Page 35 of Raspberry Cake
“Very. She also knows how we met. I felt safer with someone knowing where I was.”
“You don’t have to justify yourself. My best friend knows about that night. He also knows that I asked my boss out on a date. I just left out the part where you two are the same woman.”
“Do you want to tell him?”
“If that’s okay.”
“I mean, I don’t want the whole world to know about my desperate attempt at a one-night stand, but I think those closest to us deserve to know.”
He wanted to scold her for the way she talked about herself, but he dropped it for a more appropriate time and place. “I didn’t want to tell him the whole story without your permission. He thought it was stupid to ask you out, but I didn’t know how to explain the whole thing.”
“So he believes you asked your hot boss out on a whim?”
“Basically.”
“Oh, he’s in for a big surprise.”
They checked out with all of his paint supplies, and he walked Eveline back to her car. Waiting until she was settled in thedriver seat, he threaded his fingers through the curls at her nape. He tenderly tugged on them, a smile conjuring on her lips. “Be safe and message me when you’re home, kitten.”
“You too.”
“Of course.” He crashed his mouth to hers, free hand teasing under the hem of her dress. “Now get out of my sight before I give into the urge to take you right here.”
He stepped back and closed the door, using the walk to his truck to will his raging erection down.
With breakfast sizzling in the pan, he waited for Eveline to arrive. He’d set the table and had gotten some flowers for her. He tried to seem confident but deep down, her seeing his apartment stirred insecurities deep in his mind.
When the knock pulled him out of his thoughts, his grin was involuntary, and he rushed to open the door. He was met by a bright smile, a bouquet of flowers, and a gift basket. “Hi,” she greeted, handing him the flowers.
“Good morning.” Rather weak in the knees, he brought the floral arrangement to his nose.
“Is that bacon I smell?”
“Yes, sorry come in,” he babbled, stepping aside. “I got you flowers too.”
“Aw, thank you.”
While she took her sneakers off, he squeezed his flowers into the vase with hers before plating up their food. She’d placed the gift basket on the table and pulled the vase closer to smell the bouquet he’d gotten her.
He set their plates on the table and curiously eyed the basket. “Can I open it?”
“Only if I can eat while you do.”
“Go ahead, I can’t have you starve before we get started.”
Eveline dug into her plate while he sifted through the presents. There were cleaning supplies, a plant, a gift card, and at the very bottom, a fluffy blanket and cosy slippers. He pulled them out and swiftly slid them over his feet.
“I love them.”
“I thought since you walk around all day your feet might hurt.”
“Everything is perfect, thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.”
He sat down with her and once the table was cleared, they set to work. He made sure to push the couch and mattress as far away from their work area as he could and then taped the floor all around.
“Should I cover your chair too? I don’t want it to get stained.”
