Love, Eve discovered, could happen in an instant—especially between a little girl and a dog. She realized after five minutes of watching them play, first cautiously, then with sweet abandon, Daisy and Nana were soulmates.
“What made you think to get Daisy a dog?” Eve asked as she and Dylan remained far enough away to give the pair space but close enough to intervene if something untoward occurred.
“A friend, Sean McBride, was on his way to pick out a pet for his sons. I tagged along.” Dylan said, smiling at the child and dog antics. “Sean is married to Riley Preston, by the way.”
“The woman who owns the Knights?” Eve asked.
“Sean used to play for the team. Wide receiver. He was just elected to the Hall of Fame.”
“You and Sean must be close,” Eve said.
Dylan frowned.
“Really?” Dylan raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think so?”
“Because when you mention the Hall of Fame, you beamed like a proud parent.”
“You’re right.” Dylan nodded. “Besides, Levi, most of my friends currently play for the Knights. Or they’re retired players. They live all around us.”
“Really?” Eve pointed to their right. “Who lives over there?”
“Gaige Benson.”
“The movie star?” Eve gasped.
“Gaige’s acting career began after he retired from football,” Dylan told her. “The word legend is thrown around a lot, but he’s the real deal. The ultimate quarterback. He led Seattle to their first championship. If you like, I’ll introduce you.”
“Yes, please. Gaige Benson is so good looking.” Eve sighed.
“He has a wife,” Dylan told her with a frown.
“I don’t want to marry the man,” Eve assured him. “Just let me bask in his yumminess.”
“You’re such a sucker for a pretty face,” Dylan said, rolling his eyes.
“Not always. Some I can take or leave.” Eve sent Dylan a pointed look. Tongue in cheek, she craned her neck toward the fence. “Which house belongs to Levi.”
“I need to get some ugly friends,” Dylan muttered.
Eve hid her smile. She could have told Dylan the truth. He was the only man she wanted. He tempted her wavering resolve. Every day. Every minute.
One moment, Eve was convinced sleeping with Dylan would ruin everything. The next second, she thought of a dozen reasons why sex with him was a great idea. They were young, healthy adults. Why shouldn’t they take advantage of their proximity?
One thing stopped Eve. When she left, she didn’t want to take any regrets with her. The question was, which option, sex or no sex, would she lament the most?
“Looks like the new friends wore each other out,” Dylan said, breaking into Eve’s thoughts. He nodded toward the sleeping girl and the dog curled up by her side. “You take Daisy into the house, I’ll set Nana up in her new doghouse. Then, we’ll figure out what to have for lunch. Deal?”
“Sounds good.”
Eve settled Daisy down for a nap.
“You’ll be fine without me,” she whispered, smoothing a stray lock of hair from the little girl’s forehead. “Part of me wants to stay. The other part knows I should leave when the time comes. How will I decide?”
Knowing Daisy didn’t have the answer, Eve tiptoed from the room and closed the door.
“All tucked in?”
Eve looked up to find Dylan waiting at the top of the stairs. She nodded.
“Do you have the answer?” she asked him.
“Depends.” Dylan smiled and Eve felt the flutter of butterflies in her stomach. “What’s the question?”
“I haven’t decided.” Eve laughed. “When I do, you’ll be the first to know.”
▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲
DR. ERIN ASHMORE sat across from Eve. Tall, blonde, gorgeous, she crossed her long legs, the tip of one blue and white striped pump hitting the coffee table. She laughed.
“Happens every time,” Erin said. “I can never seem to properly gauge the distance between my shoe and the table.”
“They’re gorgeous,” Eve said, nodding toward the glossy, high-heeled pumps.
“Shoes are my weakness,” Erin told her. She laughed. “And purses. And jackets. In case you haven’t guessed, I’m addicted to fashion. The dress you have on is beautiful.”
“Nicer than what I’m used to,” Eve said as she smoothed a non-existent wrinkle from the silk skirt. “I’m a little embarrassed.”
“Why?” Erin asked.
“The bedroom where I stay at Dylan’s house? When I arrived, the closet was filled with clothes. More than I’ll ever wear.” Eve shifted in her chair. “I should have made him return everything.”
“Why?” Erin shook her head. “You look after Dylan’s niece. Just consider the clothes perks of the job.”
“I doubt most nannies are treated to a wardrobe filled with designer labels. Trouble is, I like everything he purchased.” Eve sighed. “I’m weak.”
“You’re human,” Erin corrected. “You aren’t expected to perform any special favors, are you?”
“What? No.” Eve shook her head. “Dylan isn’t that kind of man.”
“I didn’t think so.” Erin smiled when her nurse entered the room. “Sip your tea while I look over your test results. And have a cookie. I have a friend who just opened a bakery. Everything she makes is wonderful, but the lemon crinkles are out of this world.”
Ten minutes and three cookies later, Eve received a clean bill of health.
“Your iron levels are a little low. I can recommend a supplement or snack on a handful of raisins once a day. Up to you.”
“Raisins.” Given a choice, Eve always went with food.
“Then we’re done,” Erin said. “Unless you have any questions.”
“You asked before if I was on the pill.”
“And you said no.” Erin nodded. “Would you like me to write you a prescription?”
“Yes.” Eve didn’t give herself a chance to change her mind.
“Remember,” Erin said. “Continue to use barrier protection, like a condom, for two days after you take the first pill. If you aren’t familiar with your partner’s sexual history, always use a condom.”
“I do.” Eve nodded. “I will.”
“If you need anything let me know,” Erin patted Eve’s hand. “You’re new in town, call me soon and we’ll go out to dinner. I’ll bring a few friends and we’ll make
