door, making it clear I was not to be disturbed. I was going to give the project my full attention for the day. I rubbed my hands together and pulled out my yellow pad. That was where it always started.
I had to purge the millions of thoughts pelting my brain. Once I got it on paper, I could begin to sort through it all. I reached for the fresh pack of Post-its. My office was about to get very messy.
I grinned, thinking of the coming days. It had been a long time since I’d gotten to design. It was like taking a hit from my favorite drug after giving it up for a long time.
Chapter 36
Evie
It was just after five when I pulled into the shopping center. I had tried to get off work earlier, but with the day off on Monday, I was swamped. I couldn’t neglect my friends. At least, that was what Nelle had said when she demanded I take part in some retail therapy. I called her to find out where she was.
I walked into the clothing store she was at and quickly spotted her. “I like it,” I said as I walked up to where she was holding up a pretty blouse.
“Who are you?” she asked without looking at me. “You sound a lot like my friend Evie, but I think she fell off the face of the earth.”
“Ha ha. I’m sorry. I’ve been busy.”
“Not too busy for your man,” she said.
“Actually, I saw him Monday and that’s it. Well and Sunday, but that doesn’t count.”
“You are forgiven, with one stipulation,” she said.
I groaned. “What would that be?”
“Have dinner with me,” she answered.
I burst into laughter. “Yes. I’m free for the rest of the night.”
“Good. Now, I need a skirt to go with this.”
I began to browse the racks and not only found her a skirt but found myself a few things as well. I usually did the bulk of my shopping online. I never had time to spend a leisurely day shopping. It was nice.
We made our purchases and moved on to another store that specialized in accessories.
“What did you guys do Sunday?” she asked. “That’s your decompress day.”
“It is and I did decompress with Xander and his brother.”
She spun around so fast, she looked like a figure skater. “You did what?” she shrieked. “Evie, you have really, really turned a corner. I know I’ve been telling you to loosen up, but damn, woman. You dirty.”
I rolled my eyes. “Are you done?”
“His brother?”
“Yes, his brother and there was nothing dirty about it. You need to pull your mind out of the gutter. I worry about you sometimes.”
She offered a cheesy grin. “Do not worry about me. I’m a very healthy, happy woman.”
“I know you are.”
“So, what’s his brother like? Is he wealthy?”
“He’s a Marine,” I answered. “His brother is fun. He’s very different from Xander, or at least the Xander I first met. Now that I know Xander a little better, I have seen the more playful side, but his brother is like that naturally.”
“Is he hot?”
“He’s attractive, but Xander is better looking in my opinion. Although I’m sure some women would think differently. Kade has that vibe about him, you know? Like he was probably voted most popular in school and his contact list is probably filled.”
She scowled at me, one hand on her hip. “You are a really shitty friend. I might have to rethink our friendship.”
My mouth dropped open. “What? Why would you say that?”
“You met a hot, eligible bachelor and you didn’t bother to call me. It’s like you are hogging all the hot guys for yourself. That’s not cool.”
“Uh, he’s in the Marines. He was in town for two days. He doesn’t have time for you. And I don’t know if he is single. It’s not like I chase them down.”
“You could have asked,” she pouted. “You know I’m not one to turn down a handsome guy.”
I rolled my eyes. “That’s for sure. If he comes back to town, I will definitely ask if he would like to meet you.”
“Don’t ask. Do.”
“I did think about you, if that makes you feel any better. I do think the two of you would hit it off. He’s spunky. You’re spunky. We would have so much fun together. Maybe Xander will take all of us out on his boat.”
Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “That would be fun. I like that idea. When is he coming back?”