Maybe Yours

Chapter 24

Eva

Saturday finally dawned.

Today was my first date with James.

I was nervous and excited at the same time.

James still hadn't told me where we were going. He just told me it was a surprise and that I should wear something warm. So, the skirt I had purchased was totally out of the question.

I spent the day completing most of my papers. With Zoe's help it wasn't much of a trouble.

James hadn't dropped by since morning. I had texted him in the afternoon but there hadn't been a reply.

I was beginning to worry. What if he had forgotten about our date? He hadn't called or texted me at all since last night.

Sitting on the couch I unlocked my phone and checked my messages for the third time in the last half an hour. He still hadn't texted me back.

Maybe he did forget after all.

I turned back to my paper and saw Zoe watching me with amusement.

"Maybe he's just busy making sure everything is perfect for tonight.", she offered with a shrug.

"How busy can he be? ", I mumbled.

" Eva, relax. Why don't you finish this last one?”, she said, indicating the sheets. "I'll fix us both some lunch."

She stood up and went into the kitchen. I went back to the task at hand.

Zoe was right. Worrying wouldn't help.

Reading the problem printed on the sheets I began making notes and soon I was completely engrossed in it.

I heard Zoe rummaging around in the kitchen.

Bending over the sheets I tried my best to understand the fine print. I needed to use a larger font the next time.

I had just finished the report I was working on when the doorbell rang.

Startled at the sudden sound, I jumped.

Zoe was already at the door. Gathering the papers strewn over the desk I walked over to the table and put them in the binder.

" Zoe, have you seen the volume that I borrowed yester-", I shrieked when I was lifted off the ground and squeezed.

Laughter echoed in my ears.

James.

He put me down and I turned on him angrily.

Before I could protest he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to him.

"He", he smiled.

I sighed. God. I had missed him.

I tucked my head under his chin and held him.

"Where have you been?", I tried to sound angry.

"Drake had something urgent to be done.", he said, tilting his head to rest his cheek against the top of my head.

"I'm sorry I didn't call you. But I came as soon as I could."

"You're here now.", I said softly.

He lifted his head and tilted my chin up with his fingers.

I stared up at him.

At that moment all I could think of was how could someone like him love someone like me? It was impossible.

He always turned my head into mush.

And yet I craved his presence more and more each day.

He leaned down and brushed his lips against mine.

Leaning back, he looked at me and my heart stopped.

He was beautiful.

His fingers moved to cup my cheek and my eyes closed. I felt his breath fan my face and I leaned toward him.

" Eva, lunch is ready!"

My eyes opened wide and I froze. I had completely forgotten about Zoe.

James cursed and pulled back slightly. His hand left my cheek and moved to my neck.

"You should go eat.", he said while his other hand tucked my hair behind my ear.

I nodded not trusting my voice.

"Be ready by six, okay? I'll be here to pick you up."

"Where are we going?", I asked hoping he'd at least give me a hint.

He chuckled.

"It’s a surprise, darling.", he bent and placed a kiss on my forehead.

"I'll see you soon", he winked at me.

Saying goodbye to Zoe he left.

I walked into the kitchen with a smile on my face, my head still reeling.

Zoe glanced at me and laughed.

" Aren't you a pretty picture?", she giggled.

I rolled my eyes at her and took a seat at the table.

"What are you going to wear?", she asked as she served the salad and bacon that she had prepared.

I shrugged.

"James told me to wear something warm. He didn't say why."

"Hmm. Warm, right? I know just the right thing.", she said while stuffing her mouth with the food.

Knowing I had no say in that matter I ate in silence, the smile not leaving my face.

James

I rushed around the apartment trying to get ready in time. It was half past five and I was meeting Eva in thirty minutes. Thanks to Drake I had been able to make all the arrangements for the evening. I hoped Eva liked it.

I had a shower and got ready. Pocketing my keys and cellphone, I stepped out of the apartment.

Walking over to Eva's door, I knocked twice.

I heard some shuffling and then it was pulled open.

My breath caught.

Eva was standing before me, and she looked breathtaking. She was wearing a lavender colored sweater that did wonderful things to her figure.

Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, curling at the ends.

She wasn't wearing much makeup but there was a glow to her skin that made her look almost angelic.

For the first time in my life I was actually speechless. My brain refused to form a coherent sentence.

I just stood there like an i***t, staring down at her with wide eyes.

She brought her fingers to her face and brushed at her skin.

"What? Do I have something on my face?", she asked.

A frown appeared on her forehead.

Damn. She had no idea how beautiful she was.

I pulled her hands away from her face.

" You look beautiful, Eva. And I can't seem to take my eyes off you."

Then I leaned down.