Chapter 10

Eve hustled around her condo, making everything perfect for Adam to arrive. She wore a cute casual grey jersey bodycon dress with a jean jacket over top and slipped a pair of casual ballet slippers. Her hair pulled into a messy bun with light pretty makeup, laid back and relaxed. She didn't want to overdo her look for an evening in, but still wanted to impress him. Eve put fresh homemade yeast rolls in the oven and cleaned up the kitchen as she frantically waited for Adam.

Keeping watching the clock, she nervously hoped Adam hadn't changed his mind. It wouldn't be the last time a man stood her up. She never had the best luck when it came to dating.

The sound of a sports car revving up its engine pulled in front of the condo. Eve rushed to the door, seeing Adam in a white t-shirt, dark distressed jeans, with dark aviator sunglasses exiting the Lamborghini. He ran his hand through his perfectly sculpted dark hair, looking like something right out of a steamy romance novel. Her eyes went straight to his hard biceps and abs that showed well through his tight shirt.

She always liked bigger guys, but Adam was more like a swimmer's body. The moderately large bodybuilder types were her eye candy of choice, yet his body was hard as a rock and slender. As his t-shirt slightly raised, while he adjusted his hair, the deep V line leading under his waistband of his pressed jeans made her heart skip a beat. Eve fought back the urge to not bite her lip. To no avail, she did it anyway. She thought about how cliche it was, but who could argue with the premise. This was the moment that called for it because the man was a glorious gift of nature. She thought it silly, but now knew why women did it. It was a reflex of pure lust.

When Adam reached the stairs leading up to her front door, he looked up, finding Eve checking him out. He slowly dropped his sunglasses down his nose, smiling with his beautiful blue eyes. Eve blushed and looked away as she opened the door for him.

"You look beautiful this evening, Ms. Callaway. I brought some of my best wine. I hope you find it to your liking."

He kissed her cheek, walking past into the condo with a confidant cocky stride to his step. It was obvious Adam knew he was a handsome man. Somehow, his cocky demeanor fit him.

"Thank you for the wine. I'm sure it's perfect. Please, make yourself at home. Dinner will be ready soon." Eve led him inside, looking over the expensive wine. Mouthing the words to herself, "Holy crap. Cheval Blanc. I couldn't afford this on my best day."

He looked back at her, unsure of what she had said.

To deflect the comment, she said, "This is amazing. I usually skimp on the wine. I seriously have a crappy box of wine in the refrigerator."

Adam chuckled. "I'm not judging. Some of those are not too bad. I actually use them to fill up old expensive bottles to hide the good stuff from my brother. Drew doesn't know the difference. That way he doesn't use my expensive wines to impress his trashy dates."

Eve laughed. "You fake out his wine? That's funny. Wait. Dates? Hmm… with Drew it's more like... nevermind."

"One-night stands? Tramps. The gold digger of the week. Bimbo of the month club. Yes, I know. He doesn't have the refined taste that I do." Adam ran his hand down her arm and smiled slyly as he pulled her closer, running his chin dangerously close to her earlobe. "Something smells delicious."

Eve wasn't sure if he meant her or...

"Huh?" Eve thought, as she bit her lip, trying to focus on anything resembling a clear thought. His soft touch sent shivers down her body.

"The food. It smells good."

"Huh? Oh. The bread!" She rushed across her open concept living room to the kitchen area, pulling the rolls from the oven. "That was close! I made a roast and vegetables. It's my mom's recipe. You're going to love it. Come over. Try these stuffed mushrooms. They're amazing."

"I'm sure I will love whatever you made," Adam said, while making his way over to the kitchen.

Eve fed him a taste of the mushrooms with her fingers looking in his eye seductively.

Adam smiled, taking a bite as his eyes met hers. "Mmm… delicious."

With a hum, he took her finger, sucking off the juices left behind. Adam stopped seducing her fingertips long enough to look around her cozy home. Lightly decorated with family photos and floral decor. Yellow tones and soft pink roses.

"I love your home. It really has a warm, homey feel." he said, walking around to look at her family photos.

"Thank you. It's not really my style. I'm more of a contemporary art and minimalist girl. Most of the decor was my mothers. It makes me still feel like she's still here. We were very close, and it makes me not miss her as much. Dinner's ready. I hope you're hungry."

He turned back, seeing the table set and Eve placing down the fresh bread. "I haven't had a home cooked meal in a long time. This looks amazing. Ms. Calloway, you impress me. A woman who loves sports, has an artistic eye, and can cook. You, sweetheart, are a triple threat."

"We'll see about that after you taste the food." She took his hand, leading him to the dining room table that was already set.

Adam pulled out the chair for her and then seated himself. "Eve, I want to apologize. This week has been a lot of unnecessary drama. I wouldn't blame you if you didn't want to see me again."

Eve glanced over, seeing his eyes told the story that he really was remorseful. "Adam, why don't we just start over. I like you. I want to get to know you. No need to apologize. I made some mistakes this week too. Let's just enjoy dinner. I wanted to watch an interview on ESPN later if that's okay? I'm sort of hoping they talk about some new job openings I applied for. I hope they talk about the new Florida corporate office so I can get some inside scoop."

"Tell me about the job. You never told me you were looking."

"I applied for the OFL to work at the main headquarters. I really hope to get it, but I haven't heard anything yet." Eve handed him a bowl of roasted vegetables.

"OFL? Um… what?" Adam's mouth dropped open.

"Football. Oblong ball where big guys in helmets chase each other around smashing into each other."

Adam shook his head. "No. I know what it is. That… that's my… um. My dad owns the OFL. My real dad." Adam sat back, not liking the connection.

Eve's eyes got wide, making the connection. "You're kidding me?"

At that moment, Eve felt two worlds had collided. Her new relationship meeting head on with the one she had pined over for years.