CHAPTER THREE
NORA
THERE ARE A FEW MOMENTS in life that I’ll never forget, and tonight, meeting Evan is currently at the top of that list. Seconds after I told myself to get up and make a run for it, I discovered that Evan James—whatever his last name is—is one of the good guys. At least, that’s what my heart is telling me.
“You said you moved here for work? What exactly is it you do?”
At his question, I stop rubbing my finger on the stem of my wine glass. “I started working for Shiver Investments straight out of college. I currently do a little of everything. Before I moved here, I managed personal portfolios. Mainly, I helped individuals financially prepare for the future, for…what ifs.”
A muscle in his jaw twitches before he repeats, “What ifs?”
“You never know what might happen. Tomorrow is a gift not everyone will receive. Preparing a future for someone you love, especially one that doesn’t include you, is hard but necessary.”
Evan turns his head to the side and gazes out the restaurant window, leaving me to believe I said something wrong. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”
I trail off when he looks back at me with a haunted expression reflecting in his eyes. “You didn’t say anything wrong. Your comment just hit a little too close to home.”
“Believe me, I understand. My parents died when I was a kid.”
His eyes soften before he gives me a weak smile. “I’m sorry.”
“Thank you. It was ages ago, but some days, it feels like it was yesterday.” I brush my finger under my eye, wiping a tear away. “The point in telling you my sob story is my dad prepared for the future, for my future. He set up several investments that did more than help provide for me. They paid for college and left me money to start my life with.” I blow out a long breath. “I’d give anything to have one more day with them, but that’s not possible.”
“Still,” he nervously clears his throat, “I’m sure you feel that loss every day.” Evan’s deep brown eyes bore into mine like he’s searching for answers.
“I love my parents, but I can’t or I won’t spend the rest of my life grieving their loss. Someone once told me not to taint my memories with sadness. For some reason, that really stuck with me.” His eyes widen just slightly while the air between us shifts, and I’m not exactly sure why. I don’t know anything about this man, but I think it’s safe to assume he was delivered a what if. The longer he stares at me, the more unsure I become. “I ruined the mood. Sometimes, I can be such a buzz kill, but if I’m being honest…I’m not sure I’m ready for tonight. For…” I lower my voice, hoping like hell the people seated next to us can’t hear me, “sex. At least, not with a stranger. So, if it’s all the same to you, I’ll tell my friend you were fantastic, which I’m sure you are, but…as much as I want to pretend otherwise, I’m not this woman.”
“What kind of woman are you?” he asks, squaring his shoulders.
“I’m a boring workaholic, but I don’t work because I have to. I get up every day hoping today’s the day I make a difference.” I slap my hand over my face. “Lame, I know.”
“There’s absolutely nothing lame about you, Nora. And I’m nowhere ready for you to end our evening.”
Holding his stare, I loudly swallow as flutters once again dance in my stomach.
“I’m going to pay the bill and have my truck brought around front. Then, we’ll go back to your place.” Evan stands, walks to my side of the table, and places his hand on my chin, tilting my head back. “I can’t wait to taste every inch of your body. Meet me out front in ten minutes.”
Holy shit.
Moisture pools between my legs. I’d be crazy to let a man like Evan, to let a night like this, slip me by. Right? Swallowing down my fears, my gaze drifts back to his. “Okay.”
EVAN
I’m wading in uncharted waters. I should have taken Nora up on her offer to end our evening, but that same ache I felt when I first laid eyes on her returned, eliminating my ability to walk away.
One night. That’s all I…we need.
Like she promised, Nora was outside when my truck was brought around to the front of the restaurant. Once she was sitting next to me, she mumbled her address then silently stared out the window until we arrived at her building.
After unlocking the door to her apartment, she dodges my hand and ducks inside, leaving me to follow her. The sweet smell of honey and lilacs greets my nose, but instead of finding a place filled with personal belongings, her apartment resembles a waiting room at a doctor’s office.
My eyes stop moving when they lock on the sliding glass doors where the view of the city is outright impressive. I turn back around. “Your apartment is…great.”
“Thanks. The balcony’s what sold me on this place,” she timidly says while twisting a strand of hair around her finger.
“Tonight can’t possibly be your first time. Why are you so nervous?”
She gives me a humorless laugh before shaking her head. “I told you, I’m not this person. I don’t even know how I ended up here. Wait, yes, I do,” she groans. “A cheating ex and two nosey women later and I’m on the first date I’ve had in years, and it just so happens to be with a man I had to pay to have sex with me.”
My jaw tightens when the color drains out of her face. “I’m guessing it was the cheating ex who filled your head full of shit, but I’m going to let you in on a little secret.” Keeping my eyes locked on hers, I take several steps her direction. “You’re beautiful. Fucking gorgeous.” I close the remaining distance between us and bring my hand up and brush my thumb across her lower lip. “You’re exactly what a man pictures when he imagines himself with a woman. If you don’t believe that, then you’re continuing to hand over your power to the same person who fucked you over.”
Color starts to work its way back into her face, and she mutters, “I’m…I…don’t even know what to say to that.” Her gaze darkens as I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her body flush with mine.
“Tonight, I’m going to show you how a man should treat you.” Her eyes flash with desire seconds before I place my mouth on hers. Her soft lips are exquisite, but it’s the moan that rattles from the back of her throat that urges me on. My hand slides up her side, and I cup her breast, feeling her nipple harden. Rather than protest, her body sags against mine while I do everything in my power to cram down the insane amount of anxiety I feel having this woman in my arms. Tonight is not different, I need to remember that. “Do you want me to fuck you on your couch or in your bedroom or…” I trail off with a smug smile, “or both?”
“Both?” she repeats, her mouth gaping open.
“That, I can deliver.” I glide my other hand around to the back of her dress, work the zipper down, and give it a light tug seconds before her dress falls, pooling at her ankles.
She’s standing in front of me wearing nothing but a pair of sheer black panties and a matching strapless bra, but it’s the hunger in her eyes, a longing that fuels my need to deliver her the best release she’s ever experienced.
I lick my lips, ready to devour her when she hesitantly brings her hands up, attempting to cover herself. Quickly, I untuck my shirt, pull it over my head then toss it on the floor. “You might feel uncomfortable, but you have nothing to be ashamed of,” I state as I once again reach around her and unclasp her bra. Her eyes meet mine, and with more confidence than she showed a second ago, she allows it to fall to the floor. My mouth waters as I continue to take her in. I grip her hair, tighter than I intend, and tilt her head back before feasting my mouth on hers. Her lips instantly part, allowing me to deepen our connection. My other hand slides down her side then into her panties. I pull my mouth back and our eyes connect before I glide a finger through her folds, finding her soaked.
“Oh, God…Evan.”
My body jolts. I haven’t heard my name moaned with desire in…I shake off my thoughts, thankful Nora didn’t seem to notice my reaction as I lightly rub her hardening clit before I plunge a finger inside, drenching myself in her heat. Her mouth parts, but all she manages to do is moan while I add another finger, sliding in and out.
She grips my shoulders, her fingernails digging into my skin while her body quivers, shakes, and then she comes on a strangled sob, still riding my hand. “That…was…” she says through panted breaths.
“Beautiful,” I add.
Once I know she can stand on her own, I step away, quickly unbuckling my belt, sliding my pants down, and then I grab a condom out of my wallet. “Where’s your bedroom?” I don’t know why, but I have a sudden need to be the first man who marks her in a bed that she’ll likely keep for years. With half-lidded eyes, she points to the door at the end of the hall. Placing the foil wrapper between my teeth, I pick her up, bridal-style, and walk us to her room. I get the door open, only to kick it shut with my foot before I place her down in the middle of the bed.
Wasting no time, I pull my boxer briefs down. Nora’s eyes move straight to my raging erection. She noticeably swallows, but otherwise remains silent while I slide the protection down my swollen cock. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Oh, God. Yes. I need you inside me.”
I kiss a trail up the inside of her leg before I run my tongue over her sex. Her hips buck against my mouth while she gasps in pleasure. I could spend hours memorizing her taste, but my body is already on edge. I bring my face up and look into her eyes. I reach between us and line my dick up to her entrance. Then, with the sound of her name rolling off my tongue, I slide into her body. We both moan at the same time, and I begin to slowly pump in and out, allowing time for her body to adjust to the feel of me before my movements increase.
“Evan…” she urgently whispers, meeting me thrust for thrust.
“Look at me,” I growl, needing the connection I feel when her eyes are locked with mine. Her entire face lights up, glowing with passion, and she starts shuddering around me. Tremors crack through her body before she finally gives in. Once her breathing begins to even, my thrusts become frantic as I chase my own release. A tingle starts at the base of my spine, my balls pull tight, and then one of the strongest orgasms of my life pours from my soul.
Our eyes remain locked, and without thinking, I rest my forehead against hers, memorizing the way she looks, the way she feels. She brings her hand up to the side of my face, almost like she’s also trying to permanently burn this moment into her brain.
Seconds…minutes…hell, I don’t know how long passes before Nora blinks several times and a feeling of vulnerability washes over me like a dangerous wave, threatening to pull me under.
“Tonight was…perfect.” With my head turned away, my vision blurs with the knowledge that her comment is spot on. I painfully close my eyes with the knowledge that her comment hit too close to home. My heart aches, only this time, I’m not sure if I’m grieving a past I can’t change or a future that isn’t possible.