Page 2 of Seducing Kaden
“Thank you so much,” she says in a breathy voice as I hand her a cup.
“Did the stains come out?” As much as I want to look, I daren’t risk it, because I’m already painfully hard.
She gestures at her chest, seemingly unaware of how transparent her blouse is. “It’s not as noticeable on my blouse, but my jacket is ruined. At least it’s warm, and I can forego it.” Her laugh is nervous, and as she looks down at her feet, I realize she understands the situation perfectly—she’s just trying to make the best of it.
“My Jeep isn’t far from here. I don’t mind driving you home if you want to change?” I offer. Who cares about being late for my very first class?
Tipping her chin up, she smiles at me from under thick, sultry lashes, and I fall into a daze. I’ve never believed in the whole “love at first sight” bullshit, but I think I’m about to eat my words. She is the most beautiful, most captivating creature I’ve ever laid eyes on, and I’d burn the world down to keep that gorgeous smile on her face.
“You’re so sweet, but unfortunately there isn’t time.” The smile drops off her face, replaced with her earlier panic. “It’s my first day here, and I can’t be late. I’ll just have to make do.” She rolls her eyes, exhaling noisily. “Way to make a first impression.”
“You’ll do great.” I rush to reassure her, even though it’s an empty platitude because what the hell do I know? Every guy in the place is going to be sniffing around her all day.
“I guess we’ll see.” She attempts to put a brave face on, but I can tell it’s for show.
“At least let me walk you.”Please let me walk you. I’m not ready to let yougo yet.
“No, it’s fine, honestly. Thank you for all your help…” She arches one elegant brow.
I hold out my hand. “I’m Kaden.” I deliberately omit my surname, because I’ve seen the effect it has on people. Especially women.
She places her tiny hand in mine, and the instant her soft skin touches my flesh an electrical charge whips through my body like lightning. Her eyes pop wide and she jumps a little, so I’m guessing I’m not the only one feeling the spark of attraction between us. Two rosy spots bud on her cheeks, and I’m a goner. I want this woman under me, over me, and in every way I can have her. My boner strains against my jeans, and if she looks down, there’s no way she’ll miss it.
“I’m Evelina, but my friends call me Eva.”
“A beautiful name for a beautiful woman,” I say, taking her hand and lifting it to my lips. I kiss the tips of her fingers, wishing it was her mouth. She visibly shivers, and my answering grin is automatic. “I’d love to take you out some time.” My eyes drill into hers, so I notice the instant they turn anguished. My brow furrows in confusion, and I don’t understand what I said to upset her.
She slants a sympathetic look my way, sliding her hand from mine. Switching her coffee cup from one hand to the other, she waves her left hand at me. “I’m married.” She smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
My brows climb to my hairline in surprise. I know she’s a bit older than me, but not that much older. Disappointment slaps me in the face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize, or I wouldn’t have said anything.”
“It’s okay.” She clutches her bag tightly. “It happens a lot.”
I’ll bet.
Eva is a stunner and I’m sure she turns heads wherever she goes. I hold the door open for her. “After you.”
“Thank you, Kaden.”
We step outside, bathed in glorious sunshine, and she turns to me, the sun highlighting her exquisite form like a halo. “It was so nice to meet you, but I really have to run.” She wiggles her fingers at me. “Have a good day.” She offers me one last smile before turning around. “Oh,” she calls out over her shoulder, looking back and gently shaking her cup, “and thanks for the latte.”
“My pleasure,” I holler, watching her pick up her pace, heading in the same direction I’m going.
I walk behind a group of students, keeping a reasonable distance between us in case she notices me and thinks I’m stalking her or something.
Mom would blow a gasket if I did anything to damage her precious reputation. The Kennedy Apparel brand is her whole world, and, sometimes, I think she loves that business more than she loves me and my brothers.
When Eva turns into the same red-bricked building I’m heading for, my interest further piques. Well, shit. She works in the Arts and Sciences faculty? Guess I’m going to be seeing a lot more of the lovely Eva.
What a pity I can only look.
A thought occurs to me suddenly, and I stop at the bottom of the steps, quickly glancing at my watch. I’m early for my first lecture so I have enough time. Calling Courtney, my mom’s assistant, I quickly tell her what I want. From the initial pregnant pause, I can tell she’s dying to pry, but she knows better. She confirms she’ll get onto it immediately, and I hang up, hoping I’m right and that there’s only one Evelina working here.
My morning classes go quickly, and I connect with a couple of guys who seem solid. After lunch, I join my new buddy Duke in a row at the back of the auditorium as we wait for Professor Garcia to show up.
Duke emits a low whistle, sitting up straighter in his seat. “This class just got a whole lot more interesting.” He bumps my shoulder, and I silence my cell, slipping it in the pocket of my jeans. Looking up, I blink repeatedly, straining forward in my seat, struggling to accept what my eyes are seeing.
Well, hot damn.
