The server returned with their drinks and a small plate of mixed hors d’oeuvres. “From Chef Bruglio.” He took their entrée order and topped their crystal water goblets before leaving.
The conversation flowed. She discussed her early career in law enforcement and her transition into the FBI. He loved listening to the lilt of her voice and appreciated how she wasn’t trying to impress him or play games. She was simply being herself.
Her gaze rarely left his, but when he smiled, she would glance at his mouth. Being with Evangeline was different. Easier. More energizing. By the time the waitstaff delivered their entrees, his head was buzzing, but not from the wine.
He was flat-out drunk on Evan.
“Mmm. So good,” she said, savoring her salmon. His cock twitched in response to her sexy sounds. She offered him a forkful. Their gazes stayed glued while he took it, chewed, swallowed.
“Very good.” He sliced off a piece of filet mignon. “I’ll share.”
Before she opened her mouth, she ran her tongue over her lower lip, as if preparing to kiss him. He slid the small piece of steak inside. Her lips closed around the fork and he gently pulled it out. Staring at Evangeline was his newest addiction. She was as beguiling as she was beautiful.
“Quid pro quo, Sinclair.”
“What do you want to know?”
“How’d you end up at Harvard?”
“I had decided I would attend the local community college and figure things out from there. Turns out, Maverick and my sister, Desiree, conspired.” That memory made him smile. “He filled out two college applications. One for himself and one for me.”
“Oh, wow.” She forked rice into her mouth.
“My sister is a force of nature. With our dad’s help, she applied for a bunch of scholarships for me. I got several, which helped.” He paused to sip his wine. “My brother got accepted first, then I did. Initially, I thought it was a joke. I never expected Warren would pay for it, but he did.” His throat tightened with unexpected emotion.
“I can tell that your family means everything to you.”
“Both my families do. There was a time when I didn’t have any family at all.” Christ, this woman was getting him to talk about things he never discussed with anyone, ever. “I don’t know what it is about you,” he murmured. “You aren’t the only one struggling with control.”
The moment had turned intimate. Talking with her touched the deepest part of his soul. The part he’d closed off when his dad had died and his mom hadn’t been there to protect him.
The waiter returned. Sin paid the check and helped Evangeline with her coat before shrugging into his.
“Thank you for dinner,” she said. “Thank you for being so damn easy to be around.”
“The feeling is mutual.” He held out his hand and she slipped her fingers between his. Then, he dropped a soft kiss on her lips. “Ready for stares and unauthorized pics?”
“Bring it on.”
A sliver of hope took hold in his heart. If anyone could roll with his crazy life, it was Evangeline Worthington.
15
Kinky Times
As they traveled east on Route 50 toward the beach, Evangeline hummed with desire. Her engine was revved; her insides were a quivering mess. The intimate dining space had enabled her to completely home in on Sinclair. Every move he made, every word he spoke resonated through her. Every time he smiled, her heart soared and every single time he touched her, her body yearned for his.
By the time dinner had ended, she was convinced their hearts beat as one. Without question, they were in complete synchronicity. That left her feeling like she was soaring and drowning at the same time.
Sinclair was more than a pretty face on a hard-muscled body. He was thoughtful and caring. He had a deep love for his family. Like her, he kept his emotions on lockdown, hidden behind a picture-perfect smile and a penetrating gaze.
She believed he was holding back, not sharing everything. A child doesn’t run away from home without a damn good reason. But she respected his privacy. If he trusted her, he would confide in her.
She also believed that when they found the person trying to kill him, he would strike like a cobra. Sinclair Develin did not lose. Ever.
In the car, she regarded him. His strong nose, chiseled jawline, and tidy business haircut were physical perfection, but a storm raged beneath the surface. A few seconds passed before he returned her gaze. Even in the dark, his blue eyes shone brightly.
“What’s the plan, boss?” he asked before turning his attention back to the road.
