Steel and Lace(3)

"Perhaps it's less a case of me startling you as it is of you making a habit of being unaware of your surroundings," he gave me a cocky half grin. I scrambled to wipe up the mess of coffee on the table and gather my thoughts.

"I doubt that, Mr. Morgan. Can I help you with something?" I held his steely gaze.

"You looked awfully intimate, Evangeline. Was he your boyfriend?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but no he's not. We're friends," I busied myself at my laptop.

"Didn't you just move here? You seem to make friends quickly," Carter still stood over the table with an accusatory stance. How did he know I'd just moved here? I certainly didn't tell him that during our very brief meeting the night before.

"We grew up together," I looked up at him suspiciously. Was Carter Morgan someone I should be weary of? He was certainly acting odd for only having met twice now. "Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Morgan?" I folded my arms and locked my jaw.

His eyebrows shot up and the corner of his mouth twitched into a small grin. "Well, now that I’m responsible for spilling your coffee, can I get you another?" I stared into his cool blue eyes for a moment. What was his angle? Was Carter Morgan someone I needed to be afraid of? Was he some sexy, crazy, stalker in his free time?

"I’ll get it, thanks," I began to dig through my bag for my wallet.

"I’ve got it, Evangeline. Soy vanilla latte, right?" Carter turned on his heel and headed for the counter.

My mind rushed with the possibility. Carter Morgan was gorgeous, but something about him made me uneasy. He looked at me with eyes that were almost possessive. My mind was still reeling when Carter sauntered back with a cup of coffee in his hand. He sat in the chair opposite me and regarded me thoughtfully.

"Thanks..." my voice trailed off. "How did you know that I just moved here? And that I drink soy vanilla lattes? Should I be worried that you’re a crazed, psycho stalker out to get me?" I smiled at him.

Carter gave a deep chuckle. "I do my research Evangeline. I know you're from Upstate. 26 years old. Graduated from UMASS with a BA in Journalism. Your roommate’s a fashion designer, you're a fashion editor, and your coffee order was written on your cup,” a grin spread across his face.

"Do you always so thoroughly research the people you come into contact with, Mr. Morgan?"

"Only if it serves my interest in some way," his gaze was steady upon me. Again there was that crackling between us as his eyes burned into mine.

"Well, I’m not sure why I would be of any interest you. So I guess your research was in vain," I refused to let him intimidate me. He may be a sexy, CEO billionaire with enthralling ice blue eyes and an alluringly dark aura about him, but I didn't have time for games, in life or love.

"On the contrary Miss Austin, you are of great interest to me." I quirked one eyebrow at him, my heart thumping in my chest. His words felt like they had more meaning than he let on. "I’m a capitalist Evangeline. I own a few boutiques on Newbury, so the fact that you are an editor for a major website could come in handy."

"Oh," a small piece of me was disappointed, although I was uncomfortable even admitting it to myself.

"Until we meet again, Miss Austin," Carter took my hand in his softly and stared into my eyes as he placed a kiss on my knuckles. My heart jumped up into the back of my throat, preventing me from saying anything. And with that the enigmatic Carter Morgan turned and sauntered out of the coffee shop.





Three





Friday morning Cate and I sat sipping coffee at our kitchen island before starting a busy day. I was off to meet with a local accessories designer to talk about the new trends that came out of fashion week, and Cate was gearing up for another day of designing.

"Sawyer said he saw you at the coffee shop the other day. I think he's still got it for you," I shook my head at her. "So we should all go out tonight. We haven't had a night out since you got to town. We should go to The Roxy."

I didn't answer her and took another long draw from my coffee.

"That's it, we're going. I’ll call Sawyer and have him meet us."

Just as Cate picked up her phone, a loud knock echoed through the apartment. Cate hopped up and headed for the door. I continued to sip my coffee and thought about the questions I had for my interview today.

"Eva," Cate's voice rang out like a bell. "For you," she glided into the kitchen. She carried a white vase overflowing with dark purple calla lillies. The contrast of the two colors was stunning.

"Who are they from?" Cate's excitement was palpable.