Page 60 of All In: The Price We Pay

In my office, I slam the door shut and exhale.

Evan, who had walked ahead of me, turns around. “Does she know?” His brow is furrowed.

I tilt my head thoughtfully. “I’m not sure. I didn’t tell her anything, but I think she can put two and two together.”

He nods. “That’s okay. I like her. Can she keep a secret?”

“That’s basically her job.” I chuckle.

The smile returns to his face. “Fuck, I missed you.” He reaches for my cheek and kisses me against my office door. The kiss is almost languid, a steady glow. Hot and intimate.

I wrap my arms around his hips and run my hands down his sides. “Thanks for stopping by.”

“It’s all for my own benefit.” We kiss again. Evan runs his hand over my chest, up to my neck. “Are you coming over to my place tonight?”

I nod. “When will you be back from practice?”

“Ah. I promised Blake and Sid I’d go out to eat with them afterward.”

“That’s okay. I’ll finish up here, and you let me know.”

He nods. “Okay.” Evan turns around and chuckles. “They’re still alive.”

“Of course. I only took the rose home with me. Thanks.” I run my hand over his back and flinch when there’s a knock at the door. “Yes!” I call out way too loudly.

The door opens a crack and Carly peeks through. “Hey, you two. Ricky wanted to ask if you’d like to come out for a drink tonight, Parker. We wanted to celebrate the conclusion of the contract. Valentina called and suggested it.”

“Ah.” I glance at Evan.

“You’re invited, of course,” Carly says, turning to Evan.

“Today? I’m already meeting Blake and Sid for dinner. At the Italian place next to your favorite restaurant, Parker. Where we met last time.”

“You can bring everyone along, of course. It’s all very casual. It’s just that everyone’s been stressed out these past few weeks, and that guy over there”—She points at me—“hasn’t left his apartment in weeks.”

I think it over. Blake and Sid can’t come. They don’t know about the impending story or why we’re celebrating in the first place. It’s a shame.

Evan shakes his head. “Maybe another time. Right now is the worst time of the year.” He shifts from one foot to the other.

Gosh, I have to get him out of this. “I’m coming with you guys. It’s long overdue.” I say to Carly. That should settle the matter.

“I could join you after our dinner. If the bar where you’re going is close by. Only for a little while.” He runs his fingers through his hair. “Blake shouldn’t catch me. But I’ll treat you guys. You’ve helped me out a lot. And I’ll ask Valentina if that’s okay with her.”

Okay. This isn’t a date or an open meetup with my friends. But it’s a step out of his prison.

Carly seems as surprised as I am. “Oh, cool. I’ll tell Ricky to reserve a table at Heihei. That’s right near 28th Street, isn’t it?”

“Ah, yes.” Evan nods once, jerkily. As if he’s trying to give himself courage.

Carly smiles at us and walks away.

A few seconds pass in silence.

“You don’t have to do this, right?”

Evan nods. “I know. And it isn’t a good night to go out. But the bar’s conveniently located, and it’ll probably never be this easy again. I want to make the most of the opportunities I have to spend time with you.”

“We won’t stay long. The place is really nice. Valentina’s there a lot. It’s all intimate and relaxed.”