Chapter 15

Adam

Idrive the dark, tree-lined roads carefully, even though I know them like the back of my hand. Night has settled over the mountain, a waning moon making little impact against the inky sky. The only illumination comes from the car's headlights. I know once I turn them off, the sky will become a sea of stars. Maybe I'll point it out to Evie when we arrive at the house.

Or maybe that would be interpreted as a come-on. Hey Evie, come this way. Let me show you the stars.

I glance at her. She's sound asleep, her head leaning against the window. It gives me the chance to study her beautiful face. Her small nose, high cheekbones, long thick lashes. A lock of hair has come loose of her ponytail and hangs haphazardly down past her ear. Soft puffs of breath emerge from her full ruby lips.

I feel an odd tingle deep in my belly. It's been many years since I've had such a powerful reaction to a woman. A fierce, all-encompassing attraction.

But it's more than that. She looks so vulnerable. A feeling of protectiveness courses through me. A primal instinct.

As I take the last turn before my property, it occurs to me this is the first time I've brought a woman back to my place in the mountains. For a variety of reasons. I like my privacy. I don't want prying eyes or curious people judging me for what is obviously a pricey piece of land in the heart of the park.

Since selling the app, I've learned that people view me—and treat me—differently when they know about my money.

Still, that's only part of the story. Truth is, I haven't yet met a woman I wanted to bring back to my place. Not that this is that sort of situation. We just met.

Sure, I've experienced the occasional one-night stand back in college. Even a geek like me could find temporary companionship. But those days are behind me. As much as my sister believes I'm a frat boy in disguise, nothing could be farther from the truth. I've never been that guy, and now in my thirties, I want to find a true connection with someone, not a passing fling.

Yet, I didn't have a second thought inviting Evie to stay with me to save the late-night drive to Merced following the exhausting ordeal. The offer came out instinctively. All that went through my mind was hoping that she would accept. When she did, it felt like when my team won the Superbowl.

There's no way to dismiss it. If we spend any more time together, as it appears we're about to, I'll soon be a goner.

I approach the black iron gates and slow the car, clicking the remote attached to the dashboard. The gates slide open, silently. I drive up the long driveway, the gravel causing the car to shudder.

Evie stirs as the car comes to a stop. Blinking her eyes open, she seems momentarily disoriented. Then she looks outside. The house is lit from within, the sensors at the gate having triggered them. I never liked arriving home to a dark house.

The house is modern, made of stone, wood, and lots of glass. During the day, the expansive windows allow in a great deal of light and offer breathtaking views of the mountains. It looks enchanting.

A look of confusion crosses Evie's face. "Where are we?"

"At my place."

Evie blinks once again and looks around. "This is your place?"

"Yep." I want to apologize but realize there's nothing to feel sorry for.

Evie seems to be reading my expression, assessing if I'm playing a practical joke on her. Something in my face must convince her I'm serious. The corners of her lips lift in a show-stopping smile.

I feel a flutter in my gut. "Come on in. I'll show you around."