Page 53 of The Challenge

“I don’t remember the exact words, but it was something about him not seeing me that way, and he didn’t want to cross the line with someone who was like family.” She paused. “When I asked him if it had anything to do with you, he denied it.”

That hurt a little. “Well, that makes two of us who got rejected by Evan, then.” I laughed. “He’d turned me down before I went away to school.”

“Really? What happened?”

“I’ll tell you the story another time.” I closed my eyes in shame.

Reducing my relationship with Evan to the moment he’d turned me down, though, wasn’t a fair portrayal. Fawn would never understand the bond he and I had developed back then. And I certainly couldn’t explain it in one phone call.

She chuckled. “I’m shocked that Dad knew Evan’s moving out had anything to do with me. Mom must’ve told him after I confessed to her that I’d scared Evan away. Anyway, since you’ll see him tonight, you should smack him upside the head for both of us.” She sighed. “Kidding.”

“He’s actually turned out to be a really good guy, Fawn. You should see how he is with his daughter.”

“So you’re telling me nothing has changed?”

“What do you mean?”

“You still have it bad for him…”

I chose not to respond to that. Instead, I changed the subject and told her about my breakup with Scott as I started the car and resumed driving.

By the time I hung up with my sister, I was already parked in front of Evan’s. I was grateful to have reached her. If I hadn’t, I might not have gotten any sleep tonight. Now I just had to hope Evan’s story matched hers when I asked him about it—as soon as possible.

Chapter 21

CHLOE

Evan and Effie were in the kitchen finishing up dinner when I walked in. I suppressed the urge to immediately address the Fawn situation. It would have to wait until later.

“Chloe!” Effie squeaked. “You missed it. We had hot dogs for supper. Daddy can make you one if you want.”

“That’s okay, sweetie. I’m not too hungry tonight.”

Evan examined my face. “Do anything interesting today?”

I glared. “Why ever would you ask that?”

“Just a hunch.”

“I did, in fact.”

Evan smiled proudly. “I knew it.”

“How so?”

“Because you always liked to get them over with so you didn’t have to spend the week worrying.”

“I’ll fill you in later,” I said in a low voice, pulling up a seat next to Effie.

“I missed dinner, and I’m not super hungry, but there’s always room for dessert.” I turned to Evan. “What sweet treat do we have?”

“Funny you should ask. I just so happened to have picked up some maple walnut ice cream.” He winked.

Holy crap. He remembered that was my favorite. “Good call, Ricci.”

“Consider it a reward.”

“Oh, I will.” I leaned back in the chair and tried to relax.