Chapter 47

Adam

Traffic flows smoothly along the countless miles of highway. The last car I saw was at least five minutes ago, speeding in the opposite direction. We're making good time and will arrive in Breckenridge before sundown. But I don't care if the highway never ends. I have Evie by my side.

I feel ready for the big hoax and believe Evie is as well. If we're lucky, my parents and Steph will be otherwise occupied when we arrive at the hotel.

Evie is looking out her window, lost in her own thoughts. I hum along with Journey's Don't Stop Believin' set low on the radio.

It's a miracle I can keep my eyes open. Thanks heavens for the extra-strength energy drink I downed at our first pit stop. How they fit all that caffeine into such a tiny bottle is beyond me. My heart is palpitating from the eye-popping boost, my mind on overdrive.

From the moment I decided to get into the bed with Evie, I have barely slept. Particularly after she exited the bathroom in her lacy tank top. At first, I thought I was dreaming or maybe hallucinating. Spectacularly feminine with those toned arms and legs, and wild, loose waves, reaching just past her shoulders, Evie was a vision.

Her eyes had been at half-mast. Like a sleepwalker, she silently got into the bed beside me, snuggling close. I was nearly out of my mind with desire. But something was glaringly off.

It was as though Evie was under the influence of something. Had she downed a bottle of vodka when I wasn't looking? Once again, Evie was unconscious in seconds. Yet, each time I managed to slide to the edge of the bed, she scuttled closer as if her body had taken over while she slept. When I nearly fell out, I stayed put, even when Evie rested her head on my chest, accepting my fate of a night of no sleep.

The remaining wee hours were split between staring at the ceiling, trying to distract my mind with work problems and the occasional doze-off. When Evie finally stirred awake and turned to face me, the surprised expression on her face told me I'd acted wisely by not following my impulses.

She met my gaze with those incredible, dreamy eyes of hers, her words coherent. Even if they were used to question me about how we ended up in bed together. Her newfound lucidity served to cut away my self-imposed restraints.

Which is when it happened.

The kiss.

The moment our lips met, a veil was lifted, everything became vividly clear. Different than our first mind-blowing kiss in my kitchen. That one, as spectacular as it was, was a performance. This time, it was genuine. What began as a ruse to fool my family turned real.

I wanted to shout my revelation right there and then. Tell her how much I want to be with her, to talk to her, hold her, kiss her.

Love her.

Whoa, love? Where did that come from?

Love, love, love.

The word rings true. With the mantra still swirling in my head, the exhilaration chases away the exhaustion.

I couldn't care less if she's older. Not a whit. She's caring, smart, beautiful, and outdoorsy. She brings out the best in me. She brings out the passion in me.

I glance at Evie, still pensive. Could she be thinking the same thing?

No chance. It's crazy even to consider such a thing about someone I met days ago, let alone say it aloud.

But I need to tell her how I feel. At the right time. When it won't scare her away. Which would naturally exclude here in my old Honda on a deserted highway.

I'll find the right time over the weekend. A romantic moment. To tell her I'm falling hard for her. Falling in love.

The thought buoys me, bringing a broad smile to my face.

Bob Marley begins crooning over the radio. Softly, I sing along.

Everything is going to be all right.