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“You can’t tell when I do it?” He peered into her eyes. “You’re a lot smarter than you look. I’m surprised.”
“Um… I don’t know if I should be offended right now…”
He chuckled, adoring her whimsical laugh.
Magic,Evan thought. No one ever had this effect on him.
He didn’t want to move, but his coffee was getting cold, and so was her tea.
“I’m sorry I ruined your night,” said Aria.
“You didn’t.” He reassured her with a convincing smile.
“So, am I gonna cringe when I taste thisshamanic concoction?”
“No.” Evan chuckled. “It looks and tastes like green tea, actually.”
Aria was on her feet again before she left the kitchen. Strolling into Evan’s spacious living room, she lay down on his large leather sofa and made herself comfortable.
“Love the color.” She stroked the dark leather.
“It’s espresso,” he added, walking toward her with a hot mug in each hand. “Uh oh, someone’s tired,” he said, setting her tea on the coffee table.
“I’m just testing your couch.”
Evan sat at the end of the sofa and sipped his coffee, never taking his eyes off the angel he wished to corrupt. “One of my mates is a carpenter. Most of the furniture you see here is all handcrafted by him.”
“I love it! It’s so different.” Aria sat up, reaching for her steaming mug.
“Thanks. I guess I’m kind of eccentric. I like to express my individuality. I’ve always been like that. Though it’s got me into trouble more times than I can count.”
She couldn’t imagine him being violent or loud. Evan was always so calm. She had yet to discover the darkest parts of him he hid so well.
“I know the feeling,” said Aria, sipping her tea. “It tastes very, um…herbally.”
Evan laughed out loud, smiling when she curled up next to him.
“Are you cold, sweetheart?” he asked.
“No, I just wanna cuddle.”
“ThatI can definitely do.” He wrapped an arm around her.
Resting her head against his chest, she listened to him delve into different topics, enjoying his company while he chatted about the times he had got into trouble in his high school years. When it was Aria’s turn to share, Evan gave her his undivided attention as they sipped on their warm beverages. She opened up about her troubled childhood, which was a blend of happyand painful memories. They spent an hour and a half talking while Aria sobered up. The tea had served its purpose, just as he had promised.
Evan’s stereo switched tracks as the music faded to something slow and sad. The male vocalist had a soothing, soul riveting voice. Aria was nearly moved to tears. Evan noticed the shift in her mood, and it worried him.
“Are you all right, love?” He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Forcing a smile, she set her empty mug on the table. “This song…” She looked at him.
“You know it?”
“‘High Green Grass’ by Sebastien Schuller… it brings back memories.”
“Not so great, I’m assuming?”
There was a palpable pain in Aria’s aqua eyes. “I started learning contemporary dance a few years ago. It’s closely related to ballet, classical and modern dance styles—in case you didn’t know.”
