Page 18 of Big Dix

“Poppa!” I chastise, heat rushing to my face before I walk off to get Atticus his water; Poppa is still laughing in the background. I grab a glass, throw in some ice and fill it with water, adding a slice of lemon to the side of the rim before making my way back toward Atticus’s table. His eyes follow me through the restaurant, and the intensity I see there unravels me. It’s been a long time since a man has looked at me this way.

Don’t get me wrong. I go on dates. I get laid. It’s been a while, but it happens. I just haven’t felt this, this ember, this spark with a man in a long time—if ever. His gaze feels like touch, and that look sets me on fire.

I set the glass down, and his fingers reach out to grab the drink and brush against mine. I could die happy right now. Just that little touch is thrilling.

“Go out with me.” His voice is low, gravelly, and sexy.

Closing my eyes, I try to steady my thoughts.Do not hop on top of him. Your whole family is here.

“I’ll pick you up tonight at eight?”

My eyes fly to his. What? He has plans tonight.With the other me!So, he’d just stand her up? I meanme. This situation is getting confusing. But still, I know he has a date. That just confirms my suspicion that my alter ego is just a booty call, too.

Disappointment floods my body. I should be happy, I guess. It’s not like he knows I amBig Boo...ks4BigDix.He’s willing to blow off what I’m confident he assumes is a sure thing to go out with me. Is it wrong that I expected more? I don’t even know why I would. It isn’t like I know him. He’s just a fantasy I’ve created in my head. Atticus Dixon, the man before me, is the reality.

“Sorry, I have plans.” I pull my fingers from his and head toward the back of the restaurant. I need to get out of here. Mama can wait on him. I don’t think I can face him now. Not knowing that either way, all this man will see me as is a piece of ass. What will happen when it’s me who shows up at that hotel tonight?

“Jen, I need to take off. My family will stick around to help out. I need to go get ready.”

“Okay, have fun, honey. You deserve it and if you need me, just call.”

“I will.”

“I want all the details!” Jen shouts at my retreating form.

I hang my apron up, grab my purse and keys, and make my way out the back door. I have a stop to make before I head home. I need a disguise.

TWELVE

Evelyn

My hand shakes pushing the button for the penthouse floor.Shit, I can’t believe I am doing this.I glide my palms down my thighs, smoothing my red dress before I take a breath and dig into my purse. My fingers touch the intricate black lace mask, and I clutch it tightly and bring it up to my face. I tie the ribbon strings of the mask into a bow behind my head. I look at my reflection in the spotless gleaming reflection in the mirrored elevator and can’t help the burst of laughter that escapes me.Is this stupid? Will he know it’s me?Like a piece of lace across my eyes is supposed to hide my identity.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

The elevator stops, and the doors open. For a moment, I consider just staying in the elevator and riding it back down, but then I look up, and there he is.

His chocolate brown hair is fantastically disheveled, and I am immediately hit with his scent—spring rain and just a hint of man.

“You look fucking beautiful. I was afraid you’d back out.” He extends his hand toward me.

He has no idea how close I came to running for the exit. I like to talk a lot of shit, but this close to the man of my literal dreams, I am struck dumb.

I reach out, and he clasps my hand in his much larger one, tugging me through the doors and into his chest. A tiny gasp of surprise slips from my lips, and I start to say something smart-assed but remember that he has met me as me—I mean the real me,Evelyn,at the football party held at Ti’s house and just mere hours ago at the diner.

He’d know my voice, I think, so I bite back the comment and push away from his hold. That boyish, charming, lop-sided grin hits his mouth, and I lose all reason. I want to hop on him and ride him cowgirl style down this hallway and into his room. I contain the urge, but just barely.

“You ready for this?”

I nod my agreement.

“You’re wearing a mask, and you aren’t talking? Do I even get to know your name?”

Lopsided grin in place.

Check.

Sexy southern accent.

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