Chapter 7 #2
So, once again, he leaned closer. This time, Mia was the one who bridged the final inches between them and kissed him.
She tasted a little like wine and cake. Evan slid his arms around her waist, pulling her closer, and then she was on his lap.
They kissed again and again, for what could have been minutes or hours.
Time seemed to slow to the speed of honey pouring from a spoon, almost achingly beautiful.
Evan was aware of each movement Mia made, each soft moan as he kissed her, each flutter of her lashes in the brief moments they were apart.
“About the bed,” he said as he kissed her lips, her nose, her cheek.
“What about it?” she asked, her voice breathy in a way that made Evan pull her even closer.
“Maybe we can negotiate a compromise,” he said, kissing her again.
Mia laughed softly in his ear, sending pleasant shivers down his spine. “You’re such a businessman, negotiating in a moment like this.”
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes,” she breathed, and Evan stood, lifting her easily in his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and he held her close, not wanting to separate even for a moment, as he carried her to the bedroom.
Tomorrow, he would think about the consequences. For now, he simply allowed himself to give in to temptation with a woman who made him laugh and smile and feel more than anyone had in a very long time.
Evan woke to warm sunlight streaming across his face. He sat up and saw that he was alone in bed; Mia was gone. He bit his lip as memories of last night rushed back. He wished she had stayed so they could wake up slowly, together.
Just then, Mia reentered the bedroom. She wore one of the white, fluffy hotel robes, and her hair was wet. She had no makeup on, as she’d had yesterday, but she looked all the more lovely for that. Smiling, she crossed to the bed and sat beside him.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning.” He returned her smile. He knew he would have to face the real world again soon, but for now, he wanted to enjoy the morning with her. “Should we have breakfast?”
“Definitely.” She grinned. “This place probably has some great food. I’ll get dressed, and we can go.”
“Perfect.”
Mia stood, letting the robe fall, and walked into the living room where her clothes were. More memories from last night rushed back, and it was all Evan could do not to follow her, pull her into his arms, and ask for a repeat.
His thoughts were interrupted by his phone ringing on the bedside table. He reached for it and swiped to answer.
“Good morning, Evan,” a male voice said.
“Michael?” Evan sat up straighter, rubbing his eyes. It was unusual for his assistant to call him in the morning like this. “What’s up?”
“I want to confirm if you’ll be back for the board meeting at eleven,” Michael said. “It isn’t too late to cancel if you want to enjoy the wedding.”
Michael was always trying to convince Evan to take time off and enjoy life, even though both men were workaholics.
“No, I’ll be there.” Part of Evan wanted to stay, but he really did need to get back for that meeting.
The more he thought about it, the more the memories of his night with Mia were replaced with thoughts of all the work he needed to do.
He hadn’t done any work the evening before, and he needed to catch up today or he’d risk falling behind.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” Evan ran a hand through his hair. “See you in a bit.”
He got up, dressed, and washed his face before going out to the living room. Mia was wearing the lacy dress she’d had on for the wedding and was looking at her phone. When he entered, she looked up, smiling.
“Ready to go?”
“Small change of plans, actually.” Evan grabbed his suitcase, which he hadn’t even unpacked. “I need to head back to San Francisco.”
“Oh.” Mia’s face fell. “Now? I thought we’d get breakfast.”
“I know, but I have an important meeting, and I need to get back.”
“It’s a Saturday,” Mia pointed out.
“I know,” Evan repeated, “but work never sleeps, and I missed a whole day yesterday for the wedding.” He slid his feet into his shoes. “My assistant will be in touch with details about the wedding next month.”
“Right.” Her voice sounded strained, and when Evan glanced back, she was biting her lip.
Regret rose in him. He’d felt more connected to her than he’d expected, but there was no way he could have a relationship with her.
It would ruin his career, like Tyler’s marriage would ruin his.
No, it was better to leave now and put some distance between them until the next wedding.
“I had a nice time,” he added, though the words sounded flat even to his own ears.
“Me too.” Mia looked away.
“Feel free to stay and enjoy the breakfast and the hotel as long as you want,” Evan continued. Again, he knew he sounded like a jerk, but it wasn’t like they’d made any promises to each other before spending the night together.
“Right. Thanks.” There was an edge to her voice now, and Evan took this as his cue to leave.
“See you in a month.” With that, he opened the door and stepped into the hallway.
He didn’t look back as he hurried downstairs and went to his car.
He needed to drive straight back to San Francisco if he was going to have any time to catch up on work before the board meeting.
He didn’t even have time to stop for coffee, much less to analyze the night he’d spent with a beautiful, fascinating woman.
He’d made a mistake sleeping with her, Evan knew that; he felt too much for her now, and that wasn’t good for either of them.
Yet he couldn’t bring himself to regret the time they’d spent together.
It had been a wonderful night, and he was already looking forward to seeing her again in Italy, though he’d have to make sure to keep things strictly platonic.
Evan tossed his suitcase into the trunk of his car, slid into the driver’s seat, and pulled out of the parking area. He drove quickly toward San Francisco, his mind already full of details of his upcoming meeting and plans for the work he’d do when he arrived at the office.
If a few more memories of Mia crept into his mind, too, he pushed them away quickly. It wouldn’t do to dwell on her.