Page 82 of Before Eve

“It was a great first kiss.”

Another step. “The best.”

“And now?” Because, please God, I hope he kisses me.

One last step, and he leans in close. “Now…”

I take a breath.

“Now,” he says, gently rubbing my earlobe between his thumb and forefinger. “Food’s ready.”

With that, he turns and trots down the stairs, leaving me desperately wanting that kiss.

CHAPTER 40

Downstairs,I take a seat at the round table. “Something smells awesome. What did you make?”

“Just grilled cheese and soup.” He puts our plates and bowls down and takes a seat beside me. “Did you get settled in up there?”

“I did.” I spoon up some tomato soup. “I can’t believe you own a cabin.”

West takes a bite of the sandwich. “It was my mom’s idea. When I first started making money, she recommended I invest in real estate. Of course, she and Dad wanted a cabin in the mountains, so I pretty much bought it for the family.”

Jake barks, snapping my attention to the door. “Want me to let him in?”

“Sure.”

I open the door, and he trots over to say hi to West, then proceeds to plop under the table at our feet.

We finish our food, West talking the whole time about a trip he and Simon took to Bermuda. Frankly, I barely hear a word as sidetracked as I am by the fact that I’m here. Alone. With West. For the weekend.

Where does he expect things to go tonight? Where do I?How do I tell him I’m still a little scared? I’m still not sure about everything. How do I—

West pushes his bowl away. “Think I’ll take the buggy out and see the property. We’ve got a couple of hours before the sun sets. Interested?”

I give him a relieved smile. Relieved at what? I’m not sure. Maybe just getting out of this enclosed space into a wider area. Buggying around will give us something to do other than sit here and stare at each other. It’ll give my brain something to do other than spiral with thoughts.

But what am I worried about? That he’s going to sweep me up to bed?

“Besides, this place is vibrating with your stress. I have no expectations about this weekend except to enjoy spending time with my sweetie. Okay? Relax, Eve, I’m not going to attack you.”

I breathe out. He’s right. I need to relax. And “sweetie”?Okay, that’s just about the best thing ever.

We spend the next couple of hours rolling over his property, stopping here and there and doing some hiking. He keeps the conversation going, making me laugh at silly things. It really is so easy to be around West.

When we get back, it’s dark out and the temperature’s dropped. West makes a fire that Jake immediately sprawls in front of. Its crackle and glow fill the cabin with warmth and flickering light. Outside, a few tree limbs fall, and their hollow popping echoes through the valley.

From the wine rack, West gets a bottle and opens it. “I’m not a wine drinker, but it seems appropriate.” He holds up the bottle. “You like cabernet?”

I shrug. “Don’t know. Never had any.”

West fills two glasses and hands me one. I take a hesitant sip, like it, and take another.

“Wait! We’re supposed to toast.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

He leads me over to the couch. “Here’s to Jake. May his years be filled with no ticks and fleas.”