He was tough and gentle. Sweet and incredibly kind. And so very different than any other man she’d ever met.
Growing up, Evie had always assumed she’d end up with someone like Preston. Rich. Preppy. Well-connected within the circles of the elite.
Not because those things were whatshedeemed most important in a life-long mate. But because her father did.
For as long as she could remember—especially after her mother’s passing—the one thing Evie had wanted most in the world had been her father’s approval. Lucky for her, she’d eventually grown out of that fairytale stage.
She’d not only dumped the only man to have ever garnered her father’s approval, but she’d also changed career paths to follow her true passion. And then…
Then she’d gone and gotten herself kidnapped in Afghanistan.
Despite the terror she’d been forced to endure when she’d been sitting in that carved-out prison cell—when the girls were asleep, and all she had to keep herself company were her thoughts—Evie had allowed herself to dream.
She’d imagined the life she’d been terrified of losing. The one she had yet to even have a chance to live.
And in those dreams, the kind of man she’d always imagined building a life with wasn’t some privileged, silver-spoon brat who’d been handed everything to him on a silver platter.
He was warm and caring. Funny and kind. And rather than the skinny-jean metrosexual type who always seemed prevalent in her father’s circles, the man of Evie’s dreams was always muscular and manly. Masculine and strong.
Someone who could protect her from the evils of the world while also creating the kind of love and passion her heart and body craved. Someone just like…
Beckett.
“There’s no husband.” She finally found her voice again. “Or boyfriend, for that matter. And you’re right. I think…” A quick,nervous lick of her lips. “There’s definitely something between us. It’s crazy, and I can’t even begin to explain it, but?—”
“But?”
“I’m only in town for a couple more weeks, Beckett.”
“So?” He blew off her worry. “We make the most of our time together while we can.”
“And after that?”
Beckett’s dark, heated gaze remained fixed on hers as he sent her a smile that left her toes curling. “The after is up to you.” His hand slid to cup one side of her face. “So what do ya say, darlin’? Wanna see where this thing takes us?”
Her belly tingled with anticipation.
“I do.” Evie smiled up at him. “But…there’s something I need to take care of first.” Something she knew deep down she needed to face head-on, once and for all. “I need to see my father. I lied about him not being available earlier because I was too afraid to face the truth.”
“But you’re not anymore?”
“No.” She shook her head. “At least, I don’t think I am.”
“What changed?”
You.
“What you said earlier. About confronting him?” She swallowed nervously. “I’m going to do it.”
First chance I get.
Concern flittered behind Beckett’s dark eyes. “Evie, I wasn’t trying to push you into doing somethin’ you’re not ready to do. I only meant?—”
“I know what you meant, and I promise you aren’t pressuring me into anything. I just know I won’t be able to focus on building a future for myself, let alone one that includes…anyone else.” Her gaze bore into his. “Not until I face what happened head-on. And a big part of that…maybe even thebiggestpart…is getting answers from my father.”
Answers she damn well deserved.
“Done.” Beckett’s response was instant. “Tell me when and where, and I’ll be right by your side.”