Evie and Jesse both rolled their eyes. “Now is there anything you’d like to say to Zach?” she said.
“Sorry I popped off back at the office. I do trust you,” Jesse said. “I’m just worried about Evie.”
“And I want you to be,” Zach replied. “We all care about her and I want her to make her own decisions too. But you know me, man. I’m not trying to mess with her. You know that.”
“And Jesse, there’s another thing you have to know: I could just be using Zach for sex.”
“Okay.” Jesse slapped his thighs and stood up. “I’m out.”
“I’m just kidding,” Evie said. “Please stay.”
Zach laughed. “You gotta admit that was funny. A little fucked up, but funny.”
Jesse sat back down in a huff, but he seemed to be more at ease suddenly. Zach must have been right. This was just their way. The jokes, clowning around, giving each other some shit here and there. Evie had to admit, she didn’t hate it. She could easily see a friendship with both of the Pleasant brothers.
“Are we all okay?” Evie asked.
“Yeah, I think we’re cool,” Zach said, shooting his brother a genuine smile.
“We’re cool,” Jesse agreed.
“Great. Now, Zach, you said something about calling the girls over for dinner.”
“Yeah, let me text Lilah.”
“Jesse helped me grab some pictures and stuff from storage. After we eat, can you guys help me go through them?”
“Sure.”
“Of course,” they responded at the same time.
“Here, I’ll put the other box at Miss Leona’s and bring the pictures in here. Stay put, Clem.” Jesse headed for his truck and his loyal pup followed, clearly misreading the command to hang tight. Evie didn’t mind though. She and Zach were finally alone. He looked toward the front door for a heartbeat or two before his gaze met hers. Evie was sure her glasses were going to start fogging up any second.
“Hey,” Zach said.
“Hi.”
He slid closer to her, closing the distance between them on the couch. He smelled amazing. Like manly soap. He reached up and lightly brushed Evie’s cheek. It was nothing, just a simple touch, but the feeling of his fingers sent shock waves right between her legs. Everything she felt like she’d experienced with him in her dreams had been such a cheap substitute. One touch and she thought she was going to melt right there on the spot.
“How was your day?” he asked.
“Good. How was yours?”
“Good. So, you’re thinking about using me for sex?”
Evie swallowed, her gaze roaming over every inch of his face. She wondered if it would be weird to ask him if she could keep some recent photos of him in her room or on her phone, just in case. “I haven’t decided yet,” she said. “I’ve been considering my options all day.”
“Let me know when you reach a decision. I’m feeling the head wrap,” he replied, even though his eyes were definitely focused on her lips. He moved closer and she could feel the warmth coming off his body. Hopefully Jesse and the girls took their sweet time making their way across the cul-de-sac.
“Oh, thanks,” Evie said. Her fingers automatically touched the edge of the silk scarf. “It was gift from Lilah.”
“You look beautiful,” Zach whispered.
Evie wanted to thank him again, but they were too busy kissing.
Chapter 13
Though it put an end to their make-out session, moving their party of six over to Zach’s house turned out to be a good idea. Once Corie and Jesse got going, things got a little loud and rowdy, and over at his place they didn’t have to worry about bothering Miss Leona, especially as it grew later and later.