Page 27 of Evan

“No.” She shook her head.

“Why not?”

Picking up a fry, she bit into it, drawing his attention to her lips.

“It’s completely unproductive and a waste of energy.” She shook her head at the skeptical look on his face. “I get angry, but I have learned over the years to channel it into something positive.

I teach children at Sunday school and learning patience must be one of the requirements, I think it is the most vital part of what I do.” She stared at him for a few seconds before resuming the conversation. “I saw you speaking to that man, and I realized he said something that ticked you off.”

He had finished the burger and was now attacking the fries. He was in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant, and it was the best date he ever had.

“He was a family friend.”

“Was?”

“Yes!” Evan clipped.

“You don’t have to talk about it.”

He looked at her and felt as if he could tell her anything. She inspired confidence. Her expression was soft and the smile on her lips told him that she would never judge him – not for his past.

“My dad and uncle were typical males.” A slight smile touched his lips. “The men in my family believe in excesses. Women, alcohol, spending,…” he shrugged and averted his head to stare out the window. It was getting dark, some low hanging clouds obscuring the few stars scattered in the sky.

“I was brought up to think of women as second-class citizen. Curiously, my dad loved my mother and never cheated on her. It was after her death that he went wild, and I was caught in the middle.”

Picking up his drink, he took several sips. “I was supposed to prove myself to them and I guess I wanted approval. I did whatever was necessary.” He forced himself to meet her candid gaze. His throat tightened as he stared at her, and he could feel his heart pounding unsteadily.

“I did some awful things.” His voice was hoarse with remorse. “I grew up too fast and was disillusioned at a very early age. You shouldn’t be seen with me. It’s not only the bad press we have been getting, but also my reputation.” His expression turned bleak. “You are good and pure…”

“No.” She shook her head. “I am not. And I would never judge you. I am not in a position to do so.”

“Cassandra.”

“You are the only person who has never shortened my name, and I like that.”

He blinked at her for a second, his expression one of puzzlement. He did not know what to make of her. She was sweet and kind. She should have blasted him for speaking to her like that while they were at the gallery, but instead she had suggested they come here to eat. She disarmed him until he was no longer angry.

She spoke to the server as if she had known the woman for years and made her feel appreciated. His throat ached with an emotion he thought had abandoned him when his mother died.

“It suits you.” He told her huskily. “Cassandra, we shouldn’t…”

I can only be your friend, Evan.” Apparently, she was also clairvoyant.

“Because of whom I am.”

“Because of whom I am,” She corrected him gently. “I am never going to throw away my principles, no matter how much I am tempted. And I am.”

Her honesty threw him so much that he could only stare at her.

“What do you mean?”

“I am attracted to you, but that’s as far as it will go.”

“I am attracted to you too.”

“Isn’t that nice?”

He laughed, silver eyes twinkling as he gazed at her. “That’s one way to put it, I suppose.”