Connor "You know," Ken says as he walks in after I open the door, "we might have been friends for nearly a decade, but sometimes it still feels like I don't know you." "What do you mean?" I say as I collect the bottle of whisky from him. He gives me a knowing look before walking away. "You know what I mean. I suggested that we have a small party to celebrate the deal you closed, but you thought your apartment had seen one too many parties already." "Which," he plops down on a chair, "is unlike you. Then you called me three hours ago, asking if I still wanted to have that party. Why would you change your mind?" I try to appear calm as I shrug. "Because I changed my mind. Get used to it, Ken. Everyone else will be arriving in thirty minutes to an hour, and it'll be a total of twenty people. No more." He nods. "Sure." I take a minute to drop the bottle in the built-in wall bar of the dining room. I take a bottle of red wine instead and two glasses.ConnorNot only did she run, bu
She looks unconvinced for a moment and then shrugs. "Please keep it down, sir, so we don't have an actual problem and have to come back." "What was that?" Ken asks when I close the door and walk back in. "Why did the cops show up? I wave my hand. "Wrong floor." "Oh. Okay." "Could you give me a minute? I need to check on something. I'll be back soon." With my mouth set in a grim line, I head down the elevator to confront the culprit. She doesn't come to the door until I press the doorbell three times. As soon as the door opens, I open my mouth to unleash the fury of my displeasure, but the words don't make it past my lips. "What?" Evelyn asks, thrusting her hands on her hips. "I wasn't going to respond, but I know you're the kind not to get the message that I don't want to see you." I would, but right now, the fact that Evelyn has on a see-through shirt with nothing underneath is holding me tongue-tied. Quite literally. I shouldn't be staring, but I can't help it. And I'm not s
Evelyn"You didn't look into it when I told you, and now, things are about to go down the drain.""Well, good morning to you, Miss Lockhart. I thought I was the only one having a fine morning," Connor says in an irritating, cheery voice as I barge into his office, waving a document.I ignore his subtle sarcasm and march to his desk, dropping the document on it. "Look. It's all there. You can see that there is a major flaw with the mechanics. If these prototypes are cleared for assembly," I scoff. "What am I saying? You cleared it."Connor cracks his knuckles and clasps both hands, placing his elbows on the desk."Are you telling me that what I vetoed and gave the all-clear, isn't clear?"I nod. "Yes. That is exactly what I am saying. Now," I raise a hand to stop him from interrupting, "When Ken told me about this project, I was sold from the get-go. But if you are allowing things like this to pass, then I quit."The severity of my tone has him frowning, and he picks up the document. W
Evelyn."So, you don't organize the parties?" I take a sip from the glass in front of me.We ended up going to a cozy bar with good lighting and a pleasant smell. Connor offered to pay for whatever I ordered, so I got the most expensive cocktail on their menu."Nope, I don't. I like parties, I won't lie to you, but my friends are more outgoing than I am.""The blond?" I question."Veronica?" He echoes.I nod. "Yeah. I guess that's her name. I don't recall."Connor laughs and shakes his head. "You don't recall? You guys talked when you came to my apartment the first time."I roll my eyes. "We didn't have a conversation. I asked her where the apartment's owner was after she assumed I was there for the party. Just like you did."He places his hand on his chest and, looking solemn, says, "I sincerely apologize for that. I am also sorry that I didn't listen to you. I was an asshole.""Are you sure you didn't hit your head?" I question in disbelief.He grins."Nope. But if there is one thin
Connor"You know," I tell Evelyn as we ride the elevator down. "When I asked you to go bowling with me, I didn't think you'd agree. I was expecting to be turned down.""So, you could tease me about not having a social life or something to that effect?" She cuts in and shakes her head. "I know all of your tricks, Connor Everest. If you think I will allow you to taunt me, you have something else coming.""Plus," she shrugs, "I like bowling. It is the only recreational activity where you can picture the head of someone you don't like rolling down the lane and crashing against the pins."I know her words are empty threats, but I gulp audibly, which makes her laugh."I am not talking about you, don't worry."I exhale."Phew."The doors open, and we get out."Does that mean there are people more annoying than me in your life?" I question as we head through the lobby. "I wouldn't have thought so."Evelyn flashes me a look with her lips downturned in a so-you-know way. "I don't let people's a
ConnorWe end up at a golf club, and Evelyn whispers in my ear, fifteen minutes after we get on the course, that she doesn't know how to play and is not about to embarrass herself.I laugh. "Why don't I teach you? You're a fast learner, so you only need a few lessons and thirty minutes."Her eyes widen with glee, and I swallow an amused chuckle. Who would have thought that this woman—formidable in the workplace -- could have this childlike wonder in her eyes when trying new things?Heading to the golf cart nearby, I take out two golf clubs and a golf ball."We will work on your swing," I explain as I hand her one of the clubs. "Having a good swing is all about positioning. You must know how to hold the club, or you'll lose your swing even before you start."I can tell she's a little nervous when responding, but she's also trying her best to act casual and confident. Like it's no big deal."Okay, you have to hold it like this," I gesture.Evelyn looks like she's trying to strangle the
Connor"I'm not embarrassed," she says firmly, but her eyes refuse to look into mine. "Far from it."I can tell she feels the same way, though, because if there is something Evelyn cannot hide, it's her body language. Leaning closer, I place my lips next to her ear."What do you say we forget golf? We can find someplace, you and I, to get things done."She moans softly."What do you say?" I repeat, nipping her earlobe.Evelyn nods. "Uhun."I kiss her ear and run my tongue down the side of her neck. When I feel her completely leaning against me, I retreat."What?" Her eyes fly open. "What—why?""Why what?" I feign ignorance.She looks puzzled, raising her hands and dropping them when she doesn't find the right words. But I keep up my act, watching her get all flustered. Although it's taking all of me to keep from taking her hand and ditching this place, it also pleases me to see that Evelyn wants me as badly as I crave her.My withdrawal is a tiny punishment for her denial."Aren't we
Evelyn"You don't need to compliment me, you know," I say with pride, sitting in front of Connor.After the impressive presentation I just gave, I expect him to break out in applause and say something along the lines of, you're invaluable to this company, but I'm not one to toot my own horn.He shrugs. "I wasn't going to.""What?""You did your job. Do you need me to praise you for doing your job?"Is he being serious? I spent the last three days making sure my work was impeccable, and to make sure my presentation was spot on, perfect. I had to work with three other departments because I needed to make sure there were no flaws in the data logs.And I don't get even a thank you? Stubborn, flightless bird. I should have known his sudden change in behavior was a fluke."Stubborn, flightless bird?" Connor echoes my thoughts out loud. "That is what you called me the other time, right?"Crap. I said that aloud, didn't I? I chew on my bottom lip, thinking of how to cover up for my spill. The
Connor"Take the day off and come somewhere with me," I hold Evelyn's hand to keep her from leaving.She hasn't looked at my face since she walked into my office, but the worrying aspect is that I haven't seen her one-on-one since the party two days ago. It might have been forty-eight hours for her, but it feels like forever to me."The project," she complains. "There is a lot to be done.""A lot that you haven't done yet? You are the hardest working person I know, Evelyn, which means that whatever you want to do, you have done it already. Maybe ten times already."She pulls her arm, but I don't let go."Please? I'm worried you're overworking yourself, and I need you. My company needs you. Take the rest of the day off. Let's go somewhere fun.""Where is somewhere fun?" she asks.***Two hours later, we arrive at an old industrial building. I rush to her side to open the door and offer my hand."You don't have to do this, you know," Evelyn comments. "This place is very cool but I doubt
EvelynFive minutes after Connor leaves, an older woman approaches me. I sense the hostility in her eyes before she opens her mouth."I've been watching you," she says.I groan inwardly. Right. I do have an actual target on my back. "Nice to meet you, too."She doesn't try to mask her dislike for me. "There is nothing nice about our meeting. Why are you with Connor Everest? For the money?"Money? If this bleached blonde, tacky jewelry-wearing woman knew who I was, she wouldn't say those words. I let her go on, though. Bringing my parents into the conversation means this might get back to them, and I'll have my mother to deal with."My daughter, Alicia, is a better woman than you will ever be, you gold digger," she spits, figuratively. "And I have been waiting for the right moment to introduce them, so I don't know what you've done to be with him, but I suggest you undo it."I turn to look into the hall. Where is Connor with that much-needed drink?"Look," I decide to fight my battle w
Evelyn"You look ravishing," Connor says as I get out of the car, with him holding my hand, "but I wish you had come let me get you."I shake my head. "You wouldn't have wanted to see my parents, trust me. I spared you from getting an interrogation this evening when they dropped by my apartment unannounced."It was an hour before the non-profit, tech-related event that Connor and I decided we would use to announce our relationship—precisely two weeks and five days before the unveiling, that my parents showed up.My mom said she was worried because I wouldn't let her help me and getting them out of my apartment came with me promising that I would tell her all the details later, and telling my father that if my career failed, I would join him. I lied through my teeth, of course, but it got them out.Which was why I texted Connor to leave without me.He kisses the back of my palm. "If you asked me to, I would walk on hot coals for you."My cheeks lit up at the sexy drawl of his tone, and
Connor"I didn't think you were going to get engaged before I did," Ken says jokingly when we meet at a bar later that evening. "But congratulations, my man."I take a shot and relish the slight burn as the liquid slides down my throat. "Congratulations? Did you hear a word I just said?"He nods. "Yup, I did. Loud and clear. To avoid a scandal that you didn't tell me about, even though I am your right-hand man, you are now in an official relationship with Evelyn. Your neighbor and the woman you are in love with."I groan. "I am not—""You're going to say you're not falling in love with her?" Ken does not hesitate to call me out. "Come on, I've seen the two of you. The double date we were supposed to go on was a chance for you two...to bond or something.""Mira wasn't sick?" I ask.He shakes his head, grinning slyly. "Nope, she wasn't. It was her idea to give you guys an opportunity to go on a date because you were too chicken to ask Evelyn out, and Evelyn has no idea how you feel even
ConnorI might wear a path in the carpet of my office floor if I keep pacing, but I cannot stop. My mind is on edge, and my body isn't cooperating, so the best thing to do is keep walking.I am also wondering why Evelyn hasn't come around since she said two days ago that she needed time to think.Of course, she would need some time. I mean, I asked her to get engaged. Of course, I clarified after the initial shock passed that it was a ploy to distract the media so the reporter and everyone involved would stop digging into my life, but I understand an engagement is a serious thing nonetheless."Did I scare her off?" I wonder aloud.For a brief moment, I imagine Evelyn walking in and handing over her resignation letter."I don't know why you would ask me to do such a thing after all I've done for this project. It is your problem to solve, not mine," she would rage.Or would she? God, I'm going to lose it.The second I hear the doorknob I turn my head around.There is no smile on Evelyn'
Evelyn"We were starting to think you had forgotten about today," my mom says when I go to the house the next day. "I was going to call, but your father decided against it.""He probably wanted something to hold over my head," I mutter as I walk in, holding a gift bag.If I hadn't set a reminder, I would have forgotten that today was my dad's birthday. So, I'm not mad that he didn't call me. I'll let him stew in his guilt when he realizes he thought badly of me."Darling," my mom calls out, "your daughter is here."My father's footsteps down the stairs are deliberate, as though he's trying to meet his fitness goals. But it's been like that all my life, and it was the sole reason why every time we attended an event, eyes would turn once we walked in.That, and my mother's flare for being fashionably late and her keen sense of style. As a divorce lawyer, my mother always told me there was no need to wear somber clothing in the courtroom as she wasn't trying to sway anyone's opinion in h
Connor"Sir," my secretary's tone carries urgency as she walks in, "someone is here to see you. He doesn't have an appointment, but he says he's a reporter, and he knows something you might want to hear."I doubt that.I've had my fair share of reporters pester me, and while none of their shenanigans have damaged my reputation over the years, our interactions have never been pretty. I should turn this one away, but I've never had one come to my office."Send him in."When the door opens again, a man in a blue dress shirt buttoned to the throat and khaki pants walks in. He flashes the ID around his neck."I'm Arnold Goldsmith," he introduces himself. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice."I shake my head. "Don't thank me yet. I have no idea why you're here, and I might ask you to leave once you tell me."He sounds confident when he replies, "I don't think you will, sir. I came to give you a heads-up, sort of. My brother works here, Adam," he scratches his half-beard, "he ran i
Evelyn.As I stand in front of Connor's door, I contemplate knocking or turning away, partly because of the noise that is deafening and also because of my racing heart.I shouldn't be this nervous, as it's not my first time in his apartment. It is not the first time we've met at a party either.Yet, I am, and I know why.Because he came to my door two hours ago, caught me off-guard with the kiss that swept me off my feet, and whispered in my ear that he was hosting a party and wanted me to come."If you don't want to, then I'll cancel it. I don't want to disturb you."My heart fluttered at that, and I smiled so hard I thought my lips would get stuck to my teeth. Thirty minutes before the party, I decided to pick out an outfit. I told myself it was just a party on the floor above mine, so I didn't have to overthink."Yet my bedroom is overrun with clothes," I mutter, reaching out to knock.Why does he not have a doorbell like everyone else?Then it occurs to me that if he did, I would
ConnorI cannot stop staring at her.I don't want to stop either, but there's no way to hide it when we are both seated in the back of the car, being driven to the testing center.I knew I should have sat up front in the passenger's seat. The need to be close to Evelyn kept me from doing so because I can't, for the life of me, figure out what she is thinking. It's been a week since we had sex, and she's said nothing about it.Perhaps I should speak up like I did the last time, but I want whatever happens next to be on her terms. I don't want to come off as clingy when I tell Evelyn that sex with her is the best I have ever had and that I'd do anything to spend more time with her.She would most likely laugh and tell me to stop teasing her, but it is the truth. It might have started as sexual attraction, but I want more of her now. I think about taking her golfing again so I can teach her to swing while standing behind her.I want to watch her roll the ball at a bowling alley and see h