Becoming Eve (The Becoming Series Book 1) Page 3

  “You’ve got to be shitting me!”

  I yank my arms free of the mud, which then makes me fall backward on my butt, knees still bent in the mud.

  “Why? Why does this keep happening to me?” At this point, I’m so frustrated that I’m screaming to myself so loud, I bet anybody within a two-mile radius could hear me. I grab a handful of mud in each hand, flinging it everywhere, having a complete temper tantrum. I’m past crying now and have moved on to just being livid that nothing can go my way for two damn seconds!

  I hear the low-pitched growl of an engine that sounds as if it’s coming up my lane. Since my house is situated farther from the road, the only time I hear a vehicle is if it’s driving to my house. I stop my pity-me tantrum so I’m not caught looking like a crazy person—not that it really matters since I probably already do, sitting in the mud.

  What pops out of the trees is not just any vehicle, but a faded green tractor. I’ve never seen one up close before. It’s huge, or maybe it just seems huge because I’m half-buried in the ground. Right as that thought runs through my mind, I start having a mini panic attack. The sun is shining on the window, creating a glare that makes it impossible to see who’s inside. The tractor is coming straight toward me and I don’t know if whoever is driving can see that I’m stuck in mud. The tractor is starting to get really close, not looking like it’s going to change its path any time soon.

  I’m going to die!

  As soon as I’m about to start screaming and flailing to try to get the attention of the driver of the tractor, it changes course, going slightly to the right before stopping next to me. The door opens as Ian pops half his body out and smiles down at me.

  “Looks like my pickup is not the only damsel in distress.”

  “Your truck is a damsel?”

  He’s still leaning half out of the tractor with that beautiful smile on his perfect face. Looking at him only makes me madder. He looks like some hunky morsel with the sun beating down on him, while I’m stuck down here covered in mud.

  “Of course, she’s my girl!”

  “Would you just come help me already? No matter what I do, I can’t move.” I watch him with his wide smile as he starts to descend down the three steps toward me, jumping the rest of the way down. He ends up jumping so close to me that when he lands, I get splattered with more mud, some coming dangerously close to my eye. My mud-covered hand instantaneously goes to my face without thinking.

  “Evie, I’m so sorry. Here, let me help.” He grabs my wrist and replaces it with his own hand, wiping away mud a little at a time. His hands are so gentle, and I find myself leaning into his touch.

  “Just kiss her already!”

  I jerk back, gasping at the new voice. I swing my head up toward the inside of the tractor to see a guy with black hair is now leaning out of the tractor. Ian sighs, forcing my attention back to him. His lips are twitching, trying not to smile.

  “Just hook the chains to the pickup will you?” He stands up, offering his hand down to help me up. The other guy jumps down, landing right next to Ian. “Eve, this is my good friend, Quinn.”

  Quinn holds his hand out for me to shake. “Best friend, actually.” He gets a little smirk on his face, glancing over to Ian. “You’re right, she is hot!”

  I can already tell I’m going to like Quinn. He has a carefree way about him, and he’s slightly taller than Ian with black hair that has a slight wave to it. With his grey eyes combined with the dimples on each side of his mouth, he is extremely attractive, but I only seem to have eyes for Ian.

  I glance over at Ian to see him narrowing his eyes at Quinn. My eyes dart back to Quinn and I see his eyebrows raised in innocence. They look like they’re having a telepathic conversation, which makes me giggle. “Hot, huh?” I ask with a smirk. Ian turns to me, his look softening.

  Ignoring my question, he says, “I’m going to help Eve inside. Quinn, you start hooking everything up.” Quinn salutes and starts grabbing what I assume are the chains. Ian bends, scooping me in his arms. I grab on to his shoulders and feel my boots slip off my feet, still buried in the mud.

  “My boots!”

  “I’ll get them in a minute, or I’ll have Quinn grab them. What were you doing out here so early? I can’t imagine you woke up just to come outside and make mud angels.”

  I smack his shoulder and he softly chuckles. The mud is so deep, I don’t know how he is walking through it while carrying me at the same time and not getting stuck. I squeeze his shoulders a little tighter, praying he doesn’t end up like I did and get me tossed back in the mud.

  “I was going to get some wood out of your trailer. I wanted to try making a fire. It’s freezing in my house.”

  We make it to the porch and to my surprise, he doesn’t put me down. Instead peels off his boots using his feet then carries me inside, all the way to the bathroom.

  Setting me down on the counter, he reaches over to grab a hand towel that’s on the rack. Turning on the water to warm, he wets the towel, wiping all the mud off my face.

  “What are you doing? You know I can do this myself.”

  A smile slowly creeps onto his face. “I know, but what kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t help out? Plus, I put some of this on your face, so it’s only fair that I help wash it off.” He is so concentrated on getting my face clean that it gives me a moment to study his face. It looks like he hasn’t shaved in a few days; his dark stubble is growing. My eyes lock on his lips. They look so soft, so kissable. It’s been so long since I’ve actually kissed a guy—not that I’ve kissed a lot of guys. The few I have kissed were not that good at it, or maybe it was me; who knows. Looking at Ian’s, I bet those luscious lips could kiss. I’m so focused on how good it would feel to kiss him that when he starts talking, I almost jump.

  “There, good as new.” I turn around to look in the mirror and sure enough, my face is perfectly clean. He wets the towel again, this time washing my arms and hands. Finishing up, he tosses the dirty towel on the counter. “I’ll bring in some wood to start a fire for you.”

  “I watched a YouTube video on how to make a fire. The instructions were pretty good. I bet I could outdo you.”

  His lips twitch before he bursts out laughing. “A YouTube video?” He smiles wide. “I’ll show you how to make a real fire!” He grabs my waist, hoisting me off the counter to put me on the floor. “I’ll go grab some wood from outside.” Walking out, he leaves me staring at one nice backside.

  I look down, sighing at my muddy clothes. This is my only pair of jeans and my only boots are still stuck in the mud, so I suppose now is as good a time as ever to go shopping. I guess on the bright side, shopping is the one thing I actually know how to do. I head to my bedroom, changing into a skirt. My hair goes into a messy bun before I throw some blush and mascara on. Ian and Quinn didn’t even blink an eye at the fact that my hair and makeup weren’t done. It’s a nice change not having to worry about perfecting my appearance.

  I hear my phone ring, and it makes my heart skips a beat. I wonder if it’s my parents calling. I haven’t spoken to them since that first night I told them I was pregnant and was keeping my baby. I used to talk on the phone almost daily with my parents. Even knowing how cold they seemed about my pregnancy, I can’t help the ache in my heart of wanting their acceptance.

  I follow the ringing into the living room. Looking at the screen, I don’t recognize the number, but I answer it anyway. It’s Helen from the bookstore. I walk to the window, watching the boys pull out Ian’s truck while she tells me all my books came in and she has her famous chocolate chip cookie recipe for me. She chats a little longer before I’m finally able to get her off the phone. Just as I hang up, Ian walks back in with an armful of wood. Putting it in the wood rack next to the fireplace, he turns, looking over my clothes.

  “You do know it’s winter out right?” His eyes roam over my bare legs. “Not that I’m complaining, but your legs might.”

  Bending down, I grab the little pie
ces of wood that fell off the pile he was carrying, tossing them on the rack. “I know, I know, but those were my only pair of jeans and boots, so it looks like I need to go shopping today. Plus, Helen called me just now and the books I ordered came in.”

  One of his eyebrows rises. “You ordered books? I didn’t peg you for a book reading kind of girl.”

  “I love to read actually.” I cross my arms. “They are so I can learn how to do certain things.” I look down to floor, my brows furrowed. I didn’t mean to become so defensive, but I hate when people judge me, especially when they know nothing about me. I used to take it from everyone, but no more.

  “Hey, I was only teasing. I didn’t mean anything by it.” He pulls me into a hug and before I comprehend what I am doing, I hug him back, laying my forehead on his shoulder. I don’t think he knows how much I needed this, or perhaps he does and that’s why he lets me hold on to him. I don’t remember the last time someone just hugged me. It amazes me how much one hug can make everything feel better. I close my eyes, relishing in the moment.

  “Are you guys done necking yet?”

  Ian tenses for a second, then heaves a sigh. I lift my head off his shoulder, peeking up at him. He looks torn between being super annoyed and trying to hold off a smile.

  “Shut up, Quinn. I’ll be out in a minute. You can start driving the tractor back.” I hear a deep chuckle then the door close. Ian shakes his head. “I swear there is something wrong with him.”

  I smile, taking a step back. “Well, since I’m going into town to get some clothes, could I take you out for some breakfast? I’m starving and it’s the least I can do since you’ve helped me out so much.”

  That beautiful smile of his comes back, looking at me mischievously. “That would be great.” He starts to turn toward the door. “But I’m paying.”

  “Um…no, I just said I would buy.” I start walking after him as he makes his way to the porch. I grab his arm to stop him. “Hey! Did you hear me?”

  “I heard you, but I’m still paying.” He leans against the doorjamb, crossing his foot over his ankle. Geez, why does he have to be so gorgeous?

  “Oh really, why’s that?” I cock my hip to the side, giving him a sassy look. Two can play this game! His eyes roam over me and I do a little imaginary fist bump.

  “Well, I’m guessing you want to be able to make it to town without getting a mud bath again. How do you figure you’re going to get to your vehicle in those heels without ending up exactly as you were earlier?” He is still relaxed as ever. “And if you want a certain somebody to carry you across the mud, I would simply give in.”

  I want to smack his playful smirk off his pretty face. Damn it! I forgot about the mud. “Ugh, fine…you win.”

  After Ian hoists me up in his arms, we go into town in his truck. I ask him why he doesn’t let me drive myself and he says somebody is going to need to carry me back inside. I concede after that well made point. Truth be told, it is nice to have someone be so thoughtful. I don’t know if I even realized how on guard I was 24/7 back home. Everyone here is so accepting; I almost feel cheated. How is it that I had practically everything I could ever want but never really feel happy? These people here don’t have near the luxury and are so down to earth and just…real. I know nothing of this kind of lifestyle outside the city, yet it really feels like home.

  We pull up in front of a cute little diner that has a vintage feel to it. Ian and I take a booth in the back. The floors are checkered black and white, and there is everything from vintage skates to old records on the walls. It’s all very cluttered and crazy, but somehow it works. A waitress walks up wearing a poodle skirt, handing us our menus. Wow, they go all out here!

  I ask him what he would recommend. He tells me the pancakes are to die for, so we both end up ordering the same thing. About two minutes into our conversation, Quinn comes through the door, heading straight for our table once he spots us. Without even hesitating, he slides into my side of the booth, making me scoot over. He drapes his arm over the back of the seat.

  “Ladies…” He looks over at me, wiggling his eyebrows.

  Ian clears his throat. “Quinn, I believe there’s an open booth on the other side of the diner.”

  “And leave poor Eve here in only your company? Whatever did she do to me?”

  Quinn’s playful smirk is back full force as he looks down on me, making me smile.

  Ian sighs, shaking his head in defeat.

  “Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit, look who’s here!” I turn and see a very attractive blonde walk up to where we are sitting. Quinn instantly sits up a little straighter, his arm going back into his lap.

  I hear a low groan from Ian. “What are you doing here?”

  I give Ian a confused look. Who is this girl? A lover? Ex-girlfriend? I really don’t want more drama in my life. I feel a little sting of jealously and I’m not sure where it came from. I only just met Ian but nonetheless, I still feel somewhat possessive over him.

  The pretty blonde plops down next to Ian, giving him a cheesy grin before glancing at me, then her gaze lands on Quinn. Her brow faintly rises at Quinn before she relaxes, putting a small smile back on. Hmm…maybe not Ian’s lover, but Quinn’s? She reaches her hand out to me from across the table.

  “Lacey.” She jerks her head sideways toward Ian. “This one’s sister.”

  “Hi, I’m Eve.”

  She turns to Ian, nodding her head approvingly. “Oh, so you are the gorgeous Eve I’ve heard so much about.”

  I hear Ian choke on the water he’s drinking. He shoots Lacey a warning glare. “Yes, this is my younger sister who thinks she is more redneck than she really is.”

  The waitress arrives, saving us from any more awkward moments as she hands out our orders. The second Ian’s plate hits the table, Lacey lunges for his fork, cutting a big piece of pancake and shoveling it in her mouth. Ian grabs the fork back just as fast and they started grumbling at each other playfully. As much as Ian acts annoyed, I can see the love he has for his sister. I feel a pain inside at how happy they seem. I’ve always wanted this and in the span of a few minutes, I feel a whole different kind of jealously. Watching them together brings to light how much I’ve never even experienced something like that.

  I am so busy comparing my life to Ian’s that I momentarily tune out, thinking about what Lacey said. Was he talking about me to his sister? Did he really call me gorgeous? I feel my cheeks turn pink and as if there is an invisible pull between us, Ian looks up to me. I swear he can read my mind as a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.

  The conversation flows easily throughout breakfast. When Ian announces that he is taking me shopping since we drove together, Lacey quickly volunteers to take me.

  “I was on my way to pick up new boots when I saw your pickup parked outside and stopped in.” She pats Ian on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, lover boy, I’ll have her back to you in no time.”

  “Lacey…” Ian looks like he is about to strangle his sister. “She has a couple errands to run today so that won’t—”

  “Ian chill, everyone needs some girl time. I’m sure she doesn’t want you seeing all her panties and shit.” She turns to look at me, winking. “Don’t worry Eve, I’ll show you how to really have fun!” After she jerks Quinn out of his seat, she reaches down to grab my hand, pulling me to my feet. I shoot a questioning glance to Ian, wanting to know if he is okay with me going with his sister instead of him.

  “Are you okay with that, Evie? If you want me to take you instead…?” He still looks like he wants to murder his sister, but from the looks they are giving each other, I quickly figure out that Lacey merely wants to see if I am good enough for her big brother.

  “No, that’s all right. I could use a little girl time.” I’m still not all that sure about leaving with a stranger, especially seeing as how she seems a little wacky. Then I want to mentally slap myself. I need to stop judging people right off the bat; that is not who I am anymore.

&n
bsp; After saying our goodbyes and Lacey assuring Ian she will be on her best behavior, we drive off to go shopping. I learn that she works at Masters Construction, too, as the manager, as well as doing all the bookkeeping. She really does have a fun personality, if a bit off the wall. She has a huge heart, volunteering at the local animal shelter, rescuing horses. It makes me realize how wrong I was about her at first. The old Eve would have thought she was a crazy hick. I would have turned my nose up at her along with my friends, but not now. Now, I’m opening myself up to new people, to new places.

  We pull up to a strip mall that consists of only two stores with clothes—definitely different than the huge malls I’m used to.

  “So, what size pants do you wear? I hope you’re not planning on buying more of those skirts; they don’t sell a lot of fancy clothing here.” I tell her my pant size and she marches right up to a stack of folded jeans. “Ian told me where you live so I know how muddy it can get. I would suggest trying on a few.” She grabs about five pairs of jeans, dropping them in my arms. I find a dressing room and lock myself in, not knowing if she’ll just barge in or not. I hear her footsteps then the sound of her sitting in the chair outside the dressing room door. “So, what’s the deal with you and my brother?”

  Well at least she didn’t come into the dressing room with me. I rack my brain for something to tell her. There isn’t really anything going on with us, is there? I mean, I don’t even really know him, but I guess our relationship is a little weird, if I can even call it that.

  “Umm…well, what do you mean? We just met. He delivered me some wood. He’s my wood man, um, I mean, the person that delivers my wood. We’re only friends, really, nothing more. There’s no deal.” Oh my gosh, could that have come out any more awkward?

  “Mmmhmm, okay Evie, you keep telling yourself that.” She chuckles and it sounds like she slaps her palm against her leg. What does that mean? “I like you Eve. I think you’ll be good for Ian.”