Chapter 15

It was getting late, and the highlight of the night was about to start. The Thunder Over Louisville fireworks display was one of the most spectacular in the country. Fireworks would light up the sky over the river and flow like a waterfall of lights off the bridge; a grand celebration of the start of the Derby festival season.

Adam took Eve by the hand and led her to the upper deck of the boat once the sun had set. She looked around, noticing they were finally alone, and a bottle of champagne and strawberries out with two glasses were set out.

She turned to him, questioning what was happening. "Adam? Is everyone coming up here to watch the fireworks with us?"

"No. This is just for us, doll. I wanted to surprise you. Congratulations on your job interview. I asked Martian to look into it, but you alone are the one who made it happen."

He pulled her over to the deck chairs, and sat down, pulling her onto his lap in one of the reclining chairs, throwing a blanket over them. Eve snuggled into his embrace. "Champagne to celebrate?"

"I'd love some. Today has been so much fun. I think Greg had a good time, too. It was also nice to see your brother really isn't such a jerk after all."

"Yeah. He's cool when he's being himself. Greg and Drew's friend, Julie, seemed to be getting along pretty well," Adam snickered.

Eve giggled. "Ya think? Every time they meet up, they are all over each other. She has such a huge crush on him. She drives him crazy, though. She's level ten on the crazy meter. I don't think they will ever have anything together but lust. She's sort of ditzy and annoying, and she has always followed him around like a little lost puppy."

"Just like what I have been doing ever since I first met you. Eve, you have my head all mixed up. I can't get you off my mind." Adam reached down, rubbing her cheek.

"Do I? Humm? I thought it was just me. I really like you, Adam. These last few weeks have been great. It has been a long time since I felt comfortable dating again since my ex ditched me. Did you tell your dad we were dating?"

"No. I keep my private life private. But I want you to meet that part of my family. I have to go to Florida to meet with them for some family dinner they have planned. I'm a little nervous about it. Would you be interested in going along for moral support?"

'I'd be glad to."

"I need to talk to my father about plans to expand my agency. We will go after The Kentucky Derby Festival is over. I promised Drew I would stay for everything here first because it's a tradition. We also have those photo shoots to do. I know you have events this week you want to attend, too. Then we can head to Florida and spend a few days on the beach to really get to know each other."

"I have to arrange a date for an interview, anyway. Maybe I could set it up before we have dinner with them. I think it should be before they officially meet me as your girlfriend. I want to make sure I get the job on my own, not by association." Eve raised her brows at him, making her point for him to not get involved.

"Sounds perfect. I know you'll get it. I don't know anyone who knows as much about football as you do."

"Thanks. I would love to go with you. It may be nice to have someone there to calm me down for the interview."

"Great, it's set then. Look, babe. The fireworks are starting," he said, snuggling her close.

They sat in silence watching the fireworks, and Eve relaxed until she felt a hand snake up her top. Adam moved his position and started kissing her neck.

"Mmm… Eve," he moaned in her ear. "Damn, you're so sexy."

In one swift swoop, he turned her, so she was straddling him.

"Adam, the fireworks." She moved his hand away. "Not now. I… I'm not ready for that."

Adam rolled his eyes. "Fine. I just thought you wanted me. I guess I was wrong."

"That's not it. I'm sorry, Adam. It's just been a long time since I've been physical with anyone and I don't want to rush things. My ex-fiance pressured me into it and I don't want that to happen again. I want to be sure I'm ready. I don't want to be a prude, I just —"

"No. Babe. Don't explain. I understand. We can take things slow." He kissed her forehead, but it was obvious it irritated him with her stopping him. "Let's just enjoy the rest of the fireworks show."

***

For the rest of the evening, Adam was a little distant. When they made it back to the condo, he made an excuse to stay on the boat instead of escorting her home. He was embarrassed and a little annoyed. She could tell it was because she wasn't intimate with him, but she wasn't going to go against her instinct, even for someone as charming as Adam.

Walking into the condo, Greg noticed her grouchy attitude.

"What's up, Evil?"

She flopped down on the couch, burying her head in the pillow. "Why am I such a loser?"

Greg sat next to her, rubbing her back. "I thought you were having fun tonight?"

She rolled over, staring at the ceiling. "Adam made a move on me and I stopped him."

"So what? You're not obligated to do anything you're not ready for."

"Greg, do you think that is why guys don't date me for very long? Do you think I'm a prude?"

He pulled her to sit up straight and scooted over to cuddle her in his arms. "Evey, listen. If guys can't see how amazing you are, then they don't deserve you. It's so hard to find someone who has your values. Any real man would be happy you're not just another cheap fling."

"But everyone I've dated since Walter dumped me, has done the same thing. All because I don't put out. Walter even said that's why we didn't work out. He said I was too uptight and frigid."

Eve laid her head on Greg's shoulder and he ran his hand over her hair to soothe her.

"I know you see plenty of people jump into these flings and think it's normal. I am guilty of jumping into bed too soon myself. Eve, you're not like everyone else. I actually wish I was more like you. I wish I could find a girl like you that is more heart than hook up. Hoes are a dime a dozen, sweetheart. You are the woman guys like me look for when it's time to find the one we spend our forever with. If that happens to be Adam or some other guy, you'll find the right one."

"Thanks, Greg. You're the best friend a girl could ever have. Even if you are a filthy man whore." She laughed, smacking him with a pillow.

He pulled her up from the couch. "Come on. You're being all girly and whiney. Time for ice cream and a rom-com. Pretty sure you have PMS or something. You have been moody all day. Poor Adam didn't have a chance in hell tonight."

Eve flopped back on the couch. "Oh gosh. You're right. I'm totally hormonal. That's why my emotions have been all over the place today. Okay. Ice cream and Magic Mike."

"Maybe you should have watched that with Adam and he could have gotten laid tonight." Greg laughed, pulling out two pints of Ben and Jerry's from the fridge, throwing one to her.

"Maybe. He may get a booty call tonight, after all. After some hot Channing Tatum, I might need a late-night release."

"Gross. Can we watch something else? I don't want to see a parade of dancing-dongs grinding on screen," Greg grumbled.

"Nope. We watched your horror crap the other night. It's my turn."