“Thank you,” she finally murmured. She liked the way she could tease with him also so maybe that line from him was genuine.
“Why don’t you believe me?” he asked in a low voice.
Eve could hear Paisley’s sweet voice but she still checked on her before turning back to Beck who was, unfortunately, waiting patiently for her answer. She laced her fingers together and leaned forward, focusing on Paisley not him. “I married young and it didn’t go so well. I have a hard time believing any man could be genuine with me.”
It was out. She’d said it. If Beck knew the level of trust she’d just put in him by admitting that much he’d be stunned. Eve took shallow breaths and squeezed her hands more tightly together.
“I’m so sorry your ex hurt you,” Beck said simply. She looked at him and his gaze was slowly traveling over her. “He was an idiot to walk away from you.”
“Because I’m beautiful?” She shouldn’t have been so snide about it but she didn’t want to just be another pretty face. Mark had only wanted her for her beauty and family money. She didn’t want that with Beck, not that Beck seemed to need money but you never knew. His fancy car was probably worth more than most people’s annual salary. Maybe he loved fancy toys, was in debt up to his ears, and wanted an easy way out. She pushed those thoughts away, hating that she’d even had them.
Beck was more serious than she’d seen him. “Your physical beauty is only a bonus to the picture that makes up Eve Jewel. You exude a strength, confidence, and peace that I’ve never seen before. You’re intelligent, kind, well-spoken, and even though you don’t believe me, you’re very fun for me to flirt with.” He finally smiled.
Eve looked down at the table, her face flushing with pleasure. “Thank you.”
He put one of his hands over both of her joined ones. The joy of him touching her lit her up all the way through. “Thank you for allowing me to be around you. You’re an incredible lady, Eve Jewel.”
Eve should’ve and could’ve returned all the compliments and then some but as it was she could hardly find her tongue. She simply sat there and savored his hand on hers and his closeness until it was time to head back to work. Beck Tanner. She’d never met a man like him. He was almost as impressive as her brothers, and that was saying something.