Waiting For Her, page 5
Eve cleared her throat. “I don’t know who the brunette is.”
Wynn chuckled. “Oh wow. Eve. I didn’t think you had it in you. Who is she?”
Eve sucked in a breath. “Casey. She’s an architect and a developer from Los Angeles, and I have no idea what she’s doing here or why she’s talking to the Deckers.”
“But you have slept with her?”
Eve knocked back the rest of her drink.
Wynn finished her champagne and caught the attention of one of the waiters, grabbing two more fresh glasses.
“Well, forget about everything I just said then,” Wynn said, handing Eve her champagne. “I hope, for your sake, that she’s not in business with that family, because I think I’ve only seen that look on your face once before. A very long time ago.”
Eve searched Wynn’s eyes. “Please don’t say that.” She took another drink, swallowing down the lump in her throat.
“You know I don’t hold back, and I’m just telling you what I see.”
“It was one night.” Eve shook her head. “It’s nothing like what happened with Donna.”
“Well, hopefully, this one isn’t married. Although,” Wynn paused as she tilted her head. “I’m not sure working with the Deckers is any much better. She might as well be married. You couldn’t date someone that was designing a new building right where you were going to remodel the existing property, could you?”
Eve sucked in a breath. “No. No, I’ve just about had it with them, and their seemingly never-ending supply of money.”
“To us then,” Wynn said, clinking their glasses together. “And think about what I said.” She threw a glance over her shoulder at Casey. “Because if this is the alternative, we both know which is better.”
Eve simply nodded. Knowing was one thing. When had that ever stopped her?
10
Casey sipped her champagne, doing her best to focus on what Leo Decker was saying, the lights of Manhattan twinkling behind him. Jeff hadn’t mentioned that his father was the one calling the shots, but it made sense. Even though their last name wasn’t in the name of their company, it was a family-run business.
Casey should have done her research when they’d met last year, but it just seemed like such a stretch to ever work with a development firm like theirs, and in the lead-up to this trip, Casey and Laura had been working longer hours to make the space in their schedule to allow them these few days away.
But it was all coming together, and next week Casey and Laura would be going back to their offices to sign the documents. Assuming Jeff was right about their chances of purchasing the site, although Leo shared the same confidence. They were talking as if it was a done deal.
The only problem was, when Casey should have been taking in every little detail of this conversation, she couldn’t seem to resist looking in Eve’s direction. Earlier, Casey had lifted her glass in Eve’s direction, acknowledging that she’d spotted her among the crowd, but Eve had ignored her completely, looking away, returning her attention to the woman she’d been talking to.
It had stung. Eve wouldn’t have known that she was going to be here tonight, but the look on her face hadn’t been one of surprise. It was more like embarrassment. Eve couldn’t look away fast enough. But a few moments later, Casey knew why.
That woman she’d been talking to had her arm around Eve’s waist. As close as Casey and Laura were, she couldn’t imagine either of them doing that. Even from the other side of the rooftop, Casey couldn’t miss the familiarity, the intimacy in that gesture.
That woman didn’t work with Eve. She wasn’t an acquaintance either. They looked cozy. Happy almost, staring back at the city, their bodies pressed together as they took in the view of Manhattan, and in that moment, Casey had felt her muscles tighten, her entire body tense.
Laura had noticed it and jumped in when Casey should have been the one answering Leo’s question. She kept the conversation going until someone else stole Leo and Jeff’s attention away.
“What was that?” Laura asked when they were on their own, her eyebrows furrowed, her hand on Casey’s wrist. “Please, tell me you’re not thinking of walking away from this. Because you deserve this, Casey. I know this is happening a lot sooner than you thought it would, but that’s a good thing. It’s because of how talented you are.”
Casey exhaled. “No.” She blinked. “Sorry. Thanks for saying that. But no, I’m not changing my mind about this.”
“Then what’s wrong? You froze. That’s your nervous reflex. Although, you usually hide it better.”
Casey didn’t know if she wanted to get into this now or just leave it. She threw another glance in Eve’s direction, but this time it was the other woman who was looking at her, a ghost of a smile on her face. Oh god. Were they talking about her?
If that was Eve’s girlfriend, how had that night in Miami even happened? Unless they had some kind of open relationship. Or were they new and only started seeing each other in the four weeks since Miami?
“Casey.”
She met Laura’s worried eyes. “Sorry.”
“What’s going on?” Laura asked. “Do you know them? They’re looking over here, and you can’t seem to stop watching them. Who are they?”
“Don’t look.” Casey grabbed another glass of champagne from the bar. Laura had barely sipped hers. “I think they’re together.”
“And?”
Casey sighed. “You know how you knew that something had happened in Miami?”
“Yes, but you said it was just Jeff inviting you to New York. That’s why you came back so excited. Recharged almost.”
“Yes. And I also happened to have this amazing night with a woman who I had noticed other years but was too afraid to approach.”
“Oh, really? Which one?”
“The brunette.”
“Jesus, you have a type,” Laura said with a smirk. “Okay, so what’s the problem? You think those two are together?”
“Yeah.” Casey shrugged. “I don’t know. They looked pretty cozy, and Eve basically ignored me when I tried to get her attention earlier.”
“Eve…” Laura blew out a breath. “Okay, but why is no one talking to each other? I don’t get it. Just go over. Stop being weird.”
“And if that’s her girlfriend?”
“That’s Eve’s problem if she cheated. You’re both in the same business, right? You met at a conference in Miami. Just say hello. Nice to see you again.” Laura took a sip of champagne. “I’ll go over with you if you want.”
Casey’s heart pounded in her chest. She knew Laura was right. There was no reason not to just go over there. “No. I’ll be fine.”
“Good. Because I see someone I want to talk to.”
Casey turned to follow Laura’s gaze, and she immediately recognized Drew. Before Casey could say anything, Laura was brushing past her, and what would she have said anyway? That was Eve’s business partner?
Casey took a steadying breath and made her way across the rooftop, weaving her way through the tables and the groups of people talking. She had no idea what she was going to say, but if she didn’t do this right now, she’d lose her nerve.
Just as Casey came within a few feet of them, the other woman was heading towards the bar, breezing right past Casey, their eyes briefly locking, but the woman’s expression was impossible to read. Did she know? Did she care?
All that Casey knew was that she couldn’t compete with that. The dress had to be designer. Her golden blond hair. Wow. It was vibrant and full of life, unlike her own straight, dirty blond hair. And of course, she looked to be about the same age as Eve.
Casey couldn’t dwell on all the ways this woman would have her beat. Not that this was a competition. If Eve was with her, then that was it. And Casey still lived on the other side of the country, so it didn’t matter, really.
“Hi,” Eve said, a smile coming to the corners of those gorgeous lips.
“Hey.” Casey swallowed. She had no idea that she’d even see Eve tonight, and she honestly wasn’t prepared for it. If Casey had thought that Eve was stunning in Miami, tonight… Casey was at a loss for words. The black dress. The slant of the V-neck and that slit that ran up her right leg… Casey still couldn’t believe this woman had invited her back to her hotel room that night.
Eve’s gaze openly swept across Casey. “The famous navy dress.”
“I had no idea you’d be here, or I would have put in a little more effort and wore something you hadn’t already seen me in.”
“You look amazing.”
Casey’s breath caught in her throat. She had to know what was going on. Surely, Eve shouldn’t be saying things like that.
“Thank you,” Casey managed, reaching up to tuck a lock of her hair behind her ear as she turned to see the woman still at the bar. “Your girlfriend won’t mind you saying that?”
Eve’s expression faltered. “Girlfriend?”
“The woman you were with a few seconds ago.”
“Wynn? No. We’re old friends.”
“You are?” Casey could feel the weight of her assumptions evaporating, and it was all she could do to hide her smile.
Eve nodded. “I’m not seeing anyone. I wasn’t the last time we met, and I’m not now. If I’m with someone, I’m with them. Miami wouldn’t have happened if I was dating Wynn.”
Casey slowly exhaled, not even realizing she’d been holding her breath. “No, sorry. That’s not what I was implying.”
“Were you jealous?” Eve asked, her voice low, her expression serious as she took a step closer, and Casey caught the familiar scent of Eve’s perfume.
Casey bit the inside of her cheek. This was the strangest situation. Part of her felt so alone waking up on her own that morning in Eve’s bed, but because they’d never spoken about what had happened, Casey couldn’t feel like that. She wasn’t entitled to. It was a one-night stand and nothing more.
“I think you know the answer,” Casey said, enjoying having Eve this close to her, and she almost forgot they were standing in the middle of a crowd.
“See,” Eve started, her voice dropping as she leaned in, her breath warm against Casey’s ear. “I thought you would call me if you were ever in New York.”
Casey’s breath hitched.
“Unless you’re with the woman Drew is trying to seduce?” Eve nodded in their direction. “He’s doing his half-smile thing. Definitely turning on the charm. Oh, and he made her laugh, so he’ll think he’s in with a chance. Yeah, you might need to rescue her.”
Casey smiled, doing her best to hide her disappointment. While she’d been so quick to jealousy, it seemed Eve was indifferent to the possibility that she was dating Laura.
“Laura can handle herself,” Casey said before sipping her drink.
“So, she is your girlfriend?”
Casey met Eve’s eyes, still searching for some sign that she might care, but she didn’t see any. “No. Laura is my acquisition and development manager.”
Eve just lifted her eyebrows in response before bringing her glass to her lips.
“And I wanted to get in touch,” Casey admitted, although she had no idea why. “When I arrived yesterday.”
“But?”
“I wondered what was the point.”
A slow smile came to Eve’s lips. “To have another incredibly hot night together?”
Casey couldn’t hide her smile as she looked away, Eve’s words sweeping over her body just as her hands had a few weeks ago, leaving her skin tingling, her knees weak.
“Let’s get out of here.”
Casey’s gaze snapped back to Eve. “Now?”
Eve nodded. “Yes. No one will notice. Donations have already been made. And Drew and Laura are still here.”
Casey sucked in a breath, her pulse racing at the thought of another night with Eve. She didn’t need to stay. Jeff had suggested they come tonight, but they weren’t here with him, plus they’d already spent most of their night chatting with Jeff and Leo along with the rest of their team.
“Unless you’d prefer to stay?” Eve asked.
“No.” Casey swallowed, her palms clammy now at the realization that this was really happening. “I just need to tell Laura.”
“Meet me downstairs. I’ll call my driver.” Eve’s hand rested on Casey’s hip as she moved behind her, already heading for the exit. “Take your time.”
And Casey could only nod as she watched Eve saunter away. This was such a bad idea. She imagined that as big of a city as this was, Jeff was more than likely Eve’s competitor. And Casey was here to do business with him and his family.
Should she bring it up and get it out of the way?
Casey shook that thought away as she finished her drink and made her way toward Laura and Drew. None of that mattered when they were just talking about another night. A fling. It wasn’t like this was the start of something.
Casey cleared her throat as she approached them, hating the way that thought made her sick to her stomach.
This thing with Eve was only temporary. A one-night stand turning into two.
It could never be anything more.
11
Eve unlocked her apartment door, holding it open for Casey, her gaze lingering on the younger woman as she brushed past her.
Eve smiled to herself when she remembered leaving her apartment reluctantly just a few hours ago. Seeing Casey again had been a completely unexpected surprise, and Eve had almost missed it.
“What are you smiling about?” Casey asked, turning to face her with her hand on her hip, and Eve knew right then that she would struggle just as much tomorrow morning as she had in Miami.
Although this time, she wouldn’t leave Casey alone in her bed. They’d wake up together, but it was still just going to be one night. That part wouldn’t change. She pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind.
“I almost didn’t go tonight.” Eve let the door fall closed, leaning back against it. She needed to rein in the desire that had been building since they’d got in the back of her car, the twenty-minute ride filled with a nervous energy, and Eve felt like she’d used up just about all of her willpower by resisting the temptation to kiss her then and there.
“Really?” Casey came back towards her, her heels clicking against the wide plank oak floors.
“We go every year, but things have been so busy at work that I’d completely forgotten about it. And I’d already made some serious plans with that couch and a bottle of wine.”
Casey stopped just in front of her, an eyebrow quirked. “Even though we were invited, and we both knew it would be good for business, Laura almost had me talked out of going.”
“Oh?” Eve inhaled a shaky breath, willing herself to finish this conversation without reaching out and sliding her hand over Casey’s shoulder and up along her neck. Eve wanted to thread her fingers through Casey’s soft hair, guiding their lips together in a kiss that Eve had been dreaming of for the last month.
“Hmm.” Casey looked like she wasn’t going to explain, her eyes searching Eve’s for a long moment. “Today’s my birthday, and Laura hated the idea of me going through my day without acknowledging it, so that’s how we nearly skipped the fundraiser. We still would have donated, obviously. But she was ready to be my wing woman and find a gay bar, even though she’s straight.”
Eve’s heart thudded against her ribs, a wave of emotions running through her all at once. “Happy birthday,” she managed to say with a smile. She didn’t know what to do with all that information.
Casey was in New York, and they’d been so close to missing each other, yet here they were, standing in her apartment with just inches separating them.
Eve wet her lips. “A night on the town?” She tried to hide her jealousy with a hint of a smile. “You should have said.”
Casey tilted her head as she studied her. “I’m not one for celebrating. Besides,” she said with a sigh, “Laura knows I’m still caught up on someone I shouldn’t be, so she was just trying to take my mind off her.”
Eve sank back against the door fully, once again wishing that she hadn’t just left that morning in Miami. They should have talked. What she would have said, she didn’t know, but this was so much worse. Parting ways with no intention of seeing one another again, except maybe back there again next year.
A month was a long time, and it didn’t surprise Eve that Casey had someone she was interested in. Maybe, it was a client or a friend if she felt like she shouldn’t be thinking about them.
Would Eve ever get her shit together or was she always just going to be someone’s affair, a fling that would never amount to anything?
“Hey,” Casey said, lifting her fingers to lightly brush Eve’s hair away from her eyes, gently tucking it behind her ear.
Eve’s eyes fluttered shut, temporarily overwhelmed. She could feel that touch everywhere, a warmth flooding her body, a swooping low in her belly. When she slowly opened her eyes, Casey’s honey-brown eyes met her own.
Casey’s lips slid into an easy smile. “I uh… Just in case it needs to be said, I am talking about you, you know.”
Eve’s breath caught in her throat, and her eyebrows rose, her heart rate taking off once again. “You are?”
Casey took a step back to look at her, her fingertips grazing Eve’s arm as Casey’s hand fell away, her smile more of a grin now. “How can such a stunning, successful woman not know when she has someone completely infatuated with her?”
12
Casey’s words hung in the air. They needed to be said, because Eve really had no idea that Casey was talking about her, but then she had to keep going and basically admit to being completed infatuated with Eve.
Well, that had been a mistake. That was not how people who occasionally slept together spoke to one another.
