Текст книги "Only You"

Автор книги: Stephanie Rose

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“Dude, how did you convince him to redo the whole diner?”

Jack had an impressed lift in his voice as he reviewed the signed estimate in his hand. I was glad I was proving my worth so fast. He’d never asked me for help before. I’d been the one asking him to help my sorry ass out ever since we were fifteen, and I was determined not to let him down.

“Wasn’t as hard as you think. We’re going to need some extra guys to help out. He wants us to do it all in one weekend so he doesn’t have to stay closed for very long. It’ll be tough, but I think we can do it. Plus, that’s a pretty popular diner. Could help us get the name out there.”

“Hmm, that’s true. I’ve been afraid to take jobs like this because I never knew how I’d feel from one day to the next.” His expression turned serious as his voice trailed off. He slapped my back as he got up from his desk. “You’re more than just a pretty face. Nice work!”

That was Jack. Always making a joke when things got too serious. Jack was more than just a friend; he was my brother. When my mother died during our sophomore year of high school, he never left my side. His parents practically took me in when my father became a grief-stricken zombie. I always vowed I’d pay him back, but hated the reason he asked me to return the favor.

I strolled over to my desk and sat down on the small chair. Little too small for me, but we were cramped into a tiny space as it was. Jack’s office really didn’t have room for two desks, but he insisted. I’d never run a business before and there was a lot of back end stuff that I was still learning. Jack thought it would be easier if we worked side by side. I leaned back in my chair and tapped on the desk with a pen.

I liked being on job sites, not stuck inside, but I’d never complain. I would do whatever I could to make things easier for Jack.

“So, is it noon yet? I think Paige said she’d be here by now.”

Jack snickered at me. “That interested in the new sign?”

“Of course I am. You want me involved in everything, remember?” Jack’s shoulders shook with laughter. He was a smug jerk when he wanted to be.

“Okay, I’ll play. I’ll pretend you haven’t had a crush on my cousin since we were in high school. Ellie won’t shut up about the “spark,” she saw at the house on Saturday between you two.” Jack held up his fingers in air quotes.

Jack walked over to me and put his hand on my shoulder. “I don’t know why you always felt like you couldn’t tell me. I think you’d be good for Paige. It would be nice to see her with someone who wasn’t a total asshole.”

Paige was the girl I always wanted, but never had a chance with. I met her when we were teenagers, and was friend-zoned from day one. It was probably for the best, since no good would ever come from dating Paige if things went sour.

Jack and Paige were more like brother and sister than cousins. I wasn’t the only one of Jack’s friends to notice Paige—it was fucking impossible not to. With sexy emerald eyes, long golden hair, and killer curves that went on for days, I could never stop staring at her—or control the shit that came out of my mouth. I let things slip when she complained to me about whatever idiot she happened to be with at the time. I’d tell her how beautiful I thought she was, how the guy she was with didn’t deserve her. She smiled sweetly and said ‘thank you,’ but never saw me as anything but her cousin’s friend—no matter how I wished she saw me as something more.

Paige was beautiful, smart, and always so fucking nice—too nice.

Jack was one hundred percent right about her douchebag parade of boyfriends. I knew a few of them in school, and my blood boiled at some of the things I overheard them say.

With Paige Taylor, it seemed nice guys really did finish last, so I never admitted out loud to anyone—even Jack—how I felt about her.

Although, judging by my friend’s shit-eating grin, it was common knowledge whether I admitted anything.

“It . . . never seemed like the right time. Any time I’d work up the nerve to tell her, she was already with someone else. I hated the way she let guys treat her; she deserves so much better. I would . . . anyway its fine. I’ll behave myself and won’t make her feel uncomfortable.” I shrugged and looked away. It was really anything but fine. I’d still kill for just one chance with Paige.

Jack nodded. “I’m with you on that one. It’s been exhausting to watch her go out with the wrong guy over and over—exhausting for pretty much the whole family. She doesn’t know how many asses I secretly kicked over the years on her behalf. I won’t tell you what to do, but I really believe if you talked to her now, you may get a different answer than you expect.”

I held my hands up and shook my head. “Jack, she’s like your fucking sister. We’re not just friends, we’re partners now and I know better than to complicate—”

“Evan,” Jack’s face turned grim and his tone was stern. “Knowing Paige was with you would be the biggest relief and fucking weight off my shoulders. There’s going to come a time when I won’t be able to watch out for her, like I’ve done our entire fucking lives.”

Jack put his face in his hands and rubbed his eyes. I felt awful for him. He tried his hardest to hide it, but it killed him to know what—and who—he may have to leave behind.

“My cousin is a headstrong woman, but so damn vulnerable it drives me up the wall. She’s always worried the shit out of me. Not to sound like my sappy wife, but I think you guys would be good together. I’m all for it, so don’t use me as an excuse to stay a chicken.” He smirked at me, but even though he tried to lighten the mood, I knew what he was saying. I was probably the only one who knew the whole truth about Jack’s prognosis. It was something no one liked to bring up, not even Jack himself. Since I became his partner, I’d been hearing the “make sure you remember to . . .” requests that weren’t meant solely for the short term.

Jack had just asked me to take care of Paige, too. This was all becoming way too much, too fucking fast.

The doorbell rang exactly at noon, and instead of looking forward to seeing if it was Paige, I was nervous as hell. The pressure of maybe approaching her today doubled. I tapped the pen on my desk faster as I worked up the nerve to rise from my seat.

“Stay there, Woody Woodpecker. I’ll answer it.” Jack chuckled as he sauntered over to the door. Was it bad to call someone with a possible terminal illness an asshole?

Jack walked back into the office with Paige trailing him. She was so fucking gorgeous—all the damn time—and her presence made me as lovesick stupid as when I was a kid. The tight blue dress she wore highlighted every mouth-watering curve. I hoped she didn’t notice me adjusting my jeans behind the desk as I blinked away the thought of those tan knee high boots wrapped around my waist. How much advertising would it take to have her in here looking like that on a daily basis?

“Hi Evan, good to see you.” She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes, and seemed more polite than friendly. What could have happened between the diner and now to make her so cold?

“You too, Daisy.” I winked at her to see if I could melt away some of the ice coming from her direction. She smirked for a moment, but was all business as she pulled her laptop out of her bag and set it on Jack’s desk.

“I brought some mock ups for you to look at today. I’ll show you guys on screen for right now. If you like the options, I can come by with some printouts to narrow down the colors.” I stepped behind Jack and Paige to take a look. I didn’t have too much input as this was only my second week with a stake in the company. I didn’t know much about design, but at a quick glance it was obvious that Paige did pretty nice work

“I like number two and number three. What do you think, Ev?” Jack turned his head to face me. Paige huffed and shook her head. Jack cocked an eyebrow in her direction as though he didn’t know what Paige’s problem was, either.

“That’s fine. They’re all pretty nice, Paige.” I glanced over to her and she nodded in response, folding her arms without looking back at me. Today didn’t look like the day I could talk to Paige about anything.

“Mind telling me who pissed in your Cheerios, little cousin?” Jack glared at Paige and she narrowed her eyes at him in response.

“Maybe it would be nice to hear what’s going on from you, not other people. Why did I have to hear from Evan that you made him a partner? When did you stop telling me everything?” Her face was beet red and she held on to the edge of the desk so tightly her knuckles were turning white.

This wasn’t the first time they fought in front of me like I wasn’t there. Throughout high school it was an almost daily occurrence. Paige kept her arms folded and bit her lip, probably to hide the trembling in her jaw I couldn’t help but notice. Jack mentioned to me before I moved back that Paige wasn’t taking his illness very well. If she was upset about Jack making me a partner, it was most likely because she knew what it meant.

Jack let out a long sigh and rubbed her shoulder. “When you stopped wanting to hear it. Evan is the only one I’d trust to be here. I have a kid on the way, and all those weeks when I couldn’t move or get my head out of the toilet I lost a shit ton of money. I feel better, but I’m not dumb enough to think I can do this alone anymore. It’s all a good thing, really. Evan just got us a huge job so we’re already getting back on track.”

“I’m glad.” Paige’s voice was shaky and she brushed away a tear with the back of her hand. Jack snuck a look over at me and grimaced. He was on the money about her being headstrong but vulnerable.

Jack took a step toward the door. “Well, I promised Ellie I’d meet her for lunch. Make printouts of two and three and we’ll take a look. I wouldn’t mind redoing the website if you had time for that.”

“I’d love to redesign your site. I don’t do much coding, but I know another freelancer who can help with that. If that’s okay with you, Evan.” Both of them were ignoring the big elephant in the room, but I wasn’t about to get involved in a family squabble.

“Sounds great to me, Paige. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.” I gave her a big smile that she genuinely returned. She was still obviously rattled, and I resisted the urge to wrap my arms around her to comfort her. Something about Paige made me want to be her knight in shining armor and come to her rescue.

“Okay, if that’s all settled, I’m starving.” Jack raised his eyebrows at Paige. “We good?”

“Fine.” Uh oh. Usually, when a woman used ‘fine’, it was anything but.

“Good.” Jack gave Paige a kiss on the forehead and turned back to me. “Be back in a couple of hours. Man the fort while I’m gone.” He gave me a pretend salute.

“Yes, sir!” I saluted back. Paige chuckled softly as she packed her stuff.

“Heading back to the office?”

I stood up to walk her out. “Nah, I’m done for the day, so I’m headed to Starbucks to work on a couple of projects. I like working from home, but too much time in my apartment makes me a little batty.”

“I can keep you company. I’m not very hungry and just wanted some coffee. Would you mind? It would be nice to catch up.” She furrowed her brow at me, but shrugged and nodded.

“Sure, that would be nice.” Now, that was a real smile.

I’ll show you who’s a chicken, Jack.

Starbucks was a quick walk across the street from their office, but there was a heavy silence between Evan and me as we made our way. I was so mortified by the way I acted that I could barely look him in the eye. He was helping Jack by being his partner, and I went in there like a bratty child because I was the last to know.

I settled at my usual table, towards the back and close to an outlet to plug in my laptop, as Evan ordered our coffees. I needed to apologize before I could concentrate on anything else.

Evan handed me my iced Americano and sat across from me. I nodded a thank you and wrapped my hands around my drink so I wouldn’t wring them in my lap.

“Evan, I am so sorry. None of that was against you. Jack is right. I can’t handle hearing things so he doesn’t tell me. He’s always been there when I needed him and I’m too weak to return the favor.” I lowered my gaze as my voice cracked. As if I didn’t humiliate myself enough in front of Evan today, I had to go the whole nine yards.

“Paige, please stop.” Evan pulled my hand from around my coffee cup and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “No apology is necessary. Jack is like your brother. Seeing him like this is very hard for you and Jack knows that. I want you to understand, I would never take his company away from him. He needed my help or he was going to have to close.” Another little tidbit I didn’t know.

“He called you?” My cousin was the most stubborn pain in the ass I’d ever met. He never, ever asked for help. For him to call Evan and ask him to move back, he had to be in a crap load of trouble.

Evan shrugged as he took a sip of his black coffee. “I didn’t have much going on in Philadelphia, so nothing was really keeping me there. I wanted to be closer to my dad anyway and was thinking of moving back. I just did it sooner. Jack, your aunt and uncle, they saved me when I was a kid. I hate the reason he needed my help, but would never have thought twice about whatever he asked me.”

I put my hand over his and ran my thumb back and forth over the top of his wrist. Instead of being awkward, it felt natural. My family had always loved Evan. He was such a good kid and obviously grew up to be a great man. I felt a rush of shame that it took a new haircut and muscles for me to notice how amazing he was.

“You’re a great guy, Evan. Always were. Jack is pretty lucky to have you as a friend.” I smiled as he bashfully looked away.

“Nothing Jack wouldn’t do for me,” Evan shrugged and lowered his gaze to the tabletop. “I was working with a couple of contractors but nothing full time. I didn’t have to give much notice.”

“No women devastated over the sexy contractor moving away?” It was hard to not roll my own eyes at my attempt at flirting, and trying to get information.

Evan cocked an eyebrow at me and smirked. “Sexy? I like the designs well enough already. Buttering me up isn’t necessary. But no,” I gave him a sideways glance and his smile grew a little wider.

“You look . . . a little different since the last time I saw you. I’m guessing you did a lot of hard labor for those contractors in Philadelphia.” I cocked an eyebrow back, trying to be playful but I was probably making a total ass of myself. Evan laughed, hopefully with me not at me.

“I got sick of the guys making fun of me on job sites. Before I cut my hair and found the gym they called me a ‘skinny hippie’. Besides, short hair is a hell of a lot easier when you work in the heat.” I closed my eyes for a second to get the thought of a hot and sweaty Evan out of my head. “What about you? I’m sure lots of guys waiting in the wings were happy when you kicked Chris’s ass to the curb.”

I huffed. “Are you serious? Actually, since Chris I haven’t really . . . I’ve had lousy judgement and awful luck when it comes to men, you know that. I’m sure you’ve heard an earful from Jack, and he doesn’t know the half of it.”

Evan leaned back and narrowed his eyes at me. “What doesn’t Jack know?”

“The morons I dated in high school looked good compared to the ones in college, and they didn’t get better once I graduated. I kept them nameless and vague whenever Jack asked who I was dating because I figured beating guys up for me in high school drained him.”

I laughed to myself. Jack always thought he was so stealthy, but I doubted all the cheating dirtbags had the same epiphany and all felt the same need to find me so soon afterwards and apologize.

“Chris, I thought at one time, was a decent guy, but he turned out to be the worst of them. I decided to step back and just be alone for a while since my instincts are good for shit–unless I found myself really interested in someone.”

“So, are you . . . interested in anyone now?” Evan leaned forward, his voice low and husky.

“Actually, yes I am.” Oh God, I was really doing this! “He’s a friend of mine, so it’s a little weird . . . but he’s sweet and sexy . . . and it annoys me that I never noticed how amazing he was. I think he might be interested, too—but like I said, my instincts are shit so who knows.” I shrugged and took a sip of my coffee, pretending to focus my attention on my computer screen.

I had never been so forward with a man in my entire life. How could I play this off that I was talking about someone else if I read him wrong?

“Maybe not.” Evan scooted his chair closer to the table and slammed my laptop shut. I had nowhere to look but into his hay-colored eyes that, at the moment, seemed to burn right through me.

“Maybe he’s noticed you for years, but never thought he had a shot. Maybe he’s sick of watching you waste your time with guys who don’t deserve you. Maybe if you ask, you’ll find out he’s very, very interested.” The intense expression on Evan’s face as he fixed his gaze on me made my pulse race.

“Maybe he figured out who I was talking about?” I crinkled my nose and gave Evan a playful grin.

He lowered his eyes and chuckled. “I need to work this weekend; the diner job starts on Saturday morning, but I’m free Thursday night. There is an awesome restaurant I know in Brooklyn if you wouldn’t mind making the drive with me.”

“I would love that. But, if you’re busy, it can wait. I know you guys are trying to get as much work as you can. We can always go out when things aren’t so crazy—”

“If things go the way I hope they will, business will always be busy and crazy.” Evan rose from his seat and threw away his empty cup. He sauntered over to where I sat and leaned over, one hand on my chair and one on the table—completely closing me in.

He pressed a soft kiss right below my ear and whispered, “I’ve waited for this date since I was fifteen years old, and I’m not waiting anymore.” I stiffened as his wet and warm lips lingered on my skin. My breath hitched, and I was sure Evan noticed as he stood with a sweet and satisfied smile.

“See you Thursday, Daisy.” I watched him stroll out the door, too tongue-tied to say anything in reply. Sweet, butter-doesn’t-melt-in-his-mouth Evan was hot as hell, and had a little alpha streak.

I had a lot to learn about nice boys, and couldn’t wait for Evan to teach me.

I didn’t have to deliver the printouts for the new sign for another week, but I needed an excuse to come back and speak to Jack alone. I didn’t like the way we ended things the last time we spoke, and after all the years of him taking care of me, it was time that I grew up and returned the favor.

I headed to his office early, but stopped to get donuts and coffee—my version of a peace offering—then steadied myself as I rang his office doorbell.

Jack answered the door with a smirk as he waved me inside.

“I don’t remember ordering breakfast.” He grabbed one of the donuts and coffee cups before strolling over to his desk.

I plopped into the chair fronting his desk and opened up my bag to take out the printouts of the sign.

“I think two and three look awesome in blue, but I could show you other options if you want. Plus, the blue would offset the red brick outside.” I handed Jack the papers and took a deep breath as I opened my coffee cup. Apologies between us didn’t come easily. My grandmother, rest her soul, used to laugh at how we were both ‘thick as shit’ when we fought as little kids. One of us would bring the other a cookie, and we would make up and move on. Twenty something years later, we did the exact same thing.

“Don’t go crazy. I think this is perfect. The early visit and breakfast really wasn’t neces—”

“Yes, Jack. It was.” I leaned back in the chair and raked one of my hands through my hair. More than apologizing to Jack, I needed to know what exactly was going on. I hated the fact he was sick, but it was a reality I couldn’t run from anymore.

“I never should have acted like that. You were always so against having a partner, and I know deciding to make Evan one is a big deal to you—and not something you wanted to do unless you had to. We always told each other everything, mostly anyway. I know it’s my fault that you kept me in the dark. I’m asking you to stop treating me with kid gloves and tell me the truth.”

He let out a long sigh as he gazed up at the ceiling, and then folded his arms as he lowered his eyes to meet mine.

“You’re sure about that?” He took a deep breath and reached for his coffee cup. I grabbed his hand and squeezed it for dear life.

“Yes. Is this drug really working?” Jack folded his hands and leaned forward.

“They pay me to take it. That alone should say something. The doctor is pleased with how I’ve tolerated it, and all the tests look good since he’s given it to me, but he has no real proof this will work. Everything can turn on a dime. I could sit and wallow and wait for it to get me, or I can keep going, make sure my family is taken care of, and try to get the most good out of my life until . . . until I can’t anymore.”

I nodded, but didn’t look away—even as the tears I swore I would hold in escaped from my eyes and streamed down my cheeks.

“I . . . I love you. You know that, right? I’ll do anything you need me to . . .”

“I love you too, you pain in the ass.” I chuckled as Jack got up from his desk and squatted next to my chair. “What I need is for you to just go on with life like I am. I could have a couple of years, or less, or more. I don’t know. I just don’t want my wake to start before it absolutely has to. You know Aunt Rose is always the first one at those things and she never leaves.” I smacked him on the arm and he nudged me in response.

“Today. That’s all any of us really have. Let’s just focus on that, okay?” He took both my hands in his and raised his eyebrows at me.

“Okay.” I gave him the biggest smile I could manage through my still falling tears. The possibility of losing Jack had been a looming black cloud over my head since he first shared his diagnosis. Not denying it anymore made me feel a calmness I didn’t expect.

Jack stood and made his way back to the chair behind his desk as I wiped the wetness off my face.

“So, now that we have that all settled, I hear you have a date tomorrow.” Jack bit into his donut and smirked at me.

“So you’re all right with that? Me, Evan—”

“Yes! I’m actually very okay with it. You need to date a guy that’s not a jerkoff. That poor bastard has had a crush on you for years.” Jack laughed as he shook his head.

I nodded at Jack. “He told me.”

“No shit? Really?” Jack’s face dropped mid-chew.

I nodded again as I reached for a donut. “He told me he noticed me for years and has been waiting for this date since he was fifteen.”

Jack chuckled and shook his head. “Yep, that sounds about right.”

“Why didn’t I ever see it? Am I that dense?”

“Yes, unfortunately,” Jack replied with his mouth full, still laughing at me.

I narrowed my eyes at him as I drank the rest of my coffee. The slam of the front door startled me. I forgot for a moment that this wasn’t only Jack’s office anymore.

“Mornin’ Jack. Hey, Paige! I didn’t know you were coming in today,” Evan gave me a big, heart-stopping smile as he strode to his desk. I had no idea how they both worked together in this tiny back office without being claustrophobic.

“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop by and show you guys the printouts of the new sign.” I reached over to hand Evan the papers I already showed Jack.

“Hmm, this is really good. I like it in blue.” Evan only glanced at the designs for a moment. His eyes had been on me since he came into the room. I glanced over at Jack and he rolled his eyes at me as he tilted his head in Evan’s direction. My cousin was right as usual, I was absolutely fucking clueless.

“I’ll let you guys get back to your day.” I stood to grab my bag before heading out the door.

“Paige, wait. I’ll walk you out.” Evan shot up from his chair and jogged to where I was standing. Jack shook his hand at Evan’s back like he was cracking a whip. I sighed and shook my head.

“I can see you, asshole,” Evan growled at Jack without turning around, but he was trying to hold back a smile. I couldn’t help but laugh at both of them.

“Far be it from me to stand in the way of romance,” Jack placed his hands over his chest and mimed his thumping heart. “You kids have fun; just remember one of you needs to come back to go through the new tile samples.” After our talk, I enjoyed seeing the sarcastic jerk I grew up with was still very much there.

I shook my head and followed Evan out the office door to the storefront beyond.

“Looking forward to tomorrow night?” Evan asked as he turned and leaned against the door.

“Yes, absolutely.” He surprised me by taking my hand and pulling me close. I was speechless as he cradled my face in his hands. Every single hair on the back of my neck stood straight up. His fingers were rough, typical of a man who worked with his hands, but his gentle touch sent shivers up my spine.

“You know, if we kiss now, it will probably be easier when we go out. I can focus on conversation better if I’m not wondering if your lips feel as soft as they look.” Evan’s thumb traced along my bottom lip as I struggled to stay upright. The hungry expression in his eyes as he gazed at me turned me into a puddle. Who was this guy? Since we admitted our attraction to each other, it was as if Evan had flipped a switch. He had been so shy that he kept his feelings to himself for years, but now he was melted sex on a stick.

“Maybe.” The word came out of my mouth in a throaty whisper. Evan laughed as he kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes as his lips lingered. He smelled so delicious; I wanted to bury my face in his neck and breathe him in. I let my hands run up his arms and meet at the back of his neck.

In a short time, the pull between us was becoming palpable. I glanced up at Evan as he darted out his tongue and licked his bottom lip. The more I stared at that beautiful mouth, the more I wanted to taste it.

I was just about to devour his lips when the door opened behind us and Jack loudly cleared his throat.

“I’d hate to interrupt this episode of The Bachelor, but the guys at the Murphy job have a problem. The customer is saying that what we’re installing isn’t what she asked for, so one of us needs to go over there with her signed estimate and straighten it out. Sorry, lover boy.”

“Say no more.” I held my hand up and turned to leave. “I’m done distracting your partner.” I leaned over and pressed a kiss on Evan’s cheek. “At least for now.” I whispered in his ear. He shut his eyes tight as his breath hitched.

“Tomorrow?” I cocked an eyebrow at him, and a slow smile spread across his face.

“Tomorrow.” Evan winked before turning back inside.

I laughed to myself as I strolled back to my car.

Life may have not turned out the way I wanted it to, but Evan may have been the best strange twist so far.