“Mmmmmm…”

Evie stirred and rolled over in bed. Her eyelids, heavy and scratchy from the late night, slowly opened. Bright morning light flooded through the windows in to the master bedroom.

“Ow…”

She ran a hand over her groggy, throbbing head. Suppose that’s what she got for a night of hard partying, she thought. Memories of the night before flitted through her mind. The dancing. The music. Commanding lips leaving their mark on her, coarse hands leaving no part of her skin untouched…

A warm shudder rushed through her and she looked down. She had been tucked in to the luxurious sheets and her mask was carefully laid on the bedside table. Her dress was still on, with the bodice placed back up over her bra to preserve her modesty. Her muscles ached deliciously from their less than gentle treatment from the night before.

Evie reached over the bed, only to find no one there. She rubbed her eyes and straightened up. The bed was empty.

Oh, just great! Evie thought, throwing herself exasperatedly back on to the pillow. Of course he was going to leave. What did you expect?

The sudden buzz inside her clutch caught her attention. Throwing the covers off, she heaved herself out of bed. Lord, was she going to have one hell of a story to tell Lily. She found her clutch on the floor by the beside table and fished out her phone. A text from Lily.

Babe are you ok? Saw you leaving with that guy 😉 Let me know you’re alright xx

Quickly, Evie typed a reply:

Hey babe, don’t worry all’s good. Spent the night, will tell you about it later xx

“Good morning…”

Evie shook the hair out of her face and looked up. An incredibly handsome, dark haired man dressed in a snug white shirt and jeans was staring down at her. Her face fell.

“Morning…” Evie breathed. She scanned slowly over his features, now in full view for her to see. His chiselled, angular jaw, nose and high cheekbones framed his piercing blue eyes. Evie surmised he couldn’t have been older than his mid-thirties. He was good looking even with his mask on but without?

“You didn’t want to sleep in, I take it.” He said, sitting down on the bed beside her. Evie felt a deep flush rush to her cheeks and she turned her eyes down from his striking gaze. She noticed he was holding a neatly folded pile of clothes in his lap.

“You’d gone,” Evie managed, shyly brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, “I thought you’d left…”

That same charming half smile that made her weak at the knees the night before flashed her way again. His eyes crinkled around the corners, gleaming sympathetically with a hint of amusement.

He placed a hand warmly on her upper arm, rubbing his thumb in reassuring circles. Evie’s breath caught at the feel of his hand on her bare skin and he leaned in close.

“I was gone for a little while, but just so I could get you these,” he carefully handed her the pile, “I thought you might want some fresh clothes.”

Evie held up one of the pieces in her hands. A loose flowing, long sleeved white blouse, a pair of jeans and clean underwear.

“And to catch up some sleep,” he continued, “We did have quite a late night, after all…”

When Evie met his eyes, he grinned mischievously at her with a wink. She couldn’t help it. She smiled bashfully and flushed crimson.

“We did, didn’t we?” she stifled a giggle, “Thank you for the clothes, by the way. They’re lovely.”

“No problem,” he smiled at her genuinely, “I wasn’t too sure of sizing…” he ran a shy hand through his hair, “so if they’re too big, we can get them exchanged if you want.”

Evie looked at the labels. They were a size up from her normal clothes, but they’d do just fine. She ran her hands over the expensive feeling material. They were beautiful.

“No, they’re just fine, thanks.” she smiled and titled her chin up at him, “So you don’t just high tail it before the woman wakes up, then?”

“No…” he shook his head, chuckling at her tease and ran a hand over his jaw, “Love them and leave them has never been my style, really.”

“I have to admit, it’s never been mine either.”

Evie shifted herself on the mattress and their eyes locked. He took her all in. She was beautiful in her own way, exuding a sweetness about her that made her stand out from the other women he’d been with.

Her curled hair was now cutely dishevelled, the shy flush in her English Rose skin and wide doe eyes made her look adorable to him. He could tell she wasn’t accustomed to one night stands. A moment of silence passed between them before he straightened up himself, clearing his throat.

“I ordered up some breakfast in bed for us. Maybe, get to know each other a little better?” he said, a little prickle of nervousness seeping through his voice, “If you want to, of course.”

Seeing the confident charmer behind the mask and in the bedroom a little bashful, Evie couldn’t help but find it quite endearing. And if she was honest with herself, she did want to get to know him more.

Besides their amazing night together, he seemed magnanimous, genuine. Besides his charm, it was something she couldn’t help but feel drawn to. What harm would a few more hours in his company do? Evie smiled at him.

“I’d like that.”

An almost relieved grin spread across his handsome face and he rubbed his hand gently up her arm again.

“I’d like that too.”

“On one condition, though.” She said.

“Name it.”

“You tell me your name.”

He arched a dark brow.

“So you don’t want the Crown Jewels, then?” he teased.

With a giggle, Evie playfully swatted his muscled bicep and was met with a boyish laugh and melodramatic, “Ow!”

“Says the man in the hotel’s most expensive suite!”

Amidst their laughter, he jokingly held up both his hands.

“Ok, you have me there!” He joked and shuffled himself closer to her. “My name’s Jack Palmer.”

He held out his hand. She took it and with a little laugh, they playfully shook.

“Evie Mellors.”

Jack then took Evie’s hand, bringing it up to his lips that made stomach flutter.

“Well then, Miss Mellors,” he kissed her hand, “Let’s have some breakfast, shall we?”

*

Violet Grey

Copyright, 2018 – Life of Violet

All Rights Reserved.

*Picture – Pinterest