Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 104471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 418(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 522(@200wpm)___ 418(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
I wouldn’t describe what I wanted to do with Evangeline as work. Still, I know Charlotte is referring to my comment to Pete earlier about needing my assistant to help me with a negotiation tonight. That was a blatant lie to keep his greedy hands off of her.
“Go!” That word gets sent in Randall’s direction, along with a wag of Charlotte’s fingers. “Now!”
He motions for me to follow him. “The guys are down by the pool. Let’s go hang out with them.”
“Let’s not,” I retort but add a smile to it so he doesn’t give me shit. “I’m going to turn in. It’s been a long day.”
“Since you’re the best man, you get a room all to yourself.” Randall pats my shoulder.
I didn’t realize there was a chance I’d be doubling up with anyone. During Randall’s walk down memory lane earlier, he pointed out the bedroom we shared when we were kids and then told me to drop my stuff in it.
I was grateful that during the extensive renovations this place has undergone the bunk beds that once were in that room have been replaced with a king-size bed.
“Gee, thanks, buddy.” I grin, knowing the words will feed a part of him seeking assurance that I’m happy to be here.
I am, but not for the reason he thinks.
I kissed Evangeline today, and I’m addicted. I can’t wait to get another taste.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Evie
How was I supposed to fall asleep after kissing my boss?
It wasn’t just any kiss either. It was the kiss - the kiss that will forever change kissing for me.
After Lottie tried and failed to get me to tell her what Randall, Reid, and I were discussing before she came back to my room, she said goodnight and left.
I undressed, took a bath, and then got dressed again, but this time in a long blue sundress.
It was a wardrobe staple when I lived in Milford. I think I’ve worn it two or three times since moving to Manhattan. When I noticed it hanging in the back of my closet this morning, I shoved it into my suitcase. I’m glad I did because it’s one of the most comfortable things I own and perfect for a quiet walk on the beach.
I glance at the time display on my phone. It’s almost midnight. I suspect everyone is still gathered around the pool or hanging out on the large wooden deck attached to the rear of the house.
As I was pulling into the driveway earlier, I noticed a path leading from the side of the house down to the beach. I can access that through a sliding glass door in the dining room. As long as no one is in there, I can sneak out of here for my moonlit walk unnoticed.
I slide my feet into my sandals before I toss my phone onto my bed. It’s too late for my mom to call me, and since my boss is hopefully fast asleep somewhere in this house, I won’t be hearing from him.
I slide open the door an inch and listen carefully. Soft music flows down the hallway that leads to my room. I can hear voices, but they’re muted. It’s as if the people talking are trying to keep it down for those of us who called it a night early.
As soon as I’m out of the bedroom, I softly shut the door behind me and make my way to the dining room. Since it’s not near the large living room that I suspect people have gathered in, I’m in the clear.
I slide open the glass door and step into the chilly night air.
The smell of the salt water hits me instantly, along with a breeze. I stand still for a few seconds, just soaking it all in.
Fresh air, the warmth still lingering from the heat of the day, and the near silence that is almost impossible to find in New York City surround me.
Emotions bubble within me because even though I just had a mini vacation in Paris, I needed this. I needed to step outside my day-to-day life and into a world where nature dictates each moment.
I sprint down the path toward the beach. Laughing out loud, I slide off my sandals and let my toes sink into the soft sand. I know it’s likely littered with small pebbles, rocks, and sea shells, but I don’t care.
I’ve waited a lifetime for this, so I take full advantage of it.
Just as I near the water, I stop dead in my tracks.
A tall man is standing near the shoreline, facing the ocean. He’s shirtless and only wearing dark colored swim trunks.
My gaze lingers on him. I’m grateful that there’s a full moon in the clear sky. I can make out the muscles in his back and how broad his shoulders are.
His hand jumps up to rake through his hair before it falls to his hip. I instantly know who it is because I’ve seen him do that exact move hundreds of times when he’s frustrated.