Epilogue

EPILOGUE

7 weeks later…

“SO LET ME GET this straight.” Dr. Glover lifted the end of his pen to his lips as his eyes narrowed over the top of his glasses. “You tracked this man down, went home with him the first night you met him, got him a job working with you, and lied about your identity to get him to fall in love with you. Is that right?”

Reagan’s eyes went wide and she looked over at Evan. “Uh…when you put it like that—”

“Yes or no?”

“Yes?”

“And Evan,” Dr. Glover continued, “you admit to bouts of uncontrollable sexual urges, and destructive thoughts and behavior. Is that right?”

“Is he always like this?” Reagan whispered, and Evan squeezed where his hand was resting on her thigh.

“Yes,” he said to Dr. Glover before turning to Reagan. “And yes.”

“So we have a liar and a sex addict. How’s that working out for you two?” Evan’s therapist asked.

“Well, I keep him satisfied on the sex front because, clearly, I’m not eligible for admission at the local convent.”

“Amen,” Evan said. But Reagan continued as though he hadn’t said a word. “And since I was busted the first time I withheld the truth, it’s pretty obvious I don’t have a good poker face. So you could say it’s working out well. Right?” She turned to Evan, who nodded.

“You don’t seem to regret giving an illusion,” Dr. Glover said.

“Look at him. I doubt I’m the first to tell a few white lies to get close to him.”

“Real close,” Evan piped up.

She sat up straight and then twisted toward Evan. “Mhmm. But I will be the last,” she teased, and gave a flirty wink. When a delicious smile morphed his lips, Reagan shifted on the seat.

“So, Reagan, you’re proud you lied?” Dr. Glover asked.

Reagan heard Evan cough behind her. “He’s enjoying this a little too much, don’t you think? He’s definitely the troublemaker of the two of us. Shouldn’t you ask him a few questions?”

“Oh, I will, but first, you have to answer mine.”

Reagan shrugged. “I wouldn’t call it lying. I’d call it…hiding the truth. But if you’re determined to use the label, then hell yes I fucking lied, and I’d do it again.”

Evan’s laugh was loud as it echoed around the walls of the office. “So unapologetic,” he said. “Just admit it. You lied to get in my pants.”

Reagan’s mouth fell open, and she pointed an accusatory finger at him. “I didn’t need to lie to get in your pants, thank you very much. Remember, we’re here talking to your therapist, Evan James.”

“Who knows aaaall about your dirty ways.”

Reagan let out a sigh and looked over at the doctor to see his lips twitching in amusement. “I’m glad you find this so amusing.”

“I have to admit—I do. It’s nice to see how far he’s come,” Dr. Glover said. “Now if you don’t mind, I’ve got a few more questions for the two of you.”

“I mind,” Reagan replied. “This is more stressful than a job interview.”

“Unless you’re trying not to imagine your interviewer naked and straddling you like she was the night before. Then it’s harder, and yes, the pun is intended,” Evan said.

Dr. Glover stared at Evan. “Well, I, for one, am grateful you are not picturing that for me. Now, Evan, what would Reagan say is the one thing you do that drives her crazy?”

Evan cocked his head to the side. “I’m pretty fucking perfect, but if I had to pick something…it would probably be leaving my wet towels on the bathroom floor.”

“Wrong,” Reagan said. “It would be always choosing a horror flick knowing I can’t stand them.”

Evan burst into laughter. “There’s a good reason for that.”

“I’d love to hear it,” Dr. Glover said.

“She’s too scared to watch the movie, so she focuses her attention…elsewhere.”

“Jesus,” Reagan said, rolling her eyes.

“What? It’s true.”

“Okay, come on you two.” Dr. Glover chuckled, peering at her over his glasses again. “Reagan, what traits would you say Evan admires the most about you?”

“That would be my fierce independence and my dazzling mind,” she said.

“And also her ass,” Evan chimed in.

Dr. Glover looked annoyed. “That’s not a trait, Evan.”

“Well it’s an asset. But really, I do appreciate how intelligent she is. Reagan is one of the smartest people I know. She conducts business better than any man I’ve ever seen, and sometimes I can’t believe she is the same little Jenny Spencer I grew up with.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet,” she said, and leaned over to give him a kiss. And then another. And another.

“All right, knock it off. We’ve only got a few more minutes on the clock, and then I’ll let you lovebirds ride off into the sunset. Reagan, same question to you.”

She pulled away from Evan and smiled. “His ability to overcome adversities in his life. It hasn’t been an easy path, but he takes it one day at a time, and I respect him for that. I love him because of that. He’s stronger than anyone I know.”

“Aren’t you a sappy little thing. You forgot to mention filthier than anyone you know.” Evan wrapped his arm around her waist and planted a kiss on her neck.

“I think that goes without saying,” Reagan replied.

Dr. Glover set down his notepad and steepled his fingers. “I never would’ve guessed things would work out this way, so thank you. Thank you for surprising me.”

“You had a lot to do with helping me work through my issues, so I appreciate it. Even though you’re a blunt bastard,” Evan said.

“It’s nice to see that I’m doing something right.” Dr. Glover got to his feet and motioned for them to do the same. “All right, time’s up. I’ve got to take my wife out for dinner. What do you two have planned for Valentine’s this evening? Or should I even ask?”

Evan ushered Reagan toward the door, with a hand lightly pressing against her back. As she stepped through and out onto the front stoop of the brownstone, he looked back over his shoulder and winked at the good doctor. A mischievous smile pulled into place as he replied, “You definitely shouldn’t ask.”