Chapter 22 Evelyn
TWENTY-TWO
EVELYN
I had difficulty staying focused during the final day of the conference.
After Kade and I had gotten ourselves presentable, I’d returned to my room to finish putting makeup on.
I plugged my phone into its charging port where it lit up with notifications.
Some were texts from Badger, some were social media notifications, however the rest were from Aaron wanting to FaceTime.
The guilt was immediate. We weren’t exclusive, but part of me knew we had a strong bond and that I was entering unknown territory.
I quickly texted Aaron back, letting him know I’d been out late with people I’d met at the conference and had crashed when I got back to the room. I would talk to him either tonight or tomorrow morning. The lie made my stomach twist.
It continued to churn the rest of the day, making it impossible to focus on the closing speakers. I didn’t see Kade until we were dismissed from the conference and I was waiting near the elevators. A firm, warm hand pressed against my hip before I felt the heat emanating from behind me.
“Has anyone told you that you look good enough to eat?” Kade’s voice sent shivers down my spine and caused an aching at my core.
I leaned back against his chest, his body casting me under another spell. “No, I don’t think they have,” I responded seductively.
His grip tightened. “Well Ms. Mowers, let me fix that by saying that I can’t wait to get you upstairs so I can devour you.”
I turned around to face the man who rattled my entire being and placed a hand on his chest. “Easy cowboy. I need to finish packing and take a shower. How about I come to your suite when I’m finished?”
I needed to get my composure in order and to do that I needed some time to think.
The chime of the elevator's arrival went off, indicating we needed to get in the lift.
Instead of responding, when the doors closed and we were on the ascent, Kade pressed me against the wall and kissed me as his hands roamed my body.
I melted into his touch. All too soon the doors opened on our floor.
My face heated from embarrassment when an elderly couple stared at us wide-eyed as they waited to get onto the elevator.
I mouthed the word ‘sorry’ and quickly pushed Kade off of me. As we exited the elevator onto my floor, I heard Kade chuckle as I made my escape.
As I searched for my room key, his strong arms circled my waist before he whispered, “Make sure you wear something that you don’t mind getting dirty.”
I looked over my shoulder at him with confusion written all over my face.
Before I was able to question him, he cut me off by squeezing my ass and pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “I’ll see you soon, princess.”
I walked into my room and let myself rest on the closed door.
What was I doing? This was insanity!
I busied myself by packing my belongings, trying to keep my mind distracted from my predicament. But we were adults, and allowed to give into our needs. It wasn’t like we were falling in love with one another or anything.
My phone went off indicating I had a new text message.
Buddha:
Phantom, you better bring me home a souvenir!
Badger:
Buddha, we don’t always have to get you things when we travel!
Arrow:
Not this debate again!
Buddha:
I get you guys gifts when I travel!
Me:
Buddha the once in a blue moon that you travel does not count. If we got you gifts every time we traveled, we would be broke.
Chief:
Kids I’m trying to work and I can’t figure out how to silence our conversation
Buddha:
See! I’m not the only one who struggles with technology!
Zombie:
I’m with Chief, as riveting as this conversation is, I have a report I need to get done. Just get him a stupid shot glass and call it a day. Oh, and don’t forget a bumper sticker for me.
Arrow:
Wait! If Z is going to get something, I want something too!
Me:
Oh for fucks sake!
Badger:
Oh now you’ve done it, Arrow!
Me:
If this conversation continues, no one is getting anything!
The group chat was enough to help get me out of my spiraled thoughts. Little did they know, I had already gotten everyone a matching T-shirt for our annual Christmas card.
Maybe I could use this newly kindled relationship—no not relationship, arrangement—to my advantage. I was striking out at the office in finding out more about Ricci’s business dealings. I might as well give it a shot in person while also receiving some extra benefits.
Now to take a shower, shave everything, and get myself to my Kryptonite’s room.