“If I’d known he was the guy who asked you out at the shop, I would’ve told you to give it a shot. As far as I know, he’s never dated anyone for longer than two months. I didn’t meet any of his previous girlfriends,” she said. “Not that I know a lot about his personal life, but I would have seen him with a girlfriend when he hung out with Hudson and the boys.”
“I’ve seen images of them,” I said, slipping on the dress and heels.
She shrugged. “Kain is the oldest of all the boys. He’s like their big brother.” A wicked gleam sparked in her eyes. “There are advantages to being with an experienced man who’s seen so much of the world.” She looped an arm around my shoulders. “Do share when it’s time.”
Oh, he’s experienced all right.That tantalizing tongue and those curious fingers knew how to please a woman.
Stori curled my hair with a hot iron, creating soft waves cascading down my shoulders. Then she gathered a portion of my hair, pulling it back and securing it with a gold clip. I added the dangling earrings with no necklace.
Stepping back, Stori crossed her arms, studying me. “You’re going to make him salivate. Let’s get your makeup done.”
Twenty minutes later, a knock sounded at the door, and we both glanced at each other, smiling.
“I’ll go out first.” Stori winked.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Kain
When Eva’s door opened, I blinked at the sight of Stori.
“Well, don’t you look handsome in your tux?” She cast a glance over me.
“Thanks.” I offered her a hug. “How’s it going? What are you doing here?”
“Helping my best friend get ready for her date.”
“You know Eva?”
“Sure do.” Her eyes glinted with mischief. “I know all her secrets. You want deets? Then you’ve gotta pay up.” She wiggled her fingers.
“Thanks, but I’ll pass. Don’t want to get into trouble with Eva on our date.”
“Smart man.” She jabbed a finger at my chest, looking up at me with a protective expression.
It fascinated me how Eva was interwoven into my life. She didn’t live far from me and was best friends with Hudson’ssister. If I followed the logic, we should’ve met sooner. But I won’t argue with the man upstairs. He obviously had some elaborate plan, and I trusted his judgment.
“Eva will be safe with me.”
“If something happens to her, you’ll answer to me, pal.” Beaming, Stori lifted a clenched fist.
“No need to worry,” I said. “Put away that fist of yours. It terrifies me.”
Grinning, she unclenched her fist.
Eva entered the hallway, and all the oxygen in my lungs fled instantly. Everything around me faded, except the gorgeous woman standing before me. She wore an elegant black dress that hugged her body, flowing down gracefully. Her light brown hair, the gold earrings, and the pretty makeup gripped my attention. My heart hammered in my chest.
I swallowed. “You’re stunning.”
“Thanks. Stori let me borrow her dress.” Eva walked up to me. “You look great in a tux.”
“Let me see!” Grandpa Collins approached in his sweats and stood next to Stori, eyeing us. “Just perfect.”
Eva turned to her grandfather. “Will you be okay at home?”
“Of course.” He took her hand, patting it. “I have my MacGyver, and Emilio just invited me to bingo night at his apartment. Camila and Betsy are joining too.”
“All right. You’ve got a set of keys.” Eva’s face warmed. “If you need anything, just call me. Have fun.”
