Evolve Series Box Set (5 page)

Knock on door.

“I choose here.” He beams as I open the door.

Decked out in a backwards ball cap, tight blue t-shirt, and gray gym shorts, he is the sexiest, sportiest thing ever. That cocky smile he’s wearing as he taps the end of my nose does crazy things to my insides.

“Ok, silly boy, go make sure the movie room has blankets and pillows. I’ll bring up popcorn and drinks.”

Half an hour later, I’m all but one eye under the covers, curled into his body with my face buried into his chest. I’m pretty sure I’m drawing blood from his arm but I can’t help it. Who dreams up this scary crap? Better yet, why does the girl always ignore the creepy old townsman who tells her people died in her new house? Why does she insist on staying home alone and opening every damn door she can find?

I stay huddled under the covers, Evan holding me tightly with one arm around my back and the other on my leg, in a little anti-zombie haven…good stuff. He wouldn’t have to do this if he ever picked a comedy or drama, but I’m starting to understand his cinematic ulterior motives. I really have been walking around clueless for years, cause that’s how long he’s been choosing scary movies.

We’ve haven’t really talked about how we went from what we were to what we are now. Much like everything else with us, it just was.

When we start the second movie, sans blood, guts, and the undead, I decide to stretch out, draped all over the couch. Evan makes for the floor to lean back, but I reach down and take his hand. I silently guide him to lay behind me and share the covers. His arm slinks around my waist and I feel him breathing against the back of my neck. In our years of constant companionship, I’ve laid on a couch with Evan many times before, but not like this.

The next thing I know, I’m being woken up to the light and my dad telling Evan his parents probably want him home.

“Sorry, Mr. Walker, we fell asleep watching the movie.” His sleepy voice is yummy.

“I know, bud, I just don’t want your parents to worry. Laney, go get in your bed, kiddo.”

“Yeah, Dad, let me just walk him out.”

At the door, Evan leans in to give me a hug and sweet kiss on my cheek as we say our goodnight. There’s no way he could have missed my shiver.

***

Just as my eyes are closing, I get a text.

Evan: I had a great time tonight, another best

Laney: Really? We’ve done movie night for years Babe Babe? Yup, I’m leaving it—send.

Evan: But not with me up against your body, holding u, falling asleep with u

Long delay as I talk myself out of talking myself out of it. I am 18 and it’s Evan. I’m finally getting a glimpse of being a girl, noticing a boy, and the bravery it suddenly instills in me.

Laney: Can you sneak back out?

Evan: Yes. Why?

Laney: I want to fall asleep with you again.

Evan: Now?

Laney: Now.

Four minutes exactly until his gorgeous face appears at my window.

“Did you lock your door?” he whispers as he’s finally through the window and inside my room. “I don’t want your dad to kill me!”

“Yes, and I set my phone alarm for seven. You’re safe.”

“We haven’t done this since we were like what, thirteen?”

“I loved that cat, Evan! I couldn’t possibly have slept alone the night he died!”

“I know, angel, totally understandable.”

I hope he doesn’t think he hid that patronizing smirk. Truth is, he’d made that night bearable and risked getting in a ton of trouble to comfort me, so I’d finally reward him…right about now seems good.

I scoot to the side of the bed, and in my best seductress move, pull him to me by his belt loop. His gaze never leaves mine; we speak without words. My heart is slamming against the walls of my chest as I run my hands up his chest. He lets me raise his shirt above his head and toss it to the floor. God, he’s amazing. His pecs are so well-defined and his abs are lined in a perfect six pack that v down into his waistband.

There’s no way this is the same body he’s been bringing to family picnics and swims all these years! I mean really, how bad was this damn fog I’d been living in? The thought of running my hands, mouth, and tongue all over him doesn’t quite shock me this time. I get more comfortable with my reactions to him every day, but I’m still nervous as hell right now. You’re probably supposed to ease yourself from foggy tomboy hermit to jezebel, but I’m ignoring that inner voice right now.

I start to unbuckle his belt, stopping to look up at him and make sure this is okay. He nods slightly and runs a hand down my face. I slide it through the loops, adding it to his shirt. My hands are trembling as his hand joins mine to guide me as I unbutton his pants and pull down his zipper.

The air hisses between his teeth and I feel his body tense, but he helps me move his jeans to the floor, our gazes still locked as he steps out of them. He is now standing before me, lit only by the moonlight through my window, in just his navy boxer briefs. I can clearly see the effect this is having on him, and I have to force myself to hold his gaze rather than let my eyes wander.

I really hope he doesn’t think less of me right now, but I can’t seem to help myself. He’s awakened something in me and I feel a little forward, but yeah…not quite seeing disapproval in his eyes, more the exact opposite, so I’m thinking we’re good.

I lay down, folding back the covers, and say, “hold me, Evan.”

He gently slips under the covers with me, sliding up against my back. I lift my head up and pull up my hair, so he can slip one arm under. The other arm goes around my waist and pulls me tighter against him. I don’t even try to stifle my satisfied sigh and I feel him twitch against me in response.

“Night, Evan.” My voice comes out shaky.

He kisses my hair. “Night, my Laney.”

CHAPTER 6

Amazed

***Laney***

Prom night is finally here and it’s one of those moments it’d be nice to have my mom. My dad is amazing, the best man I know, and I’m sure he’ll cry at my wedding if I ever have one, but what I wouldn’t give to have her helping me right now.

I wonder where she is at this exact moment? Did she think of events like this that she’d miss before making her departure? I’d feel better knowing she overlooked some things instead of simply not caring. Shaking the thoughts and threatening tears away, I go to assess myself in the full-length mirror. Apparently we have one of those handy.

Upon initial review, I’m actually quite pleased. I clean up nice. I’ve chosen a light blue gown, just like I told Evan I would. The dress is strapless with a sweetheart neckline, the edges of that lined with the slight twinkle of tiny beads. The corseted waist flares out to a “flirty” skirt, so said the saleslady, and stops just below the knee. The dress tightens around my bottom and has a revealing, low-cut back. Thank you, Coach, for the pushing that enabled my body to actually pull this off. And no, my father has not seen it yet.

The blue compliments my tan skin and blonde hair, which is pulled into a loose twist with a few tendrils left around my ears and embellished with sporadic beaded pins that match the twinkle of my neckline, as do my new stud earrings. The silver glitter heels Kaitlyn loaned me put me at 5’9”, no problem with Evan’s tall frame, and I’ve put in plenty of practice sessions to make sure I can walk in them. I’ve gone with a very light and natural look on the make-up, the only kind I really know how to do, but it’s enough that I try not to cry as I imagine my mom behind me, catching my eye in the mirror.

“You’re so beautiful, sweetheart,” I imagine her saying.

“I get it from you, Mom,” I’d respond.

She was beautiful, I remember. Oh, enough of this…tonight will be great.

Walking down, my breath catches with the sight of him. His deep blue gaze slowly comes up to meet mine. I feel dizzy and send up a silent prayer that I don’t fall the rest of the way down the stairs.

How do girls go to these dances all the time? I’m a nervous wreck right now.

He looks like Prince Eric, Prince Phillip, and whoever the supposed sexiest man alive is all in one. He’s used a little something to tame his hair and it sticks up just so in the front. His dark tux fits him perfectly, showing off his sculpted shoulders and arms. The blue tie not only matches my dress, but makes his eyes absolutely glow.

“Hi,” I say softly as I come to stand in front of him.

He leans down to whisper in my ear. “Laney, my love, you are absolutely breathtaking.”

I shiver a bit and barely get out a “thank you, handsome. And thank you for the flowers this morning. I’m sure you’ll see to it that I have an amazing night.”

He looks at me, confused, and it dawns on me.

“You didn’t send them, did you?”

He shakes his head slowly, realizing the same moment I do what this means. “Go bring me the card and envelope,” he whispers.

He knows not to let my dad hear. He would flip and not let me out of this house. I discreetly grab the card and slip it in the pocket of Evan’s tux. I know he’ll read it later and let me know if it’s any different than all the others; right now we’re focused on our night together.

Our moment of tension is short-lived as my father clears his throat behind us. “I thought I’d take a few pictures now.”

I’m shocked he’d want photographic evidence he let me wear this dress, about which he hasn’t said a word…Good Daddy.

Evan’s parents soon wander over, his mom armed with a camera as well. Almost an hour later, when Evan and I have conquered every pose his mother could come up with, including some where Evan’s head is actually slumped on my shoulder in frustration, we’re finally on our way to Senior Prom.

***

The gym has been completely transformed, and Evan and I both agree it looks great. Several of our classmates are already dancing amongst blue and white balloons, our school colors, when we arrive, but we opt to find a table. They’re covered in navy blue cloths and littered with white rose petals and we choose the one already occupied by Kaitlyn and her date, Matt Davis. Yup.

“Laney, hot mama!” my friend says, Kaitlynese for “you look good,” as she stands to hug me.

“You look gorgeous, Kait,” I tell her. She does wonders for her hot pink dress, shorter in length than mine and so Kaitlyn.

“You look great, Matt,” I turn and tell him, sincerely.

“Thanks, Laney, you too,” he says quickly and somewhat awkwardly. “And look at you, pretty boy,” he adds, reaching to shake Evan’s hand.

“Thanks, man,” Evan replies, only just politely. “You look really pretty, Kaitlyn. “

Kaitlyn blushes. Only Evan can make a girl as brazen as Kaitlyn blush.

“Thanks, Evan, you look great. Can I have a dance later?” she asks, eyelashes fluttering a mile a minute.

Evan looks over to me and raises his eyebrows in question. I bite my bottom lip to hold in a laugh while I give him a quick nod. I love that my two best friends get along and certainly don’t care if they share a dance, but no one better assume I’ll dance with Matt during that time. So not happening.

“Of course,” Evan smiles at her sweetly, “a dance later would be great.”

“Oh, and guess what?” Her high pitched squeal may actually be louder than the music. “We’re gonna be college partners!” She holds up her palm to high-five Evan.

Oh damn, that stings a little. Don’t cry at your prom, Laney, hold your shit together.

“You got in to UGA?” My voice wobbles and my smile is forced as I ask her.

“Hell yes! How ‘bout that? Isn’t it awesome?”

It is awesome. It’s the most awesome thing I can think of happening right now, but it’s not happening to me. It’s happening to Kaitlyn. And Evan. Together. Without me.

“That’s wonderful, Kaitlyn, congratulations.” I hug her quickly; it’s all I can give right now.

“Dance with me?” Evan murmurs against my neck from behind.

Grateful for the distraction, I turn and grab his hand.

“Amazed” by Lonestar starts, and I’m not surprised to hear Evan’s low, sultry voice singing along in my ear. I have one of my arms around his neck, my other hand held in his and pressed against his chest between our bodies. His strong arm around my back holds me close to him; he’s exactly the support I need right now.

“This is your song, Laney. I will always be with you,” he whispers in the closing notes.

He just sang to me that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me, that it just keeps getting better. God how I wish it was true, but it’s not looking like that’s gonna happen.

The song ends too soon, and we walk back to our table hand in hand. Evan pulls out my chair for me and then takes his own.

“You okay?” he leans over and asks softly in my ear. I give him a quick smile and nod, grabbing his hand in mine.

“So are you guys like officially a couple now or what?” Kaitlyn asks abruptly.

I glance at Evan and the blush that creeps up his cheeks matches my own, I’m sure. He picks up my hand and kisses the back of it gently.

“We’re anything Laney wants us to be,” he answers, his gaze locked on mine.

Heat sweeps through me, toes to scalp, and I can barely form a thought. Do I want to be a “couple” with Evan? Yes, I do. I guess we’ve kinda always been, just without the blatant physicality, which clearly sways my vote. So, it would seem I need to establish my exact intentions with him. Do I have to go ask his father first?

***

With so many after parties and invites, I wasn’t sure of our plans as we made our way to the car. His mother had been thoughtful enough to make him take her Camry, sparing me the climb into his truck in my dress. Bless Mrs. Allen, she’s always looking out for me.

“Where are we going now?” I ask as we leave the lot.

“Well, I figured we’d run back home and change first. I know your skin’s crawling; you’ve been in a dress for almost three hours,” he laughs.