It’s small stuff.
“I hear Evie’s doing okay.”
“Evie’s still single.”
He will whisper it when walking past me, or while we’re getting coffee in the mornings. I’ll just nod, so he knows that I’ve heard him.
Like I said, it’s pathetic. If I were half the man I claim to be, I’d be knocking on her door and making her mine.
But I’m not the man everyone thinks I am.
I’ve become the man I used to warn Mia about. I spend my Saturdays at an exclusive club where I fuck random strangers. Lately even that’s starting to lose its appeal.
With all my friends settled down, I’m forced to face the horrible truth that I’m alone because I let the only woman I’ll ever love walk out of my life.
Chapter 23
EVIE
Taking a cab to work, I stare out the window, not really seeing anything.
While Willow was staying with me, things were going well, but since she moved in with Marcus, my life started to slowly crumble around me. Not that I had much to begin with.
I’ve been saving every cent so I can repay Rhett Daniels. It took much longer than I had hoped it would take, but when I get paid tomorrow, I’ll be able to transfer the full amount he gave me to his bank account. Then I just have to save what I’ve worked out the interest should be and repay him that. I won’t owe anyone anything after that.
The cab stops outside of the restaurant where I work as a waitress. I pay the fee with a heavy heart, wishing I could move closer to work, so I didn’t have to waste money on transport. That will never happen though. The apartments in this part of town are way too costly.
I walk around the back of the building and go in via the staff entrance. I keep my head down, not greeting anyone as I walk to the restroom. Stripping out of my clothes, I fold it all neatly before putting it in my bag. I remove my apron from where it’s hanging against the wall and tie it around my waist.
Yeah, this is what my life has come to. I’m a waitress in a nude restaurant where the uniform is only a black apron and black heels.
I chuckle bitterly as I wonder what Rhett would think if he could see me now. He tried to save me from this life, but in the end, I ran from him and right back into the clutches of poverty.
“At least you’re not selling your body,” my heart whispers.
“Yeah, right. Keep lying to yourself. What you’re doing is no better than being a whore,” my mind sneers.
I’ve let my hair grow, and thankfully it reaches past my nipples. Some of the other girls complained when they saw that I was covering myself, but management likes the idea that my breasts are playing peek-a-boo with their elite clientele.
I place my bag in my locker, then go fetch a notepad and pen. As I scribble on the paper to make sure the pen is working, I push through the massive double doors leading to the restaurant.
The cold air hits me like it always does, and I shiver. The AC is set low to make our nipples hard.
When I get to my section, the girl who was working the shift before me heads into the back. I scan my section, assessing the customers I’ll be serving.
A man catches my eyes, nodding subtly. I walk over to his table, swinging my hips for extra effect. It helps with the tips if you put on a show for them.
“What can I get for you, Sir?” I ask, forcing my voice to come out sweetly.
“Get me a refill,” he barks at me before turning back to his much younger date with a leering smile.
Pig. I note his table number then go look on the computer to see what he’s having to drink before placing his order at the bar.
I’m waiting while the bartender fixes the drink when someone nudges me lightly against the shoulder. Glancing to the side, I see that it’s Kyle, the owner’s son.
“How’s my favorite waitress doing?” he asks, turning on the charm.
“I’m well, thank you. How long are you home for this time?” I ask.
Kyle loves to travel. I only see him when he comes home once in a while. So far he’s been nothing but sweet to me, and he doesn’t ogle my body like every other man in this establishment does.
“Actually, I’m going to be helping out here for a while. My dad is taking my mom on a cruise.”
“Oh, that’s nice.” The bartender sets the tumbler down in front of me. I place it on a tray and lifting it, I say, “Welcome back. I’ll see you around.”
When I start to walk away, Kyle quickly catches up to me.
“Have dinner with me after work?” He grins, and I have to admit, he is attractive. It would also be nice to be wined and dined. I haven’t been on a date in ages.
“I get off at three, Kyle. It’s way past dinner time then,” I tease.
I take another step forward, and this time he lightly touches my elbow.
“Have an early morning breakfast with me then,” he tries again.
Admiring him for being persistent, I decide to agree. What do I have to lose?
“Okay. I’ll see you at three.”
His smile warms his whole face. With his blonde hair and blue eyes, Kyle is a huge hit with the ladies.
After ten o’clock the kitchen closes and a DJ starts to play more upbeat music. I stay busy taking drink orders until after two in the morning when it finally starts to slow down. A few die-hards hang around until the bartender rings a bell, announcing that we’ll be closing.
The last ten minutes drag out endlessly, and it feels as if my toes are being ground to mince in the heels.
When the last customer gets up to leave, I head to the restroom. Once inside, I kick off the shoes and groan as I curl my toes into the tiles.
“It’s heavenly, right?” One of the other waitresses says as she’s busy buttoning her shirt.
I nod before I walk over to my locker and take my bag from it. I get dressed fast, then spend a minute washing my hands a couple of times. I shuck the heels in my locker and hang my apron on its peg.
All I want to do is go home and sleep, but I’ve already agreed to the date with Kyle.
As I leave the restroom, Kyle straightens from where he was leaning against the wall.
“Hey, beautiful,” he murmurs as he takes a step closer to me. Without the heels on, I only reach him by his shoulder. His eyes wander over my face, then he surprises me when he says, “You look tired. How about I take a rain check on breakfast, and instead I give you a ride home?”
The first thought that pops into my mind is that I don’t want Kyle to see where I live. He’s used to only having the best in life.
He must see the hesitation on my face, because he quickly adds, “I know where you live, Evie. I’ve seen your personnel file.”
“You’ve looked at my file?” I ask, frowning.
He laughs nervously, just realizing how stalkerish it sounds.
“I looked at it because I’m taking over for six months. I’ll admit that I might have stared way too long at the photo on your application.”
His honesty makes me feel better, and I smile to set him at ease.
“So, can I give you a ride home?” he asks again, giving me a hopeful look.
“Sure,” I relent. It will save me the cab fee.
“Let’s go,” he says, and when he takes hold of my hand, I quickly glance around us. I don’t want any of the other staff to see that I’m leaving with Kyle. They’ll think I’m sleeping with the boss’ son for an ulterior motive.
When we reach his car, he opens the passenger door for me. I get in and instantly I feel intimidated by all the wealth. You can smell the leather.
When Kyle climbs in behind the wheel, he smiles at me before starting the car. For the first few minutes, we drive in silence. It’s comfortable and puts me at ease.
“I’ve wanted to ask you out for a while now,” Kyle says when he stops at a red light.
Surprised, I glance at him, not knowing what to say.
“Just to be clear, I don’t care that you work for my father. I’d like a
chance to date you.”
He’s so straightforward that it’s actually refreshing. There are no secrets for me to try and figure out.
When I still keep quiet, he glances at me before pulling away as the light turns green.
“I guess I’m asking if you’ll date me, Evie?”
Finally, I find my voice, “I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking.”
A playful smile spreads across his face as he reaches for my hand.
“I’m asking whether you’ll date me exclusively.”
My eyes widen. “Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?”
“Yeah,” he laughs.
“Don’t you think we should get to know each other better first?” This is happening way too fast.
Nevermind that, I’ve never had a boyfriend before. I wouldn’t know what to do with him.
“By dating, we’ll get to know each other,” he makes a valid point.
I stare at his profile for a while, considering his question. It wouldn’t be a hardship to date Kyle. He has manners, and there is the added bonus that he’s quite handsome.
“Okay,” I agree, willing to give it a try.
When he parks outside my building, I take the seat belt off. As I reach for the door, Kyle leans over the console and framing my face with his hands, he presses his mouth to mine.
I’m so shocked that I freeze at first. The kiss is slow and tentative, but as I start to relax, Kyle deepens it by parting my lips with his tongue. The second I taste him, I feel a fluttering in my stomach. I give myself over to the kiss, enjoying the touch of a man for the first time in a way too many years.
When he pulls back, he whispers, “Now we have the first kiss out of the way. Can I pick you up before work and take you to dinner?”
I nod, not yet trusting that my voice.
“I’ll pick you up at five. That way we’ll have enough time before your shift starts.”
“Okay,” I whisper.
He gets out of the car and walks me to my door where he kisses me again, but this time it’s quick.
“Sweet dreams, Evie,” he whispers as he lets go of me and takes a step back.
“Night, Kyle,” I say. I watch him walk away before I unlock my door.
Walking into my apartment, I don’t bother switching on any lights. I head straight to the bathroom and take a quick shower before climbing into bed.
As I snuggle into my pillow, a slow smile spreads across my face. Maybe things will start to go my way from now on.
Chapter 24
RHETT
I frown as I stare at the notification from the bank. I wasn’t expecting any money.
I shoot a quick email to my banker asking him to check where the money came from before I shove the phone back in my pocket.
I got back to LA yesterday. I couldn’t believe how much work was waiting for me back at the office. You leave for three days, and the place collapses.
It’s only after nine when I finally leave the office. Thankfully, Jaxson and Marcus will be back tomorrow.
I scroll through my messages as I walk to my car. Not seeing anything that requires my urgent attention, I shove the phone in my pocket. Climbing in my car, I make my way home. Tonight I just want to enjoy a beer before I head to bed.
When I stop at a red light, I glance around the area. I notice the neon word Marilyn’s. The windows are blacked out so I can’t see inside. I’ll google the place when I get home. Funny how I’ve driven past it a hundred times but I only noticed it now.
When I get home, I throw my keys on the counter and grab a beer from the fridge. I plop down on the couch and kick off my shoes before I rest my feet on the coffee table. Yanking my tie loose, I take a deep pull from the bottle.
Fuck, yeah. Now, this is much better.
I finish half of the beer before I pull my phone out so I can check my emails. I delete a couple before I see the one from my banker.
Opening it, I scan the details of the funds I received earlier.
Payee: E. Cole
E. Cole? The only E. Cole I know is Evie.
It takes a moment for my mind to play catch up with what my eyes are seeing.
A tornado of emotions sweeps through my chest as the shock slams into my gut.
Evie paid me back every cent I gave her.
I gave her that fucking money!
I rise to my feet and place the bottle on the coffee table, so I don’t throw the damn thing. I drop my phone on the couch and fist my hands.
My thoughts are a jumbled mess, and I start stalking the length of my living room, trying to process the information. My emotions keep switching from anger to astonishment, giving me fucking whiplash.
Evie paid me back.
I stop in the middle of the living room as my mind clears and two distinct thoughts stand out.
Evie is still thinking of me.
She had to have at least thought of me once a month as she was saving the funds. She never forgot about me like I thought.
For Evie, it never was about the money. She really meant it when she said she loved me.
Fuck!
From the moment I met Evie, money played a prominent role in our relationship. I couldn’t let my guard down around her even though I loved her. I was a stupid dumbass back then. I’ve let the best thing that’s ever happened to me slip through my fingers because I have fucked-up trust issues.
Well, there is the tiny problem of the perverted secret I have, but it pales in comparison to the fact that I never trusted Evie.
Fuck, I was so caught up in myself she didn’t stand a chance.
What the hell have I done to Evie, to me… to us?
Every day she was in my life I was waiting for her to walk out on me. When she did, it solidified what I thought I had known all along. I was nothing but a free ride to her. But that never was the case.
And now…
It’s not about the actual money, but instead, what it all signifies. That I was an asshole, who broke my promise of protecting Evie, even from myself, because I couldn’t see the truth my heart already knew all along.
Evie wasn’t like the other girls. She really cared for me.
But it’s been six years.
A lot has happened. Fuck, Evie could’ve changed. Look at the guys, they’re all settled and happy. I’m the only fucker who’s still stuck in the past.
But she might still be the Evie I knew and fell in love with. If there’s a chance that she still feels something for me, don’t I owe it to us to find out?
The least I can do is apologize to her for being a dick and not trusting her.
“Don’t rush into this,” I whisper.
“Fuck.”
I shake my head at myself.
“You’re totally going to rush into this balls first.”
I grin at myself as I start to think of ways I can worm my way back into Evie’s life.
Chapter 25
EVIE
Kyle and I have been dating for a couple of weeks now, and I can’t remember the last time I was this happy.
He’s the perfect gentleman and goes out of his way to make me feel special.
I’m starting to fall in love with him.
Last night, during my shift, I realized my feelings were changing. I was standing at the bar while waiting for an order when Kyle walked over to the hostess stand to check the reservations. Not once did he ogle one of the other girls, but as he turned around, our eyes met. He smiled.
That smile was for me. Just me. No one else.
I grin at my reflection in the mirror as I take the elevator up to Kyle’s place. It’s Monday night, which means Marilyn’s is closed, and it’s my one night off.
Kyle is making me dinner tonight.
I’m nervous when the doors open, and I step into his foyer. We’ve had some pretty heated moments, but we’ve never done anything more.
I’m ready to move our relationship to the next step.
“There’s my gorgeous girl,” Ky
le says as he comes down the stairs. He walks right up to me, wraps an arm around my waist and kisses me passionately.
When he pulls back, I smile up at him. “Something smells delicious.”
“I’ve done something different. I hope you like it,” Kyle says secretively.
Taking my hand, he pulls me to the kitchen. When I see what he’s done, I laugh.
“We’re having breakfast?”
He grins at me as he pulls out a stool for me. “Because of the hours we work, we’ve never had a decent breakfast before. I like the idea of starting my day with you.”
Aww… he’s so sweet.
We help ourselves to the various breakfast foods he has laid out on the counter. Kyle thought of everything. Eggs, bacon, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes, I’m going to roll out of here by the time we’re done eating.
Conversation is light while we enjoy the feast, and I find myself smiling the entire time.
When I take my last bite, feeling like my stomach could burst, Kyle places our dirty dishes in the dishwasher. I watch as he pours us each a glass of wine.
“Let’s go sit in the living room,” he says, and he waits for me to get up before he follows me over to the couch.
Once I’m seated, he hands me a glass and clinks his own against mine.
“Here’s to us,” he whispers.
I take a sip and place the glass on the table next to me. I’ve never been much of a big drinker.
As I turn back, Kyle’s hands frame my face, and his lips press against mine. Things heat up quickly, and soon we’re breathless as we claw at each other’s clothes.
I only manage to get his shirt off before he drags my jeans and panties down my legs. He pushes my shirt up and yanks my bra down, and his mouth is hot on my sensitive flesh as his lips cover a nipple.
A moan drifts from my lips as his hand slips between my legs.
Letting go of my breast, he glances up at me with a grin. “You’re wet for me, gorgeous.”
He quickly rolls on a condom before he covers my body and enters me.
Shameless (An Enemies To Lovers Novel Book 5) Page 11
