“Jack. Nice to meet you.” The man was handsome enough, Jack thought. No wonder he was with Eve. Jack couldn’t imagine someone like Eve being with anyone less than perfect.
“Nice to meet you.” Adam took a sip of his club soda and placed an order for food on the monitor. He glanced down at the two dancing women. “Your wife is quite beautiful,” he commented.
Jack followed Adam’s gaze. “Yes, she is thank you. And, your...” He paused, not sure what Eve was to Adam.
“Eve? She’s not mine,” Adam said simply as he stared at Eve. “Eve doesn’t belong to anyone. Yet.” He looked back at Jack. “Amazing isn’t she? I hear Lainey is helping out quite a bit at the gallery. It means a lot to Eve.”
“Lainey seems to love doing it,” Jack said and took a drink of his beer.
Adam heard the edge in Jack’s voice. “You don’t approve?”
“I’m just not used to her not being around,” Jack explained. “We have two sons who need her and Eve keeps her pretty busy.”
“I’m sure Eve has told Lainey that if she ever needed to leave early it would be fine,” Adam told him, not appreciating Jack’s accusatory tone. “She’s pretty understanding. Besides, I believe Eve sees Lainey as more of a friend than an employee, otherwise you wouldn’t be sitting where you are now.”
He leaned forward and fixed his stare on Jack. “Eve is a very generous and kind-hearted woman, Mr. Stanton. Don’t let the tough exterior fool you. If Lainey is ever in need, Eve will be there. Your wife is a lucky woman.”
Jack’s attempt at an apology was cut short when Adam raised his hand and waved at the two women.
“Hey, beautiful,” Adam said as Eve slid gracefully on the seat next to him.
“Hey, handsome,” Eve said back and leaned over to kiss Adam gently on the lips. She saw the spark of anger in his eyes. She would ask Adam about it later, but, for now, for Lainey’s sake she let it go. “Did you order something to eat?” she asked him.
“Yes, I did. I ordered you a Caesar salad, is that okay?” Adam ran a finger down Eve’s spine and sent chills coursing through her body.
“Perfect,” she answered, not meaning the salad. “I’m sorry, I haven’t formally introduced everyone.”
“It’s fine. We’ve met.” Though Adam’s voice was pleasant, Eve heard the tension in it. What could Jack have said to have upset him? “We’ve danced together but I don’t believe we’ve actually said a word to each other,” Adam said to Lainey.
“Eve has told me a lot about you,” she said sweetly.
Adam’s lips quirked, “Eve talks about me? How interesting. You’ll have to let me know what she says one day.”
“No, she doesn’t.” Eve shot a look of feigned hurt and betrayal over at Lainey. “She’s said enough already.”
Lainey giggled. “Oops. Was I not supposed to say that?”
“Come on, baby, give me a little hint,” Adam teased.
Eve ran a hand up Adam’s thigh and leaned over to whisper no in his ear, nipping the lobe between her teeth as she did.
Lainey saw that Jack was trying his best not to watch the two lovers tease each other. Why can’t it be like that for us, again, she wondered sadly. All I want is more excitement. She took a long drink of her wine spritzer and sighed inwardly. If she wanted a change, she was going to have to make it herself.
Later, Eve and Adam returned to the dance floor, leaving Lainey and Jack at the table.
“I’m having a good time, Jack,” Lainey said, moving to sit beside him on the plush banquette. “We should do this more often.”
“Not with them. And not here,” Jack replied dryly.
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“They’re not like our other friends, and this place is not like the places we go to. I don’t like it, Lainey.”
They were silent for a moment, watching the TV screens as the cameras panned over the club, turning the crowded scene into a sea of lights that bounced off of the mirrors on the wall.
“That’s exactly what I like about them, and this place, Jack,” Lainey said in a low voice. “I like Eve, and I’m going to continue this friendship I’ve started with her. I’m sorry if you don’t like that, but that’s how it’s going to be.”
“So, you’re choosing her over me?”
“I don’t want to choose between anyone, Jack, because I shouldn’t have to. Don’t make me,” she added, praying that he would leave it at that.
“What is it about her, Lainey?” His hair was tousled from running his hands through it and he looked worried. For a passing moment, Lainey felt sorry for him. But she needed things to be different. “How did she change you?”
“She didn’t change me. All Eve did was give me the courage to make those changes that I needed to make.” Lainey took Jack’s hand in hers. “Jack, I love you, but I had lost myself in being your wife. I want to find that woman you fell in love with again.”
Glancing up at the TV screen, she saw Eve and Adam kissing passionately in the center of the dance floor. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back,” she said before Jack could respond to what she had just told him.
Eve had completely forgotten all about her plan not to end up in bed with Adam tonight. She wanted him. Needed to feel him inside her. They would just have to try this dating thing some other time, she thought, as she fisted her hands in his hair and kissed him deeply. “I want you,” she breathed against his mouth.
Adam’s hands found their way underneath Eve’s shirt and she moaned when he touched her skin.
“Ahem!” Lainey cleared her throat and waited for Eve to break the kiss. “Sorry, Adam. Could I borrow Eve for a moment? Thank you.” Without waiting for an answer, Lainey took Eve’s arm and dragged her away from Adam to the ladies room. “What are you doing?” she demanded, relieved that they had a corner to themselves.
Eve stifled a grin. She wondered what the repercussions would be if she told Lainey that she looked like a cross between a jealous lover and a mother standing there with her hands on her hips and a stern look on her face. “I’m standing in the bathroom with you, Lainey,” she replied, straight-faced, deciding not to risk it.
“Ha, ha, very funny, Eve. What happened to not wanting to end up in bed with Adam tonight?”
Seeing Eve kiss Adam that way had upset Lainey more than she cared to admit.
“Oh, that,” Eve shrugged. “Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to work tonight.”
“Yes it is!” Lainey insisted. “You told me to help you through tonight and I’m going to do that. I don’t want you sleeping with Adam tonight, Eve.”
Eve stepped closer to Lainey and wrapped a strand of her hair around her finger. “Tell me something, Lainey, and be honest with me,” she said in a low voice. “Are you doing this for me? Or are you jealous?”
“I’m doing this for both reasons.” If she wanted the truth, she’d give her the truth. “I’m jealous, Eve.”
“Now you know how I feel knowing you’re going home with Jack, and that he’ll be making love to you.” Eve’s eyes dropped to Lainey’s mouth. “Hmm. This isn’t helping me.” She couldn’t risk doing what she wanted to do here.
“What’s happening between us, Eve?” Lainey demanded.
There had been a time, not long ago, when she would never have believed she could be this open with another woman. But things were becoming incredibly confusing.
“I don’t know, Lainey. Scary, isn’t it?” Being alone with Lainey in the aroused state she was in wasn’t a good idea. “I think we should get back out there.”
“What about Adam?” Lainey didn’t want to ask because she didn’t know if she could handle the answer. But she’d made a promise and she intended to keep it. Besides, she had to know.
“I’m going home alone,” Eve said.
Two hours later, Eve laid her head back against the tub and tried to let the whirlpool relax her. As soon as she had arrived home, she turned on melodic music, lit candles, shed her clothes and sunk into the tub filled with aromati
c bath oils. No matter how hard she tried to clear her mind, she couldn’t help thinking about Adam and how much she wanted him with her now. Then her mind would switch to Lainey. “I’m jealous, Eve,” she had said.
Jealous.
Eve shut her eyes tightly, but couldn’t get Lainey’s face out of her head. “What is wrong with me?” she said aloud. She took a deep breath and began to hum along with the music, but nothing was helping her. She was aroused and alone.
She ran her hand over her firm breast, feeling the nipple grow taut. Eve moaned softly as she let her hand roam further down to her stomach. She had never been aroused enough to do this to herself before and the thoughts it conjured up stunned her.
Thoughts of Lainey.
Frustrated, Eve sat up in the tub and ran a hand through her hair. “And this is supposed to help you get sex off your mind, Eve? My God, I’m in trouble. Snap out of it!” she ordered herself, and stepped out of the bathtub and into her terry cloth robe.
Retreating to her bed, Eve found herself focusing on Lainey. There was so much tension between them. She knew Lainey wanted her as much as she wanted Lainey. But, Lainey was married, Eve reminded herself. She loved her husband, and Eve wouldn’t jeopardize their friendship for a quick roll in the hay to satisfy her curiosity.
Eve began stroking herself, determined to do anything to get some rest and forget about all of this. Again, she massaged her breast and lightly trailed down until, just as she became daring enough to actually touch herself, her phone shrilled making her jump. It was one in the morning.
“Eve?” Lainey’s voice was barely a whisper, but hearing her had made Eve’s pulse quicken. “Did I wake you?”
Lainey couldn’t believe she had actually called Eve after sitting in front of the phone for over an hour gathering the nerve to pick it up and dial.
“No, you didn’t wake me. Is everything okay?”
“Yes. I just wanted to...”
Wanted to what? Lainey thought. Was she going to tell Eve that she wanted to know if Adam was there?
“You wanted to know if I was alone.” It wasn’t a question. Eve smiled to herself. “Yes, Lainey. I’m alone.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have called.”
“Don’t be sorry. I’m glad you called. I was having trouble sleeping anyway.” Eve lay back on her pillows and for the first time since being home, began to relax. “How did things go with Jack?”
“They didn’t.” Lainey sat back in her chair and propped her feet up on the ottoman. She hadn’t been able to sleep either. Every time she closed her eyes she would see Eve.
“Why? What happened? I thought for sure...”
“I couldn’t,” Lainey interrupted her. “Jack was tired and half drunk anyway, so I didn’t even pursue it.”
“Hmm. I’m sorry.” In reality, Eve was happy that Lainey hadn’t been with Jack tonight, but she wouldn’t tell Lainey that.
“Well, maybe tomorrow we can leave the gallery early and go to your house. We can set up a whole seduction scenario for the two of you.”
“Eve. I don’t want to talk about Jack right now.” Eve’s soft voice was driving Lainey wild and she found herself wanting to touch herself while talking to her. Before she even knew what she was doing, Lainey slipped a hand into her panties and began a gentle massage.
“I’m sorry. I thought that was what you wanted, Lainey. To bring that spark back into your relationship.”
“I do. I just don’t want to talk about it now.” A moan escaped Lainey’s lips as she started moving her hand faster.
“Lainey?” Eve heard the moan and closed her eyes. “What are you doing?” Lainey never answered, but her breathing came faster. “Where are you?” Eve asked her.
“He can’t hear me,” Lainey breathed.
“Oh, God. Lainey.” Eve slipped her own hand between her legs and began stroking as she listened to Lainey. “We shouldn’t be doing this.” But all she could hear from Lainey were small, incredibly sexy moans. Eve struggled to keep her own response quiet as she touched herself, afraid that hearing them, Lainey might stop. “Lainey,” she whispered.
“Eve.”
Eve heard her whispered name and then a sharp intake of breath as Lainey came. Not being able to hold back anymore, Eve arched and came quietly as she listened to Lainey’s labored breathing.
“Oh, God. I’m sorry,” Lainey said, mortified by what she had just done, and hung up the phone quickly.
“Lainey! Wait!” Eve’s attempt at keeping Lainey on the phone was answered by a dial tone.
“Damn it!” she swore, throwing the phone across the bed. Pushing a hand through her hair, she stared up at the ceiling. She wanted to call Lainey back, to tell her that there was nothing wrong with what she had done. That Eve had enjoyed it, too. But, Lainey wasn’t alone like Eve was, and Eve knew she couldn’t take that chance.
Lainey had already been at the gallery for over an hour before Eve came in, busying herself with cleaning and unpacking, trying not to think of the night before. But it haunted her every minute. What had she been thinking? Calling Eve in the middle of the night and doing what she had done. Making no secret of it. How would she ever be able to face Eve again? Lainey felt her whole body tense when the elevator door opened.
“Good morning, Mikey,” Eve greeted the young intern who would be helping at the gallery for the next couple of months. He was twenty-two and awkward, with his thick glasses, second hand clothes and squeaky voice that sounded as though he hadn’t hit puberty yet. But, he was also extremely intelligent and had a lot of heart, and Eve liked him.
“Good morning, Ms. Sumptor.” Mikey sniffed and pushed his glasses up on his nose. “The Dalis came in this morning. Mrs. Stanton has been unpacking them.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “She’s not in a very good mood this morning. She’s been extremely quiet.”
Eve saw Lainey slip up the stairs without even giving her a glance. “Hmm, so I see,” she said. “I’ll see if I can make her feel better.”
She found Lainey standing over by her office window, staring down at the crowded city streets.
“Are you ever going to look at me again?” Eve asked her. “Please, Lainey. Look at me. Do you feel guilty for doing what you did? Are you embarrassed? Because you don’t have to be.”
Eve moved closer to Lainey and put her mouth close to Lainey’s ear. “I did it, too,” she whispered and felt Lainey shiver.
“But why didn’t I...”
“Why didn’t you hear me?” Eve finished the question for her. “Which reason would you like to hear first?”
She took Lainey’s chin in her hand and lifted Lainey’s face to hers. “I was enjoying listening to you so much that I didn’t want to interrupt you,” she said slowly. “That’s one reason. The other reason is it was all very unexpected, and I was afraid that if I made any noise you’d stop and I didn’t want you to stop, Lainey. I’m sorry. I should’ve told you.”
Lainey was amazed at the full force of the relief that swept over her.
“I would have loved knowing that you were doing it, too,” she said, reaching out for Eve’s hand just as someone knocked at the door.
Eve groaned. “It’s your office,” she said when Lainey hesitated.
Lainey took a step back from Eve. “Come in,” she called out.
Adam opened the door and stuck his head in. “Hey. Sorry to interrupt. Your intern told me I could find you up here. Good morning, Lainey. I just wanted to see you before I went in to work, Eve. Can I talk to alone you for a moment?”
This was the first time Adam had come to see her here at the gallery. Was it possible that he felt jealousy, too? It was an interesting idea.
“I missed you last night.” Adam pulled Eve into his arms when they were alone in her office. “I almost called you.”
Thinking about the call she had received, Eve smiled. “I missed you, too.” She met Adam’s lips with hers and kissed him deeply. “Mmm. Don’t get me started. Is that why you’
re here? To tell me you missed me?”
She sat on the edge of her desk and studied Adam. He looked great in his tailored suit, and Eve knew he looked even better out of it.
“Yes, and to tell you that I enjoyed our date last night. It was nice.”
Adam was having a hard time concentrating. Eve looked amazing in her jeans and stretch button up shirt that was, in true Eve fashion, unbuttoned enough to give Adam a great view of her cleavage.
“Yes, it was.” Eve took a hold of Adam’s tie and pulled him to her, spreading her legs so that he fit in between them. “We should do it again sometime.”
“We will.” He wrapped Eve’s legs around him and pressed his body to hers. “How many dates do I have to take you on before I can get you back into bed?”
“Mmm. Keep doing that and you won’t have to wait too long,” she told him. “Let’s just take it one day at a time, okay?”
“Okay. Whenever you are ready. I have to go. Call me tonight?” Adam tucked a strand of hair behind Eve’s ear and kissed her cheek.
How was it possible that she could feel this overwhelming desire for two, very different people? More importantly, what was she going to do about it?
Eve knocked on Lainey’s door and once again received no answer. But this time, when she looked in she saw that Lainey was not there. Sighing, Eve walked down to the gallery.
“Is she in a better mood?” Eve asked Mikey as she found Lainey unpacking paintings in the further room.
Mikey shrugged. “She still hasn’t talked, but she seems to be doing a little better.”
Eve reached into her front pocket and brought out some money. “Would you do me a favor? Run down to the deli downstairs and get me a coffee. No, make that two coffees and two donuts. Glazed. And whatever you want.”
“Need some help?” she asked Lainey as soon as he was gone.
“The Dalis look wonderful,” Lainey said, keeping her distance.
“I’m sorry about Adam.”
“Why should you be? He’s your boyfriend, right?” She glanced over at Eve. “What are you laughing at?”
Something About Eve (An Eve Sumptor Book 1) Page 10
