Becoming Eve (The Becoming Series Book 1) Read online

  He runs his thumb back and forth across my jawline. “It actually makes me feel a lot better knowing you have Duke here when you’re all alone.” I am reluctant to break up the tender moment, but I know if I don’t ask now, I will give into his touch, forgetting about everything else.

  I pull back slightly, forcing Ian to drop his hand from my face. His brows furrow. “What’s the matter?”

  I bite my lip, “Come sit on the couch with me?” I step around him toward the living room, knowing he will follow. I sit down, waiting for Ian to join me. As soon as he sits down, he lifts my legs and put them across his lap, rubbing the bottom of my foot. It feels so good that I close my eyes and enjoy it for a second.

  I keep my eyes closed because it’s easier. “Ian, what you said yesterday…I’m not sure what to make of it.” I take a deep breath. “I’m terrified to let you in. You’re someone that could break my heart so easily. I don’t only have me to think about anymore. I have a baby on the way, and I don’t know where we stand. I know you said you want me, but does that mean long term, especially when the baby is here?”

  “Evie, look at me.” When I open my eyes to look at him, he’s staring so intently at me. “I meant every word yesterday. I do not, nor have I ever, told a girl she means something to me. Only you, Eve.” He takes my hand, caressing my knuckles with his soft lips. “And the fact that you’re pregnant only means there’s more of you to love.” He turns my hand over to lay a kiss on my palm. “I’m sure you’ve been shopping and come across something you weren’t there to buy but as soon as you saw it, you knew you had to have it. That’s how it was with you. I saw you and I knew I had to have you. When you told me you were pregnant, I still didn’t care. I want all of you, Evie.”

  A single tear slides down my cheek. I absolutely hate how easily I cry these days, but nobody has ever spoken such tender, loving words to me. He reaches up, swiping it away with the pad of his thumb.

  “I promise to take this slow, but I want us together.” I bite my bottom lip to keep myself from grinning. It seems to grab his attention as his eyes zero in. “And I want to taste those sweet lips again.”

  I lean forward, eager to comply, sealing my lips to his. I swipe my tongue across his bottom lip and he groans, gripping the back of my head to deepen the kiss. Boy, oh boy, he sure can kiss. My hormones must be on overdrive because I feel my body burning with need.

  I quickly straddle Ian’s lap, our kisses turning even more passionate. I snake my hand under his shirt, slowly feeling my way up his stomach.

  Hello sexy abs!

  If Ian wasn’t kissing me within an inch of my life, I might have taken my time counting each one. I make my way up to his chest, grazing his nipple. When he draws in a breath, I become bolder as my other hand slides down to his belt buckle. As I start to fumble with the clasp, Ian grabs my hand.

  “Evie.” He rests his forehead to mine, breathing heavily.

  I frown at him. Did he not say he wanted me, all of me? “I thought…?” I shake my head slowly, confused and embarrassed. I feel like I threw myself at him like some common hussy.

  “It’s not that I don’t want to, but damn, Evie. It seems like everyone in your life has wronged you in some way—your parents, your friends, everyone. I want to be the person that does right by you. I don’t want to rush this. I want to take this slow and if that means waiting until I legally make you mine, that’s what I’ll do. Is that okay, sweetheart?”

  How could I possibly say no to that? He’s right of course. My shoulders slump as I nod my head. How am I going to do this? Now that I’ve had his lips on mine, I’m completely addicted. Every time I kiss him, need courses through my body; this has to be the equivalent of female blue balls. “All right, but Ian, I’m dying here. I don’t know if I can wait that long for you.”

  A sly grin appears on his face. “Oh sweet Evie, I didn’t say we couldn’t fool around.” He begins kissing me again and I lose all my thoughts as he devours my mouth. He slowly leans me back until I’m lying on my back, him hovering over me. He lies to the side, keeping his weight off of me as he starts to unbutton my jeans. He suddenly stops kissing me, glancing down to where his hand is.

  That’s when I realize I had to loop a rubber band around the button of my pants to keep the pressure off the slight swell of my belly. My cheeks turn pink. “Um, sorry. My pants got to be a little too tight for comfort.” I untie the rubber band while Ian gives me a smile before going back to kissing me. I can’t help but feel a little self-conscious about this now.

  “Ian, you don’t have to do this. I know it must be weird—”

  “Shush.” Did he just shush me? “You’re perfect.” His hand slips under my panties until it’s right where I want it. Okay, I’ll shush. His fingers stroke me so expertly that in no time I am coming apart, moaning around his wonderful kisses. If he’s this skilled with his fingers, I really can’t wait for the rest.

  “That was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” I open my eyes to see him hovering over me, a hungry look in his eyes. I smile up at him, still breathing hard. I’ve never felt so relaxed in my life. I close my eyes with a smile still on my face. I feel Ian kiss my temple before snuggling up behind me. I never want to move from this spot ever again. I fall asleep feeling so cherished for the first time in my life.

  Something stinks horribly bad. Ugh, why is my face wet? My eyes crack open to see Duke panting two inches from my face. The smell is so bad that I quickly try to move my face out of the way but instead, the back of my head smashes into Ian’s face.

  We ended up falling asleep on the couch after eating dinner, cuddling very closely all night.

  Best sleep ever.

  I hear Ian groan behind me as I sit up so I can inspect the damage I’ve done on his face. I hope this time I didn’t make anything bleed.

  Ian’s hand is covering his eye and when he lowers his hand, all I can see is a little red mark.

  He’ll live.

  “Sorry.” I snicker. “Good morning.” I kiss the red mark before turning to give Duke a pat on the head so he’ll stop licking my arm.

  He chuckles. “It was a good morning until you tried to break my face.” His voice is deep and scratchy sounding.

  Sexy. Very sexy.

  He stretches his arms above his head, making his shirt rise up. I lightly trail my finger across his lower abs, right above his pants. Ian squirms, grabbing my hand. “I’m ticklish in the morning.”

  “Oh really?”

  I dig my fingers into his sides as fast as I can, tickling him. Ian lets out a—a squeal?—and grabs both of my hands.

  “You’re going to pay for that!” He sits up, still holding both of my hands hostage, blowing raspberries on my neck. This time I’m the one to squeal, desperately trying to get away. Duke starts barking, jumping on Ian. He grunts when Duke brings his upper body down on his stomach.

  I pull Duke off of Ian, dragging him outside so he can go to the bathroom. When I turn around, I glance at the clock—eight fifteen! I have to meet Quinn today at nine for my first day of work. I’m going to be late!

  I rush past Ian as he’s sitting up from the couch. I hear him race after me toward the bathroom.

  “What’s wrong? Are you sick?”

  Squirting some toothpaste on my toothbrush, I start to vigorously brush my teeth. As soon as I spit, I turn to face Ian. “No, the morning sickness has been a lot better lately. I’m late. I’m sorry; I forgot to tell you I got a job.” I start to brush my teeth more, not wanting to tell him that my boss is his best friend.

  “A job?” He gives me a confused look, waiting for me to continue.

  “Mmhmm,” I say through a mouthful. I finally spit when I know I can’t stall anymore. “Actually, um, Quinn offered me a job.” As soon as he opens his mouth to respond, I rush out, “Please don’t be mad. I just spaced out and forgot to tell you. I swear I wasn’t hiding it from you.” I bite on my lower lip, hoping he isn’t going to be mad.

  “
Why on Earth would I be mad at you?” He steps closer to me, running his thumb across my bottom lip, forcing me to let go. “I’m happy for you.” He leans down, his lips lingering against mine. He swipes his tongue over my lip before claiming by mouth. I melt into him, kissing him back. This man has to have some power over me because as soon as he touches me, nothing else exists but him. My arms start to go around his neck but then I remember I have to be somewhere. I pull away, giving him a little shove.

  “You’re going to make me later than I already am!” I rush past him as he laughs. I run into the bedroom, closing the door.

  I’m staring into the closet, trying to decide what to wear for the first day of my job. First day of my job. I’m so excited I want to dance around the room, but I don’t have time.

  I wonder if my parents would be proud of me. I think I need to write to them soon because not talking to them is starting to drive me crazy.

  Once I find the perfect outfit, I go to the mirror so I can finish doing my hair and makeup.

  I walk into the kitchen when my stomach growls at the smells that are drifting out. Ian turns around from his spot at the stove, sliding an omelet from the pan to a plate.

  “Breakfast?” He walks to the table, sets down the plate, and then fills a cup with some orange juice that he already set out.

  I glance to the clock. I’m already going to be a little late. “I wish I could, but I’m going to be late as it is.”

  He frowns at me. “Nonsense. My girls need to eat, and if Quinn has a problem with that, then he can deal with me.” He comes over to me, guiding me toward the table.

  I snort at him. I don’t have the time to argue either so I eat as fast as I can. I have to give him some credit—that man can cook. And kiss. And pretty much do everything. I go to put my dishes in the sink when he takes them from me, pecking my cheek with a quick kiss.

  “Thank you, that was delicious.”

  “You’re welcome, but you’re going to be late, so I would probably stop standing there and get going.”

  I smack his shoulder. “Brat.”

  Right as I turn around to walk out, Ian snags my wrist. He pulls me into his chest, bringing his mouth down on mine. Once I’m out of breath, he whispers, “Have a good day at work.”

  Yeah, work’s the last thing on my mind now.

  After Ian tells me he’ll take care of Duke and lock up, I drive to work. I’m so excited this is actually happening. When I left home, I had nothing. Now I have a job, a house, a dog, great friends, some cooking skills, and a wonderful boyfriend. I never anticipated any of this would happen when I came here.

  Most people think going out and experiencing the world means moving to the city, trying new things, and meeting different people. The opposite has been true for me. The day I left the big city behind and came to this small town was the day I really started living.

  I pull into the front of the office…or is it a large shed? Maybe a small trailer? Beautiful landscaping surrounds the small building. On one side of the fence, there are boulders of every shape and size, and in the back are all types of fountains. On the other side are oodles of trees and shrubs in pots, waiting to be planted. I’m in awe as I walk up to the door. It is so beautiful with miniature waterfalls, a small bridge to walk over, and what I assume I s a manmade creek. It’s absolutely stunning. There is a wooden sign that reads Kovac Landscaping in burned lettering over the door.

  What is it about these local businesses starting with their last names?

  I walk in, coming face to face with a smiling Quinn. “You made it!”

  I grin at him. “I sure did.” He’s so tall and close that I can’t see around him.

  “Well here it is.” He sweeps his arm out, acting like its some grand palace. My jaw feels like it hits the floor as I take in the little space. There are papers scattered everywhere, swallowing the desk whole. It looks like the place hasn’t been dusted in years. I’m completely speechless as I look around.

  “Did a bomb go off in here?” I crane my neck back so I can look at Quinn. He gives me a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck.

  “I know it’s a wild mess in here. I told you I’m not good at this stuff, and when I’m done at a site, I’m always way too tired to keep all this organized.”

  I raise my eyebrows at him. “I can see that.”

  He suddenly grabs my shoulders. “Please don’t quit!” I can’t help but laugh at him. Poor guy looks like he’s at his wit’s end in here.

  “I’m not going to quit. I’ve always liked a challenge. Let’s get started.”

  Quinn gave me a playful shove. “That’s what I like to hear.”

  I have no idea how I am going to get through all this, but decide maybe putting everything into piles would be a good start. I’m surprised Quinn is actually helping and within thirty minutes, I have a good idea of how I want everything to be sorted out.

  “Are you sure you’re going to be okay in here by yourself?”

  “Yes, I’ll be fine.” I wave him off. “You go do your work and I’ll finish up in here.”

  As soon as Quinn leaves, I get to work putting each bill, invoice, and piece of junk mail in its own specific pile. It takes a few hours but once I am done with that, I put each pile in order by date, oldest to newest. After another two hours, all the paperwork is finally organized and in proper order.

  I look around, deciding to go into the back where the tiny kitchen and bathroom is. The kitchen is so small that probably only two people can fit in it without bumping into one another.

  I start going through all the cabinets and drawers, trying to find the cleaning supplies. I finally find some multipurpose spray in the bathroom with an old, dirty rag lying beside it.

  Well this will have to do.

  I get to work dusting the desk—twice—making sure it is good and clean. I’m not sure it’s ever been dusted. Next I start with the pictures on the wall. They are all of beautiful mountain scenery. I even dust the large plant leaves that are in both corners.

  The door opens as Quinn enters, staring in shock at the room. He looks at everything, even smells the air. “Wow, this doesn’t even look like the same place!” He beams at me. “You’re amazing—has anyone ever told you that?”

  I give him a shy smile. “No, but I like hearing it. Do you mind if I head out? I’m beat.”

  He lets out a snort. “Hell, I would be too. I didn’t imagine you would do all this in one day. It smells so clean in here now.”

  “Sure did. I’ll see you tomorrow? Same time?” I walk to the door, which Quinn is holding open for me.

  “Yup. See you tomorrow.”

  As soon as I get in my truck, I take out my phone. I had put it on silent and was so busy that I didn’t have time to check it. When I light up the screen, I see I have a text from Ian.

  Honey Bunches: I’m so proud of you! Come over to my house after work to celebrate ;)

  I bite my lip, trying not to smile.

  Me: I’m all done. I should probably go check on Duke first.

  Honey Bunches: Already taken care of. He’s here with me.

  Me: Aww, both my boys are waiting for me?

  Honey Bunches: Always!!

  Me: On my way

  My face literally hurts from smiling so much as I pull away from my first successful day of work, and now I get to end the day with Ian. I don’t think my life could be any more wonderful. I’m still smiling as I pull up to Ian’s house.

  I look up to see Duke barreling down the porch steps toward me. He’s so good about not jumping on me. As soon as he reaches my side, he starts spinning in excited circles. I laugh and finally get him to stop spinning long enough to give him a pat.

  “I could listen to that laugh for the rest of my life and die happy.”

  I glance up to Ian leaning against the porch railing, one foot crossed over his ankle. I can’t do anything but stare at him, fixed in his trance. He walks down the steps slowly. When he’s standing in front of me, h
e bends down, kissing me gently. He wraps his arms around me. “I missed you.”

  “Hey lovebirds! Get in here already.”

  I peek around Ian to see Lacey sticking her head out the door. I stick my tongue out at her, making her laugh before she shuts the door.

  Ian links our fingers together, steering me inside. I watch as Duke runs ahead of us, happy as can be. I can’t believe he is the same dog I saw moping in the kennel. It’s crazy what feeling like you belong somewhere does to your spirit.

  When I walk into the kitchen, loud cheers ring out. Lacey, Scarlett, Conner, Jane, and Lloyd are all here. There is a large Congratulations banner hanging from the ceiling along with streamers in all colors. I’m instantly enveloped in hugs from everyone. Tears fill my eyes.

  “No tears Evie,” Ian whispers in my ear from behind.

  “It’s only a job, you didn’t have to do all this.” I wipe my happy tears with the back of my hand.

  “It was an accomplishment and you earned it. We’re so proud of you.”

  I let out a shaky laugh. “Thank you everyone, so much.”

  At that moment, Quinn walks into the kitchen. “This girl is amazing. You should see what she did in one day.”

  I blush from head to toe while Jane pops a cork. “Don’t worry Eve, I bought sparkling cider. No alcohol.” She gives me a wink and goes about filling a cup for everyone. They all hold their cups up in the air and yell, “To Eve!”

  I drink so much cider that I keep having to leave to go to the bathroom. After my third trip, I walk out to see Conner lying on Duke, reading him a story. It has to be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Duke, of course, is loving every minute of it. I swear he is smiling, soaking up all the attention.

  The party lasts for two hours and I am exhausted by the end. I watch Quinn eyeing Lacey all night, just as Lacey keeps sneaking peeks at him. I know they have a thing for each other; I simply need to find a way to make them see it.

  I talk with Scarlett more and we really hit it off. She suggests that I have her personal cell, not only her office number that goes to her answering service, in case anything goes wrong. Lacey chooses that moment to walk by, informing me that she already entered Scarlett in my phone and I can find her under Baby Catcher. I’m really going to have to watch her with my phone from now on.