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“People should not get on the freeway if they don’t know how to drive,” she said.
“Agreed.”
“Sorry, I have a bit of a road rage issue. It’s one of my many flaws.” So much for not getting personal. “Anyways, not many guys want to plan parties. At least, not many straight ones.”
“Is that your way of asking me if I’m on the down low?” he asked.
Eve’s cheeks burned because that was exactly what she’d been doing. “No, of course not. It’s none of my business what team you bat for.”
He laughed, the deep rumble sending a quiver through her body. “Since we’re talking about it, I like women.”
What kind of women, I wonder.
She didn’t ask, though, because that was definitely something personal, and she’d already overstepped the line with him. Several times.
“I also happen to have two younger sisters. Twins. And after helping with quinceañeras, proms, and weddings, I will probably be more help than you think.”
The information was delivered with a touch of exasperation, but beneath it was a warm tone she recognized. An affection that said he
loved his family no matter how much they aggravated him and would lay down his life for them.
Eve knew that tone well. It was the same one she used when talking about her brother and parents. Even when they were making her nuts, family was family.
“Quinceañeras?” She’d heard the word and knew it was some kind of party, but that was about it.
“Yeah, when a girl turns fifteen, her parents throw a huge party to celebrate,” he said. “Fancy dresses, lots of people. It’s a big deal. You want to get off on Tenth and make a left.”
“Wow. All I got for my fifteenth birthday was my permit and gift cards.” She exited the freeway and turned left.
“Yeah, I can’t remember my fifteenth birthday. It’s more of a girl thing. Besides, I’m not sure I’d look good in a ball gown,” he said. “It’s up there on the left.”
Liar. You’d probably look good in anything.
“So, what’s your plan for this thing, anyway?” he asked.
Gripping the steering wheel, she made a sharp left into the café parking lot, the sound of a horn blaring loudly as she crossed in front of several cars. “I was thinking a bachelor auction.”
As she parked, Oliver scoffed. “I don’t think you’ll get very many volunteers for something like that.”
“I wasn’t talking about you guys. I was talking about the dogs,” she said. She climbed out of the car and smoothed her skirt. She liked to at least look put together, even if it wasn’t how she felt.
“The dogs? Seriously? How is that going to work?” Oliver caught up with her just as she stepped onto the sidewalk in front of the café and reached past her to get the door. Before she could walk through, three women in their early forties came out, eyeing Oliver like he was a piece of smooth milk chocolate.
“Ladies, have a good day,” Oliver said behind her. He had moved closer, pressing his big, muscular body against her back, and she felt drops of perspiration run down her forehead that had nothing to do with the heat. No, her sudden rise in temperature definitely had more to do with Oliver’s proximity.
“You, too,” one of the ladies said, while the other two giggled.
When they were far enough away, Eve asked, “You got a thing for cougars?”
“Cougars? Come on, they weren’t old enough to be my mother,” he said.
Eve stepped into the café with a snort. “I see you didn’t answer my question.”
“This way.” Oliver pointed, indicating a table free in the middle. Once they were seated, he added, “Are you asking because you really want to know?”
“Honestly, it’s none of my business the kind of women you like.” Eve grabbed a paper menu from the holder behind the salt and pepper, cursing silently. She couldn’t seem to curb her reaction to him. Yes, she wanted to know what kind of women he liked, but she had no right to ask. She would just be setting him up to think she was interested in whatever he had, but she didn’t want complicated and she definitely didn’t need heartache. “I was just making an observation.”
“But you’re curious,” Oliver prodded.
