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Holy. Fuck. I slump in the nearest chair, my head spinning like a top.
A sea of emotion is rising in my chest and I’ve forgotten how to swim. I’m doubting everything I thought I knew about Eva Adams. Everything her husband believes to be true. Everything they told me was true. Everything I have believed to be true about relationships and love my whole life.
I think maybe it’s time I find out for myself. Who is Eva Adams?
***
Eva Holly Adams. I run my finger absentmindedly over the name that’s fast-becoming legendary in our office. Her business card is now dog-eared and worn from the months of living in my wallet.
I’ve become borderline obsessed with the girl. I have checked her diary in my photos every day, after training and speaking with Mae, and made sure to see her at least once. It’s become ingrained in my routine.
I’ve watched her negotiate contracts, sell her services to potential clients, update existing clients and turn down a countless number of advances, without so much as blinking in their direction. I’ve discovered many things about Eva Adams:
She is funny, fierce and sassy. I’ve only heard her throw the word ‘married’ at some guy once. The way she said it sounded more like a get-out clause than a reason not to go for that drink. When he said, “Why are you not wearing a ring then?” she flipped him a scowl and said, “Why are you not wearing a big pointy hat with a ‘D’ on the front?” and went back to her laptop. I shoved my fist in my mouth to stifle the laugh.
She’s caring and loyal. One guy, Paul, who must have been Bells’s ex, judging by the snarled conversation, was given short shrift when Eva clapped eyes on him sitting in her seat, opposite Bells, in a cafe. And when she saw that Bells was upset, I thought she was going to rip his head off. She practically threw him out the door before wrapping Bells in a tender embrace that made me physically ache.
She doesn’t do chat-up lines and she’s the furthest thing imaginable from an entitled, bitchy snob. She works long hours and she doesn’t eat enough. She looks more exhausted every time I see her. You’d think that would make her less attractive, but it doesn’t. It makes me want to take care of her.
And, unless she’s a very good actress, she was ecstatically happy when Gary married Bells on Valentine’s Day. If I needed further proof De Luca is wrong about her, that was the smoking gun.
This girl will take patience and a light touch. Authenticity. That’s what she needs. So, why haven’t I shared any of this information with my team, who is trying to land her? Why haven’t I told her husband he has it all wrong? Why have I suspended the case and lined up half a million quid to refund De Luca? Why did I take Mae to her Easter event, carefully avoiding seeing her up close, but keeping her in my sightline for the duration? Fuck if I know why.
***
I end the call to Helen Tyler that will bring me face to face with Eva for the first time, and enter the rooftop terrace to order a coffee before I officially meet her, and she’s right there. At the counter, ordering her own coffee.
She has her back to me. I know I shouldn’t do it. I know I should wait to meet her professionally in her office in half an hour or so, but I can’t stop my feet from walking her way.
My eyes are glued to the back of her head. I can almost smell her scent from here.
“Are you okay?” she asks the server. The concern in her voice is real. She cares. She turns her head, throwing a curious glance over her shoulder, and our eyes meet at last. Fuck me. Her eyes.
Christ, she’s beautiful. For the first time in my life, I can’t think of a single thing to say. Movement in my peripheral vision nudges a response. I step closer to her, drawing in her scent. Honey and flowers. It’s even sweeter close up, and I reach one hand slowly past her. “Your coffee is ready.”
Confusion flashes across the turquoise sea in front of me. “Thanks.” Her fingers close around the cupholder and I have to force myself to let her take it. She’s gone before I can say another word.
I let out a slow exhale. That’s okay. I’ll be seeing her again in a few minutes. I turn my attention back to the gaping server. “Americano, please. With milk.”
A few minutes later, I take the coffee she offers me and move to a table near the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. As I sit, a guy built like a rhino and dressed all in black slides on to the seat opposite me, his stony expression obscured by the baseball cap pulled low on his brow.
“Can I help you?” I ask, keeping my tone light and relaxed but on high alert.
“I sincerely doubt it.” He’s nearly snarling, his lip curled. “But I’m going to help you out because I’m a fair bloke. For every minute you’ve been watching her, I’ve been watching you. Every. Single. Move you’ve made. I will always be watching. You hurt her. You even look like you might think about hurting her one day, I will hunt you down to the end of the Earth, and I will hurt you far worse.”
“You finished?” I inject some venom into my voice.
“Nearly.” One corner of his mouth lifts in a half smirk. “There’re two more things you need to know. I love her.” I can feel him taking in the colour draining from my face. “And I would kill for her.” He leans forward and lowers his voice. “Again.” What the fuck? He smiles. “Good talk.” And before I can respond, he’s gone.
***
Not fifteen minutes later, I’ve pushed the rhino to the back of my mind and I’m standing outside Eva’s office door, E:Vents embossed on a name plate.
I’m nervous. That is definitely a first. Shit! I’m sweating!
Don’t fuck this up, Hunter. I wipe my slick palms on my jeans before I tap on the door and push through when a laughing voice calls, “Come in!” The brother, Gary, is standing guard between the two desks.
“Mr Hunter?” Bells squeaks. Bells is Helen Tyler? Or is she just visiting?
“Helen,” I check, flashing her a smile. She doesn’t correct me.
If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that I need Bells to be on my side. She’s probably her best friend. If I get her on my side, I’m halfway there. “You must be Eva.” My heart rate is through the roof as I extend my hand for her to shake and introduce myself. “Will Hunter.”
“Hi,” she croaks before clearing her throat. “Hi, yes, I’m Eva. Eva Adams.” It takes a fucking eternity for her to put her hand in mine.
And when she does, I don’t want to let go. Her hand feels so small. Her skin is soft and warm. And humming. Is that her? How is she doing that?
Let. Go! I demand of my own hand. The second my fingers release their gentle pressure, she tucks both her hands under her crossed arms. Her fingers are bloodless and white as she grips the sides of her olive-green T-shirt.
She felt it too.
“Gary? Did you need something or was this a social call?” Bells asks in a ‘get the fuck out’ tone.
“I’ll see you later.” He winks, but his expression is pure hostility when his gaze lands on mine. He looks even more like the photo of his brother that way. I wonder if he recognises me from the bridal shop.
“Do you have to go?” Eva sounds nervous, her voice higher in pitch, as Bells pushes him out and closes the door in his face. Eva wanted him to stay. As a buffer, maybe?
Bells? She wants to get rid of him. I can’t say I’m sorry. And I’m pretty sure she’s on team Will.
“So, what can we do for you, Mr Hunter?” Bells asks, her smile so wide it must be painful. She waves an arm towards her desk but I sit in the chair opposite Eva.
“I’m launching a new hotel this summer and I’d like your input. I was very impressed with your event over the Easter weekend.”
––––––––
By the time I leave her office building, I feel like a king. Eva Adams, the first and only woman I’ve ever chased, will be having lunch with me in a few hours. She just doesn’t know it yet.
I round the corner, heading towards Apple Market, and the rhino steps in front of me. He glares at me for a full five seconds before he melts into the crowd.
Who the hell is that guy?