Inevitable - Kristen Granata Page 0,27

was a fast shower. I dart into the hallway just as Eva rounds the corner.

“Hey,” she says, relief smoothing out her features. “Thought you bailed.”

She looks so adorable standing there, her hair still wet and wearing an oversized Nirvana T-shirt. I want to wrap her in my arms and protect her from pain and heartache, from all the bad in the world.

But that means I need to protect her from me.

I’m what’s bad in the world.

And I prove that to myself by saying what I say next. “Just looking for the bathroom. Didn’t want to go in yours while you were in the shower.”

I hate the way the lie feels on my tongue. The way it rolls off so easily.

Eva points toward the opposite end of the hallway. “Bathroom’s that way. I’ll give you a tour tonight so you can learn your way around.”

Then she stretches up and wraps her hands around the back of my neck. “I heard what you said last night, but I hope I’m still allowed to kiss you every now and then.”

I brush my lips against hers. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about kissing you.”

She moans a little sigh and opens her mouth to let my tongue slide inside. Within seconds, I’m shoving her up against the wall and slipping my hands under her T-shirt to cup her bare ass. She’s warm and soft and feels so fucking good.

I’m naked, save for my boxers, which leave nothing to conceal how turned on she’s making me.

And Eva knows it. “I could take care of this for you, you know.”

I catch her wrist as her hand makes contact with the waistband of my boxers. “I have no doubt.”

She sucks my bottom lip and releases it with a pop. “Suit yourself, Big Guy. Get dressed. We’re leaving in ten.”

Jesus Christ.

Looks like I’ll be spending most of those ten minutes rubbing one out in the shower.

Eva

I’ve tied up all the loose ends for the charity event.

We’re one week away, and I’m checking my list twice to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything.

Mrs. Benson, the fairest rich bitch in all the land, called a meeting just as we were about to head home for the night. She’s not in charge, so pretending like she is helps her to feel important.

While she talks, Deanna, of course, is whispering to me about Graham.

“You have to do something to push him over the edge! Drastic times call for drastic measures.”

“Dee, I literally flung myself at him, naked, in a river,” I whisper. “And then again in my bed. If that’s not drastic, then I don’t know what is.”

She leans closer to me. “How naked were you exactly? Like bra-and-thong naked, or a fish could’ve swum up your vagina naked?”

I burst out laughing and quickly clamp my hand over my mouth.

“Ladies.” Mrs. Benson raps her knuckles on the wooden table. “Do you have something to add to the discussion?”

Deanna looks down at her lap. “No, ma’am.”

“Then I suggest you stop chit-chatting about whatever insignificant thing it is you’re talking about. This event is happening in a week, and we don’t have time to waste.”

I hate this woman. She’s on a power trip when everyone here knows this is my event. She’s only helping us plan it because it puts her in the public eye. She doesn’t care about the people this charity was created for.

Instead of arguing, I bite my tongue because she’s donating a ton of money for the cause. I lean back in my chair and prop my boots up onto the table, crossing them at the ankles.

Mrs. Benson’s eyes bug out of her perfectly-primped head.

I wave my hand and gesture for her to continue. “You were saying?”

She straightens her spine and continues prattling on.

My phone buzzes on the table and I snatch it before Benson hears it and gets her panties in a bunch.

Big Guy: Oooo you got in trouble

I lift my eyes to where he’s smirking at me across the room, and fire a text back.

Me: What can I say? I’m a bad girl. You should spank me.

Big Guy: Right here, in front of all these uptight women?

Me: I don’t mind an audience.

Me: Then again, I’m not sure I like the idea of these desperate housewives seeing you naked.

Big Guy: Jealous, Eva? I never would’ve guessed you had it in you.

Me: I like keeping you on your toes.

Me: And yes, I am the only one who’s allowed to see you naked. Now back to the spanking...

Big Guy: Are