Release!:A Walker Brothers Novel (The Walker Brothers Book 1)(38)

It’s not just about sex.

Nope. It wasn’t. If my attraction to Eva was purely carnal, it would be waning by now. Instead, it was getting worse. Even now, I was wondering what she was thinking, what she was doing. Most of all, I wanted to be close to her, breathe the same air she was breathing.

I tossed the towel in the open hamper. “I must be fucking crazy,” I rasped, afraid for my sanity.

I couldn’t push her away; I couldn’t be close to her without my emotions going on overload.

Disgusted with myself, I ran upstairs and to my room, not sure if I was disappointed or relieved when I found my bedroom empty. I wanted Eva here. I wanted her to invade my life in the way only a woman could.

I dressed quickly after looking at the clock and realizing I should already be out the door. Not that it really mattered. None of my staff needed me to be able to have a good time at the swanky country club where the festivities were being held.

But I hated being late. I was never late.

I donned my black tuxedo quickly, getting ready in record time. I left the bedroom without a backward glance, not wanting my gaze to land on the enormous king-sized bed where I’d fucked Eva like my life depended on it the night before.

Exiting in a rush, I nearly collided with her as I strode into the hall. I steadied her the moment her body crashed into me.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” We spoke the words in unison.

I couldn’t help but grin at her as she stepped back.

I reached for the collar of my formal white shirt so I could tug on it, suddenly feeling warm. My eyes devoured Eva, her curvy, feminine body in the same red, fuck-me dress that had haunted me since I’d laid eyes on it a few weeks ago. “You’re wearing…that?”

Her face fell. “Yes. You said it was formal. Does it look bad on me?”

“No.” She looked incredibly sensual, the silky material clinging to her body in places that should probably be illegal. By today’s standards, the dress was modest, but I knew it left her back bare, and the graceful line of her neck showing. Too much of her creamy skin was exposed, and I hated it. “You look beautiful.”

Her hair was drawn up in an elegant style, secured at the top of her head. Her makeup was perfect, and there wasn’t one single thing out of place.

“Thanks.” She fidgeted with her dress nervously.

“Don’t. You look perfect.”

She stopped playing with the garment to look at me, her eyes shining with uncertainly. “Do you really think so? You didn’t sound too sure.”

“I’m jealous. I don’t want any other man to see you in this dress. I’m afraid somebody will steal you away from me.” I was honest. I didn’t want her to be uncomfortable when she was just finding her confidence.

Her smile was worth my confession. “You’re so full of shit,” she told me with a laugh. “But I love it.”

She took the arm I held out to her, and I led her downstairs, never admitting that I had been completely serious about my fears.

*****



If I’d had any concerns about how Eva would mingle with my employees—which I actually never really did—any doubt would have been dissolved as I watched her from her place next to me at dinner. Her smile was genuine, and her interest in people was sincere. It was like my acquaintances could sense that she was really interested in their lives. And they had no problem talking about themselves.

There was nothing practiced or falsely polite about Eva. People were just naturally drawn to her smile.

I could relate to that. My dick had been continually hard because that smile affected me just that much.

After dinner, people had grouped together, most of them friends from the same area at work, or employees who worked in the same department.

I was trying to look interested in what the Vice President of Walker Corp was saying to me, but I didn’t want to hear about work. It was a damn Christmas party for God’s sake. Wasn’t he capable of shutting the hell up for just five minutes about work issues?

Finally, I held up a hand to silence him. “It’s a holiday party, Turner. Can’t we leave business behind for one night?”

“Of course, sir,” he answered nervously. “I just thought you wanted the numbers on this deal.”

I shook my head and looked at the earnest expression on the man’s face. He was a hard worker, and an executive in my company. How was it that I knew so little about his life? “Where’s your wife, Turner?”

“I’m not sure. I think she’s talking to some of the other wives.”

“I suggest you go find her and get her a drink.” It wasn’t really a suggestion. My voice was pretty insistent. “We can discuss business next week. Have fun, Turner. And relax for a while, man. Maybe take some time to appreciate your family.”