“Jess,” I replied, threading my fingers through Eva’s. You never could tell what Jess would pull.
“I heard you were shipped off to the country for being a bad boy.”
Jess walked up to me and leaned in to kiss my cheek.
I moved my head back away from her lips. “Yeah. I’m off on Sundays.”
Jess didn’t like being snubbed. She was a major brat when things didn’t go her way.
“You need to call me so we can catch up when you get back next Sunday. I miss you.” She dropped her voice to a whisper like she was sharing a secret between the two of us.
“That ain’t gonna happen, Jess. I don’t intend to get in another tie up with Rock over you.” Also, you’re a crazy bitch.
Jess reached up and ran her fingernail down my arm, “I promise not to tell him.”
I let go of Eva’s hand and slipped my arm around her waist. “Jess, this is Eva. Eva, this is Rock’s cousin Jess.”
Eva seemed tense and I hated it was my fault that she felt uncomfortable. Would I ever be able to take her anywhere and not have some chick I’d banged show up? This sucked.
I brushed my lips against her temple. She eased some in my arms and leaned into me. That was better.
“So, are you like, in a relationship? “ Jess asked incredulously.
How the hell did I answer this question? Eva wasn’t some random girl I’d picked up for today’s entertainment. But we weren’t in an actual relationship either.
“We’re dating,” Eva piped up.
Jess scowled, “Cage doesn’t date.”
I opened my mouth to say something to stop Jess from going on and on about my bad boy code of ethics.
“Maybe he doesn’t date you but he is definitely dating me,” Eva responded before I could say anything.
The heated annoyance of Jess’s gaze was directed my way. I could feel it but I couldn’t take my eyes off Eva. She’d handled the situation herself and the ridiculous grin on my face couldn’t be helped. Damn, she was sexy when she was saucy.
Eva tilted her head back to look up at me and I bent down and kissed the pleased smirk on her face.
“Unbelievable,” Jess replied in disbelief.
“Yeah, she is,” I replied, winking at Eva.
“Y’all have fun with that,” Jess said sarcastically before finally stalking off.
Packing up and heading back to the farm where she would be away from me most of the day wasn’t appealing. I wanted to keep her here with me. Last night might have started out bad but it had taken a major turn for f**king amazing.
I threw our bags in the Jeep and headed back upstairs to help Eva who was determined to clean up before we left.
The strumming of guitar strings met my ears when I opened the door to the apartment. A soft voice joined the unknown song. Eva could play the guitar? I closed the door quietly behind me. It wasn’t a song I was familiar with but I knew enough about playing the guitar to know that what she was playing wasn’t easy. I could play a few songs but my talent ended there. The acoustic guitar she’d obviously found in the corner of my room was one I’d won in a bet. Krit had been pissed when he’d had to give it up. But I’d wanted a guitar so I wasn’t about to let his sorry ass out of the bet.
The smooth sound of her voice had a country feel to it but not entirely. Eva was musically talented. There was no doubt about it. If Krit heard her he’d have a damn orgasm. I didn’t want her to see me and stop but I couldn’t keep myself from getting as close to the bedroom door as possible. I wanted to see her like this.
Her head was bent and the curtain of her hair kept me from seeing her face. The emotion in her voice spoke to me more than any visual. Leaning against the doorframe I crossed my arms and watched her hands fly over the strings. There was no mistake. She simply didn’t miss a chord. Her voice was so low I couldn’t make out the words but the ones I did hear tore at my soul.
Once the song came to an end she lifted her head and let out a long heavy sigh. “That’s only the second time I’ve picked up a guitar since Josh’s death,” she said aloud then turned her head to look at me. The smile on her face wasn’t sad which was what I’d been expecting. She was happy. She had recovered something else Josh’s death had taken from her.
“How long have you played?” I asked
“Since I was five. The guitar has always fascinated me. Most musical instruments do but the only one I’ve ever learned to play is the guitar. I’ve always wanted to play the piano but my momma played the piano and seeing one just upsets Daddy. So, I never asked for one or expressed interest in it.”
I was getting a piano. It would be here the next time she came home with me. “You are amazing,” I said and walked over to sit beside her.
“Will you play another one? I want to hear your voice this time.”
She ducked her head and blushed. “I can’t. I knew you were back there but I couldn’t see you. If you are where I can see you I won’t be able to play. You’ll make me nervous.”
“Hmmm,” I slid my hand inside the warmth of her thighs. “What if I bribed you?”
She giggled and shook her head. “No amount of kisses can get me to sing with you looking at me. I can’t. Maybe one day but I just can’t right now.”
“Are you sure about that?” I asked as I leaned in and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth.
“Yes,” she said in breathless voice.
“Mmmm… I don’t mind trying anyway,” I replied, kissing the other corner of her mouth.
“Okay.”
I took the guitar out of her lap and laid it on the bed beside her before pulling her into my lap. Burying my hands in her hair, I devoured her lips.
Eva
Cage: What are you wearing?
I laughed as I read the text Cage had just sent me. He’d made sure to get my cell phone number before we got home Sunday night.
Me: Nothing
Smiling, I waited for him to respond.
Cage: Fuck. The lake, now.
I covered my mouth to keep from laughing out loud. Daddy was in the house somewhere. I hadn’t seen him since dinner.
Me: You know I can’t. Daddy’s still awake.
Cage: the barn then?
I walked over to the window and stared out into the dark to see the single light on in the back of the barn.
Me: bad idea too.
Cage: I disagree.
Me: You would. Good night ?
Cage: It could be better.
The grin on my face seemed to be permanently there lately. Daddy even noticed it earlier during dinner. I wanted to tell him all about Cage but I’d never be able to do that. He would never accept Cage and he’d probably fire him. I didn’t want to be the cause of Cage losing his scholarship. Besides, he’d be leaving in a little over a month. The summer would end and our time together would just be a memory. I was having to remind myself of that more and more. Getting attached to Cage was bad. He had been the key to my healing. He’d forced me to get over things. No one had pushed me before him. I’d always cherish him for that.
Flopping down on the bed the happiness I’d felt had suddenly vanished. I didn’t like facing the facts about Cage. And as sweet as Low was I hated that she would never have to lose him. He’d always be there when she needed him. I envied that.
A knock on my door broke into my melancholy thoughts. “Eva girl, you awake?” Daddy called out.
“Yeah, come on in,” I replied.
He eased the door open and stepped inside. He always looked so out of place in my room. He rarely stepped foot in it.
“I wanted to talk to you about something,” he said, crossing his arms over his wide chest.
“Okay.” I hated it when he started our talks like this. It normally meant I wasn’t going to like what would follow.
“Jeremy will be leaving soon for school. Before he gets gone I want to have him and his parents over for dinner. He’s helped you every step of the way get through everything and they’re like family, even though things turned out like they did…”
I hadn’t thought of that but Daddy was right. We needed to have them over for dinner. They’d had us over so many times over the years.