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“Asshole.”
“Yes, actually. It just took me much too long to realize how toxic he was.”
“Did you stay in Maryland because he was in L.A.?”
She nodded.
“And since him…?”
She shook her head.
“No one?”
“Well,” she said as she slipped out of the robe. “Not no one. I’ve dated. Mostly it’s been business related. You know, bringing along a date so I don’t look too pathetic.”
“Staci.” He cupped the side of her face with his hand and stared deep into her eyes. “You could never be pathetic. You got your heart stomped on at a young age, and you probably haven’t been looking to have it happen again.”
“That was nearly ten years ago, Evan. How long should I hold the grudge against romance?”
His head dipped, and he kissed her sweetly, softly. Then said, “I think you’ve let it go.”
Her eyes searched his. What Staci saw was something raw and real. Something honest and engaging.
“You don’t spew a lot of bullshit, do you?” she asked.
“That’s not exactly how I’d phrase it, but…no. I don’t spew any. What would be the point?”
&nbs
p; “Exactly.”
They continued to stare at each other. She worked down another knot of emotion in her throat.
Then she told him, “I’m sorry I’ve been so pushy.”
“I’m not. If you would have given up after one email or a couple of calls…” One corner of his mouth lifted. “We wouldn’t be standing here right this very minute.”
“I like this very minute. It’s not one I’ll ever forget.”
He kissed her again. Staci’s arms wound around his neck, and he hauled her up against him, crushing her to his hunky body. Her breasts melded to his hard chest.
Evan deepened the kiss, putting plenty of feeling behind it that resonated within Staci. Ribboned around her heart. Seeped into her soul.
When he finally released her, he said, “I promised you a foot massage. If we keep this up, I’m going cart you off to bed instead.”
“That wouldn’t be a problem.”
He turned her around and said, “Climb in.”
She did, and settled against the gentle slope of one end of the tub while watching Evan strip down. Her teeth captured her lower lip as she bit back a moan. He joined her, taking the opposite side of the tub. She said, “You are magnificent.”
Evan reached for her right foot and gently rubbed her arch.
Staci asked, “So what about you?”
“What about me?”
“Why are you still single?”
