatoes!”

  “That’ll be a hoot,” James says, his sarcasm thick enough to trip over. At fifteen years old, he’s our resident co
mplainer.

  “That sounds fun, Justin. Let’s go have a donut first, what do you say?”

  “Yay!” All the kids cheer and follow me to the dining room. Two of the older girls pass out napkins and pour cups of orange juice.

  After all the kids are settled and eating, Danny pops in and snatches a chocolate covered donut. “Sure, Ev, sugar them up and leave them with me,” he says with a smile.

  “Just thought I’d make your day more interesting. Where’s Monica?” I ask, looking around for the girl’s counselor.

  “Took Geneva to the eye doctor. They should be back soon.”

  “Okay, guys, settle down. I have a surprise for you,” I announce.

  “Our parents aren’t really worthless assholes who don’t want us?” James says.

  “My mom wants me!” Justin cries.

  “Real nice, James,” Amber scolds, hugging Justin.

  “In a few weeks there will be a carnival and everyone is invited. I have a wristband for each of you, so you can ride as many rides as you want.”

  A cheer goes up as the kids start firing questions. “Will there be bumper cars? Can I get cotton candy? Are you going with us?”

  “I don’t know exactly what rides they’ll have, but I think cotton candy is a safe bet. I might see you there, but I won’t be chaperoning. Quiet down because I haven’t told you the best part. The carnival is being held behind Adventure River Waterpark, and a…friend of mine has rented the park for the day. You’re all going. They have a wave pool and lots of fun waterslides.”

  “What’s the catch?” James asks, his face wary. “This some church group? We gotta get right wit Jay-sus to get in?”

  “James,” Danny growls.

  Truthfully, I don’t blame James for being suspicious. When good things don’t happen to you very often, you always look for the downside when they do. “The catch is you have to smile and have fun. And wear sun block,” I add with a grin.

  The kids are ecstatic. Between their excitement and the sugar, there’s no keeping them indoors. As they run around the backyard, playing on the recently installed playground equipment, Danny and I relax on the picnic table. “So, how did you manage this?” Danny asks, his light blond curls dancing in the wind.

  “The day is being hosted by Striking Back. They know I also volunteer here, so they offered.”

  “That’s fantastic. You don’t want to chaperone?”

  “I can’t, but I’ll be there.” Danny stares at me, confused. In the two years I’ve known him, he’s asked me out at least ten times. I’ve always told him the truth, I don’t date people I work with, but it hasn’t stopped him from trying. “I have a date,” I admit, grudgingly.

  “Well, don’t sound so happy about it.” He laughs.

  “It’s a long story, but I’ll see you guys there.” As if he knows I’m thinking of him, my phone chimes.

  -Good morning, love-

  Oh, somebody help me.

  -Good morning. I got the passes and wristbands. The kids are so excited. Thanks so much!-

  An idea strikes me and I call for the kids. Danny helps me wrangle them and a few minutes later, I text Mason a picture of the group with Thank You Mr. Reed written across the bottom.

  -They’re very welcome. You have your hands full today.-

  -Not today. Just stopped by to share the good news.-

  -Good. You’ll have plenty of time to prepare for our date tonight.-

  Ha, nice try.

  -I think you need to check the calendar. Our date is weeks away.-

  -Far too long. I want to see you.-

  -Sorry, have to pass.-

  -Do you have a date, Evie?-

  -With my couch and a new book.-

  -Let me guess, a romance? I can give you romance.-

  Uh, huh, until the moment he comes. It’s time to mess with him.

  -Sort of a romance book, I guess, if you call bondage and spanking romance.-

  -You just made me hard at work. I’ll see you at seven.-

  Stubborn arrogant jackass.

  -No, you won’t. Not tonight.-

  -Talk to you later, beautiful.-

  Ugh! This man is so irritating! Sweet, but stubborn as hell. I’m not going out with him tonight. Absolutely not.

  * * * *

  The knock at the door sounds at exactly seven o’clock. That arrogant bastard. I told him no! He can’t just order me on a date. Screw him. I’m not opening the door. “Evie, I’ll sit here all night. Open up.”

  A few seconds later, I hear Charlotte, my elderly neighbor, call out, “Everly? You okay, sweetie?” Shit Shit Shit. Now I have to open the door or make a scene.

  Mason’s amused look when I yank open the door makes me want to punch him in the throat. Instead, I force a smile. “I’m fine, Charlotte, thank you.” She grins and heads back into her apartment. “Come in,” I grumble.

  “I’d love to.” That damn smirk. His eyes travel over my sweats. “Not that you don’t look lovely in anything, but the restaurant may have a bare minimum of a dress code.”

  “I told you I’m not going out with you. And I’ve already eaten,” I add, gesturing to the pizza box on the table.

  “We don’t have to go to dinner. Just let me take you out. I have something very special I want to show you.”

  I’ll bet he does. He laughs when my eyes involuntarily dart to his crotch. “Not that special, although I’m happy to arrange a viewing of that as well.”

  “I’ll pass on both.”

  “Are you always this stubborn?”

  “Are you always this persistent?”

  “Only when I really want something.” I’m overwhelmed by his spicy masculine scent when he steps closer to me, resting his hand on my shoulder. “Give me two hours, Evie. If you don’t have fun, I’ll never bother you again.” His hand slides up my neck and pulls the band from my hair, letting it fall to my shoulders. Warm breath bathes my ear, his lips hovering a centimeter away while he whispers, “Come with me, Evie.”

  Damn. It. All. “Give me ten minutes,” I murmur, surrendering to him. It’s either go out with him or strip him right here. Either way, I know how this will end. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to climbing this man like a tree.

  After a quick change into jeans, a red long sleeved blouse, and black converse sneakers, I run the straightener through my hair a few times and call it good. Showing up like this, he’s lucky I don’t go in pajamas.

  “You’ll need a jacket, love,” he says with a smile that makes me want to take all these clothes right back off. “It’s chilly.” I grab my jacket, and he takes my hand as I lock the door. “I’m parked down the street,” he tells me, keeping hold of my hand while we walk. I expect a sports car, the sort that screams playboy or mid-life crises, so I’m surprised when he opens the passenger door of a dark mid-sized sedan. A satisfied smile settles on his face as he pulls into the flow of traffic.

  “Alright, you’ve got me in your car. Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  “Your surprise better not include a bed.” Because I don’t have the willpower to say no.

  “Well, damn, I’ll have to think of something else.” He glances at me when I take out my phone. “What are you doing?”

  “Setting my alarm for two hours.” I can’t help but grin when his laughter fills the car. When he lays his hand on my knee, I don’t hesitate to cover it with mine. We pull into the empty parking lot of the Indianapolis Zoo and he smiles at the confusion on my face. “Is this where you plan to dump my body? Because White River’s probably a better option.”

  “And waste a body like that? Never.” He parks at the front of the dim lot and hurries to open my door for me. I wonder if he’s the gentlemanly type in bed as well? “Do you like animals?”

  “Of course.”

  “What’s your favorite animal?” He wraps his arm around my shoulders as we walk toward the darkened entrance. “Bonobo’s, but Mason, it’s closed. They won
’t let us in.”

  “I donate to their cause, plus a friend of mine works here. He’ll meet us at the gate. A bonobo is a monkey, right?”

  “A chimp. They’re our closest relatives.”

  “Reed! About damn time.” A thin blond man greets us at the gate. “Come on back.”

  Mason nods at his friend. “Larry, this is Evie, my date.”

  Larry grins and shakes my hand. “Poor girl. Would you like me to lock him up so you can escape? Call you a cab?”

  “Not yet, but I’ll keep it in mind.” Mason shakes his head, and I laugh. “I like your friend.”

  “Watch it, baby,” he growls, pulling us hip to hip.

  We follow Larry along a dimly lit path through the exhibits until he stops. “You’re just in time to feed him,” he says, unlocking a heavy metal door.

  Feed what? What am I walking into? It suddenly occurs to me I don’t really know either of these men. They could be leading me into a tiger’s cage. Mason squeezes my hand when I retreat. “Feed what?”

  “Oh, nothing dangerous, Miss. He’s just a baby.”

  Mason wraps an arm around me, and I lean into his warmth. “I wouldn’t put you in danger, love. Trust me.”

  Nodding, I allow them to lead me inside. Just a baby, he said, but a baby what? Baby monkey, fine. Baby tarantula or alligator, not so much. When we round the corner, I freeze at the sight of a full grown panda asleep behind a wall of glass.

  Larry shakes his head and says, “She’s sedated, poor thing. She’s ill and hasn’t been able to nurse her cub.”

  “Will she live?”

  “I hope so.” Larry disappears behind a partition.

  Mason runs his thumb along my jaw as I stare at the beautiful sleeping bear. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, she’s beautiful,” I exclaim, moving closer to the glass. “I’ve never seen a panda. I heard a zoo in Georgia has one, but…”

  “Yes, this is only temporary and the public won’t see them,” Larry says, returning with a bundle wrapped in a gray blanket. “Tomorrow they’ll be moved to an animal hospital where they’re better equipped to care for them.”

  My heart stops when he pulls back the edge of the blanket to reveal a tiny white and black fuzz ball. “Oh! So adorable!”