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  I managed to make it all the way to the other side of the beach, and into my car without anyone following me, and I was grateful. I had a lot of questions running through my head, and I just ran away from the woman who held all the answers. The longer I sat in my car, with my hands on my steering wheel, the worse I felt. I had just done the same thing to Evie, that she had done to me, only I didn't know how to find her again.

  I started to panic then. What if she left again? What if she never came back? What if I never found the answers that I so desperately needed? I had to go back. There was no other option. Unless.. maybe she already left. Getting out of my car, I ran as a fast as I could in the direction I'd just come from. I heard the murmurs of guests as I brushed past them rather uncerimoniously. I had almost made it back to the spot on the beach when Zoe stopped me.

  “She left this.” She said, handing me a small scrap of paper.

  “Her number.” I said, shoving the paper into my pocket. “I screwed up Zoe.”

  “You were upset, it's only human Jake. Listen, I don't know all the details about you and Evie, but she showed up here tonight for a reason, and it wasn't for my wedding. Do yourself a favor. Go home, get some rest, sleep off the booze, and call her in the morning. I love you.” She said, pulling me in for a hug.

  “I love you to Hermana.” I said, kissing her on her cheek. “I'm sorry I ruined your reception.”

  “You didn't ruin anything. In fact, you helped me out in a way.”

  “How's that?”

  “You took Wes' only change of clothes for the night. Makes my honeymoon that much easier.” She winked.

  “I am so glad you two are off to Hawaii for a week. Even though it's been over a year, it's still hard getting used to my sister and my best friend.” I teased, pretending to get chills.

  “Get out of here.” She laughed, giving me a little shove, before turning away, and returning to her new husband.

  Chapter 6 Then

  It was a sweet kiss, a goodbye kiss between friends, and a kiss that I never should have let happen. Evie felt so good in my arms, her parted lips beckoning me, consuming me. I had never felt a kiss like the one I had shared with her, and that should have been my first warning. But I couldn't stop, not even if I wanted to. I deepened our kiss, angling our heads so I could explore her with my tongue. She let out a soft moan, and I felt her hands skim my waist, reaching for the hem of my shirt.

  I let her pull it off of me, breaking our kiss just long enough to be free of it. Her hands ran over my shoulders, and down my chest, as I continued to devour her mouth. When her hands brushed against my waist band, I dipped my head to her neck, nipping her there. She giggled, and I smiled against her pulse, licking her there. I felt her skin prickle beneath my touch, and this time it was me, pulling the shirt over her head.

  I took a moment to drink her in, before reaching around her to unclasp her bra. She let it fall to the floor, biting her lip, her shyness suddenly taking over. “Su tan hermose.” (You're so beautiful) I whispered, before capturing her lips once again. Her arms wrapped around my neck, and seconds later I was lifting her in my arms, her legs around my waist, and walking us both to her bedroom.

  When we reached the bed, I laid her down beneath me. Her eyes caught mine, and I could see the hesitation there. “Are you sure?” I asked, my breath, just inches away from hers. She nodded yes, and I slid down her body, removing her skirt, and panties as I went. She was breathtaking. Her curves were in all the right places, and I found myself reaching out, needing to feel every inch of her under my fingers.

  She moaned, when I caressed her nipples, and laughed when my tongue darted into her belly button. I kissed my way down to her heat, using my hands to spread her legs. Before she could question my actions, my lips were on her tender nub. I was gentle, licking, and suckling, her moans deciding my pace. When I was sure she was ready, I slid two fingers inside of her. She gasped, and I found myself looking up, into her eyes.

  “Is this? Are you ok?” I asked, seizing all movement.

  “I, I'm a virgin.” She said quietly.

  My eyes grew wide. I had no idea. She was gorgeous, perfect, I had always assumed that she just stayed single because she liked it that way. I knew she was on the pill, and I never questioned whether she had been intimate with anyone before.

  “Jake?” She asked, drawing my attention back to where it should be. “You seem surprised.”

  “I guess I am.” I said, on a shaky laugh. “Are you sure you want to do this? Because, I would never-”

  “I know.” She said, stopping me. “And yes. This is what I want.”

  That was my second cue, but instead of stopping, I found myself wanting her even more. I stood then, slipping off my pants, and boxers. I watched her expression, as her gaze locked on my erection. She licked her lips, and I instantly imagined what they would feel like around me. My cock twitched at the thought, and I slowly placed my body directly over hers. I found her mouth again, giving her a sweet kiss. “I want to make this special.” I said, kissing the tip of her nose. “Can you let me do that?” I asked, pecking her lips this time.

  She nodded against me, and we both smiled before I disappeared between her legs once more. I wanted her to know what real pleasure was. I took my time, deliberately licking and sucking in just the way that I knew would drive her wild. Her moans were soft at first, but as my speed increased, her cries became louder. I knew she was close when her hands found my hair, and her nails raked through it. I sucked harder, and faster until I felt her legs shaking, and when she came, I lapped up her juices like they were some kind of forbidden fruit, because in a way, they were.

  “Wow.” She said on a sigh, when our eyes connected. “That was-”

  “Only the beginning.” I said, crawling up her body and capturing her lips with mine.

  My erection was pressing against her thigh, and I felt her legs widen, to cradle me there. I groaned when she arched her hips to rub against me, and I felt her smile. “Are you ready?” I asked, grinding my erection against her still swollen clit.

  “Yes.” She whispered, biting her lip once again.

  “You promise to tell me if I'm hurting you?”

  “Make love to me Jake.” She whispered, placing her hands on either side of my face.

  Reaching between us, I slowly guided my length into her waiting sheath. She was so wet, and deliciously tight, but I had to take my time. This was Evie, she deserved everything. I moved my hips slowly, gliding in, and out, gauging her reaction. She'd closed her eyes, wincing when I'd go a little too deep. “Evie?” I asked.

  “I'm okay.” She reassured me, placing her hands on my ass, and pulling me in deeper. I groaned, as she used her hands to control the speed. I let her take control, and after a few minutes, she was increasing the speed on her own. Her hands fell from my ass, and went to her breasts. She cupped them, as I rocked into her; her moans driving me to make her cum.

  “Jake!” She cried out, as I slammed into her again, and again until we were both teetering on the edge of explosion. “I love you!” She cried out, as we came together. The feeling of her tightening around me was enough to drive me mad, and I wanted nothing more than to repeat what we had just done. I rolled to my side taking her with me, and tucking her into it. “Yo tambien te amo.” (I love you too)

  I had never told anyone that I loved them other than Zoe. And, to be completely honest, I wasn't planning on telling Evie. I didn't want to leave her, not like this. Taking her virginity, and shipping off to God knows where in the morning. It seemed like such a douche bag move, and I was feeling pretty shitty about the whole thing, when she turned in my arms to face me.

  “What are you thinking?” She asked sweetly.

  “What did we do Evie?” I sighed, brushing my hand over her cheek.

  “We made love.” She said, placing her hand over mine.

  “And now?” I asked.

  “We say goodbye.” She said, the sadness in her voice evident.
/>   “Evie, I-”

  “Listen.” She said, placing her finger over my lips. “I knew you were leaving in the morning when you brought me home. I knew when you kissed me, and I knew when you made love to me. I don't have any unrealistic expectations. You're my best friend Jake, and you always will be.”

  “If I had known, maybe things could have been different?”

  “No. You've wanted the army for the past two years. This is your future, and I have mine. Just promise me, whenever you're home, you'll come see me.”

  “I promise. But, can you promise me something?”

  “Anything.”

  “If you meet someone. I mean, I just want you to be happy.”

  “You make me happy, and that's all I need for right now. Besides, I can practice my doctor signature on all the letters I'll be writing you.”

  “You're amazing, you know that? I don't know what I would have done without you these past few years.”

  “Same to you Mr.” She said, pressing her lips to mine. “One more for the road?” She teased, raising her eyebrows up and down.

  “I think I can be persuaded.” I said, rolling, to cover her body with mine. “Just this once.” I teased back, before grinding my growing erection against her waiting core, and making love to her all over again.

  Chapter 7 Now

  I punched Evie's number into my phone time, and time, again but I couldn't bring myself to hit send. Who was the man she was with last night? I didn't see a ring on her finger, but he must have been her child's father right? Gabe, I think that's the name he used. I wonder how old he was, or if she'd gotten her PHD like she had planned. I know calling her would be easier than sitting here speculating, but I was chickening the fuck out. Seeing her again after all the time that's passed was surreal. We weren't the same people anymore, would she even like who I became?

  Shaking my head, I dialed her number one more time, and before I could psych myself out, I pushed send. She answered on the fourth ring, and the sound of her voice had my stomach doing a dance somewhere between elation, and indigestion. “Hello?” She said again, when I couldn't bring myself to form words. Clearing my throat, I said a shaky hello back, and waited.

  “Jake?”

  “Yea, it's me.”

  “I'm glad you called. Can we meet? For coffee maybe?”

  “Uh, yea. Sure. You have some place in mind?”

  “What about that little all night diner we used to go to. Is it still around?”

  “Yea.” I smiled. “Thirty minutes?”

  “See you soon.”

  “Bye.”

  “Bye Jake.”

  I placed my phone back in my pocket, and let out a slow steady breath. The easy part was over, and in half an hour, I would finally get some answers. I had resigned to the fact that I would never know what happened to Evie, and the anticipation of the truth had me physically shaking. I had never been so nervous about anything in my life. Even going into a potential war zone was far less threatening than the discussion of feelings, and I had quite a few to discuss. Anger, being at the top of my list.

  Grabbing my keys from the hook by the door, I headed out to the garage, and made my way to the little diner. It was only ten minutes up the road, which was why it was one of our favorite spots. We'd spend all night in each other's arms, wake up early, come here, and stuff our faces with all you can eat pancakes. Evie always put whipped cream on hers, and I wondered if she still like them that way.

  I was the first to arrive, so I took a seat in one of the corner booths so I could watch for her car from the window. It wasn't long before I spotted her. She was driving a newer SUV, red, her favorite color, and her hair was flowing freely in the wind. I watched her as she exited her vehicle, and approached the building, glancing down at the menu when she walked in.

  The atmosphere in the room changed immediately, and I was suddenly hyper aware of how close she was to me. “Is this seat taken?” She teased, slipping into the booth directly across from me.

  “It is now.” I teased back, passing her a menu.

  “I doubt the menus changed much since we were here.” She smiled, opening it up and scanning the selections.

  “You're probably right.” I agreed, signaling the waitress. I ordered us a couple of coffees, but it was clear neither one of us were in the mood for food.

  “How long are you home?” She asked, her eyes locking on mine.

  “Three weeks. I'm dog sitting for Zoe, and Wes.”

  She laughed. “You hate dogs.”

  “Rocko's grown on me.” I smiled, the sound of her laughter making me feel that familiar sting in my chest.

  “I bet you have a lot of questions.” She said, her mood changing from playful to serious.

  “Do I call you doctor now?” I asked, choosing to start with something easy.

  The smile on her face returned tenfold, and she lit the entire room with it. “Dr. Evie Perez at your service.” She sighed. “It's better than I imagined. I love working with kids.”

  “Perez? Does that mean you aren't... I mean the man you were with last night.. he isn't.. your husband?” I stammered.

  “Antonio!?” She laughed so hard, she started snorting, and that sting was back, hitting me right in the heart.

  “What's so funny?” I asked, and I couldn't help but smile.

  “Antonio's just a friend, and he's soooo gay.” She said, the laughter still lingering in her voice. “He's my roomate, and he helps out with Gabe- with my son, Gabriel.”

  “Why Evie?” I asked. I couldn't wait any longer, I needed to know.

  “Remember the last time we seen each other? You were deploying, and you weren't sure for how long. We talked about our future, and what it held. Your plans, were very different than mine. I had a few more years left of residency, and you were more determined than ever to get promoted. I knew that night, when we said goodbye that our lives were going in different directions.”

  “How could you have known that?”

  “You never wanted kids Jake.” She said, point blank, laying her cards down on the table.

  “We had that discussion when we were kids Evie. We were barely legal. Of course I didn't want kids, not then.”

  “And now?”

  “I'm not even seeing anyone, I haven't even thought about seeing anyone, let alone having a child. Where is this coming from? Are you telling me the reason you just up and split is because I said I didn't want to have kids when I was eighteen years old!” I said, the anger rising in my voice. “That's your reason, for leaving me high, and dry, with no friends. Do you know how bad it was over there? I had no idea where you were, if you were safe, why you just packed up and left. I was stuck in another fucking country, without a God damned clue. I searched for you. Do you know that? I called the police Evie! You couldn't even call me, text me, something!”

  “Jake, please-”

  “No Evie. I thought I could do this, but being here, seeing you, it's one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. Nothing you can say will make me understand your decision.” I said, making to stand.

  “Jake wait!” She yelled, reaching for my wrist, and stopping me in my tracks. “Please, sit back down. I need to tell you what happened. Please.” She begged me, and her eyes began to fill with tears.

  Sighing, I sat back down, and she released her grip on my wrist. “Five minutes, and I'm leaving.”

  She nodded frantically, grabbing a napkin to blot at her tears. “You had been gone for two weeks, and I had come down with some sort of flu or something. I could barely get out of bed I was so sick. I thought something was seriously wrong so I went to the emergency room. I was there for an hour, and when my blood test results came back, everything made sense.”

  “Blood tests? You were sick? Was it cancer? What Evie?” I asked, concern, momentarily masking my anger.

  “No Jake. I found out I was pregnant.” She said, looking down at her hands. “My son Gabriel, he's yours. You're his father.”

&n
bsp; Chapter 8 Then

  Training was brutal, and even though Evie and I kept in constant contact, I missed her like crazy. I was coming home this weekend, and we already had plans to spend an entire day in bed. Our relationship wasn't a complicated one, we hooked up, and often. I had a key to her place, so when I got in I took an Uber to her apartment, and waited. It hadn't changed much, other than a couple new vases, and a few more books.

  Evie was always reading. She discovered she had a photogenic memory, which only made med school that much easier. Not that she really needed to use it, she was brilliant. I envied her in that aspect. I was lucky to pass my classes with D's, while she was rocking a 4.0 grade point average. How someone as intelligent as her ended up hooking up with someone like me I'll never know, but I'm lucky as hell that it happened.

  I shoved my bag into her bedroom closet, and sent a quick text to Zoe letting her know I made it back safe and sound. I'd be seeing her tomorrow, but tonight, I was cooking dinner for Evie. I opened the fridge to find all of the ingredients I asked her to pick up for me. I was making chicken Alfredo, one of her favorites. I had Zoe send me my mother's recipe for the homemade sauce, and I was attempting to make it.

  There was a small radio in the kitchen, so I turned it on to my favorite local station, and got to work. I had two hours before Evie would make it home, and if I failed epically, I needed time to order pizza. I managed to get the chicken cooked just fine, as well as the noodles, but the sauce... I wasn't as sure about.

  When I finished everything, and taste tested it just to be sure, I jumped in the shower, and dressed in a pair of jeans and a tee shirt. I had just made my way back to the kitchen to switch off the radio, when I heard a soft knock on the door. I tossed my towel into the hamper, and headed towards the door. When I pulled it open, it was to find a man, around my age standing on the other side of it.