Page 38 of Five Days to Be Mine

He’s all sleek in his black sports jacket, with a checkered shirt underneath.

His dark wavy hair is perfectly styled, despite the rain.

His pools of obsidian rake me over with such heat, I can feel it from here.

“Hi Mara.”

His voice caresses my name.

I shove my hair behind my ear, wondering why the hell he is here.

As much as I've tried to push it away, that night swims through my mind, behind my eyelids each morning.

He’s the reason my night went from worst to best. He and I shared one hot night together.

Then I ran out the next morning.

“Hi Evan. What are you doing here?” I squeak the words out past the lump in my throat.

His gaze swings from me to Arthur, and I quickly step between them. “This is Arthur, my stepbrother.”

Evan immediately relaxes, throwing out his hand. “Evan Brennon.”

“Nice to meet you,” Arthur says, returning the handshake.

“I came here to see you,” Evan says, his attention back to me.

Arthur shoves his hands in his pockets, looking uncomfortable. “Mara, I got to get back to work. I’m sorry to spring the news on you.”

“What news?” Evan asks.

Heat climbs up my neck. “Arthur and his wife are renovating my mom and stepdad's kitchen while they are on a cruise. I have been staying there.”

“You can stay with us,” Arthur says.

For a brief moment, I consider it, but I know it won’t be a good fit.

The old pang of wishing I had a father, who was somewhat responsible, tugs on my heart.

“You can stay with me,” Evan says. “At the hotel.”

“Are you visiting?” Arthur asks, his glasses sliding down his face.

“No, he owns a restaurant in a hotel. In the Hugo Hotel.”

I’ve never seen Arthur blush so furiously.

“Oh.” My stepbrother stares at the ground.

“Come try it out sometime,” Evan says, smiling.

“No, I don’t…from what I’ve read…Mara are you okay? I really have to get back. If you decide to stay with us, call Miranda, okay?”

“I’ll figure something out, Arthur.” I reassure him.

“She can stay with me,” Evan says again.

I’m furiously blushing.

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