Free Dark Heart Forever by Lee Monroe Page B

he was going to be out of town with his dad for a while and that he’d call for me when he got back. I wasn’t sure he’d meant it at the time. I hadn’t exactly been the most sophisticated company on our date. I’d practically bolted out of the car when he’d driven me home.
    ‘I went for a drive,’ Evan said easily. He came over and kissed me softly on the cheek, his lips moving close to my ear as he whispered, ‘I wanted to see you.’
    I looked across at my dad, who didn’t look like he’d heard, before allowing myself a shy smile.
    ‘This is my dad,’ I said, stupidly.
    ‘Yes, I know,’ said Evan smiling. ‘We’ve met.’ He looked unbelievably gorgeous in scruffy, faded jeans and a denim shirt. He ran a hand through his messy blond hair. ‘I was just asking your dad about his work. You didn’t tell me he was a carpenter.’
    ‘Evan’s done some woodwork out in Australia,’ said my father, handing Evan a beer. ‘I’d hire him in a heartbeat if I wasn’t so stretched financially these days.’ He rubbed carefully at his neck. ‘I could do with the help while I’m getting over this injury.’
    ‘I did some work at a boatyard on weekends, for one of the wooden boatbuilders. I loved working with wood. Learned a lot too.’ He took a swig of beer. ‘One thing I’m going to miss about back home.’ He shook his head. ‘I think I’m getting under my dad’s feet. I need to find something to keep myself occupied.’ As he spoke he gave me a careful sideways look, his eyes smiling as he licked a drop of beer off his lips.
    I thought the expression ‘jelly legs’ was made-up until I saw him do that.
    I swallowed. ‘You could teach me to drive,’ I said without thinking. ‘I mean, if you’re serious?’
    ‘I am,’ he said, his eyes on mine. ‘And it would be my pleasure.’
    I glanced at Dad, hoping to God he hadn’t noticed how I was acting, but he was busy rubbing Bobby’s back, who’d come panting and friendly into the room.
    ‘Oh, but I haven’t got a car yet,’ I said, already trying to get out of it. ‘I’m not getting it till next year.’
    ‘Not a problem. When do you want to start?’
    Dad nodded appreciatively at Evan. ‘No time like the present,’ he said, giving me a wink.
    I opened my mouth, trying to think of another reason why I wasn’t ready, but I couldn’t come up with anything.
    ‘After lunch,’ said Dad. He nodded at Evan. ‘You’ll stay for lunch, young man? Anna always makes enough for five anyway.’
    ‘So I’ve heard,’ said Evan glancing at me. ‘Thank you. I’d like that, Mr Jonas.’
    ‘I’ll inform the cook,’ said Dad jovially, walking through to the kitchen, leaving us alone together.
    Evan looked me properly up and down, grinning. ‘I hope you don’t mind me just dropping by, but it was the only way to get to see you again.’
    I shrugged but couldn’t keep the smile off my face.
    ‘You look so pretty,’ said Evan and, before I could say anything, moved closer to me, his hand brushing my back, sending tiny electrical impulses up my spine. Then, resting his hand on my waist, he drew me gently towards him. I stayed rooted to the spot, wondering what to do with the sparks flying around my insides, but Evan seemed happy to do all the work. ‘I couldn’t wait to see you again,’ he said softly. ‘I haven’t stopped thinking about you. I really like you, Jane. You’re different.’
    I turned slowly, not wanting to spoil the moment by saying or doing anything clumsy or stupid. But as I was grappling with this, Evan lifted his hand and stroked my jawline, stopping to raise my chin with one finger. He bent forward, bringing his lips to mine, and I felt the softness of his mouth as he kissed me. Gently at first, then more firmly as I tentatively kissed him back. I moved my arms around his strong, lean chest, my fingers traced the dips between his ribs, aware that the hunger I felt right now was most definitely not for food.
    But the