Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(85)

“What are you doing here? How’d you know where to find me?” I rest my chin on his chest and gaze up at him.

“Your roommate told me. She’s a nosy, but nice, girl.” He kisses my forehead, leaving his lips on my skin.

“How are you here? What about football?”

“Off week, no game. So here I am, with my girl.” His arms squeeze tighter around me. “Can we get out of here, juvenile

delinquent? I’d love to be able to hear you.”

Giggling, I move away, taking him by the hand to come with me to tell Kirby I’m leaving. Zach’s eyes bore into me as we approach

the table, but Kirby and Avery are all smiles, taking Evan in head to foot. Yeah, he’s hot, I don’t blame them. “Guys, this is

Evan. Evan, this is Avery, our pitcher. Kirby, her twin and our catcher. And this,” I give Zach a pleading look to be nice, “is

Zach Reece, one of my good friends.”

“Nice to meet you, man.” Evan puts out his hand and Zach shakes it.

“You too, heard a lot about you.”

Evan looks down to me, smiling. “All good I hope.” “All good,” Zach answers good-naturedly. I shoot him a smile in thanks.

“Nice to meet you both as well, ladies,” Evan says to the twins. “How’s my lil baller here doing?” Evan pulls me tighter into

his side, arm around my waist.

“She’s amazing, we’re lucky to have her,” Kirby answers with a gleam as Zach throws his arm around the back of her chair.

I clear my throat. “Guys, I’m gonna go. I haven’t seen Evan in a while and it’s loud in here. I’ll talk to all y’all later,

okay?”

The three of them nod, but Zach’s eyes are worried. I know he simply cares about me and knows what the back and forth does to me,

especially since things have been going so wonderfully with Dane. Evan and I turn to head out when I hear someone yell my name.

Turning to see who is beckoning me, Sawyer is already striding toward us.

“Hey, Gidge, who’s this?” Sawyer’s glare is intimidating and I put my hand on his chest defensively.

“Sawyer Beckett, this is Evan Allen, from home.”

Sawyer’s eyes soften as the name registers and he gradually reaches out a hand to Evan. “So you’re Evan, the man, the myth, the

legend. Nice to meet ya.” Sawyer uses his free hand to slap Evan on the shoulder. “You understand, just watching out for my girl.

Wasn’t about to let some dude I didn’t know walk out the door with her.”

“No, man, it’s cool. I appreciate you looking out for her,” Evan answers kindly.

“Okay,” I interrupt them, “we’re gonna go, Saw. Thanks for having my back.” I lean in and stand on my tiptoes to lay a kiss on

his cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

He turns his face quickly to catch my ear. “I won’t lie if he asks, Laney.”



I meet his eyes and pull Evan towards the door. “I would never expect you to. Neither will I.”

Evan wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me tight against his side as we walk to his truck. “It’s so great to see you,

princess.” He lowers his head to kiss the top of mine.

“You too, Ev. I can’t believe you’re here, and you tracked me down.” I nudge his shoulder teasingly with mine.

Both settled in the truck cab now, he wastes no time and leans over to me, elbows resting on the console. “Laney, baby, I’ve

missed you so much. Can I please have some sugar?” His voice is shaky, his eyes pained. I can fix that pain I see, but at what

cost? I know that all I have to do is tell him everything’s okay and the shadows in his eyes will disappear instantly, but a pair

of brown eyes plague the back of my mind, stopping me from doing so.



Heart in my throat, I push any guilt or confusion out of my thoughts and scoot towards him, my hands cupping his soft, handsome

cheeks. Right now, I need to try and heal the best friend I have ever had, in some way. I look right in his crystal blue eyes so he

can see what’s important, that which will never change, you are the most amazing person I have ever had in my life and I cherish

you.

I drop chaste kisses on his cheeks and nose, a quick peck on his lips, and lean back, giving him my warmest smile. “How long do

you get to stay?”

“As long as I’m back for class on Monday, I’m all yours till then.” He starts his truck, grinning over at me. “Where to?”

Uh...good question. “I guess my dorm,” I say with a shrug. “Let me just text Bennett and let her know we’re coming.” I do just

that, silently praying she gets it and intercepts Tate. Something tells me it would get real awkward real fast if he and Evan

meet...in my room...before I even tell Dane about my surprise guest.

Shit—I don’t even know where Dane is right now. What if he’s there waiting for me? Oh God, Bennett, check your phone! The trip

is way too short and we pull up in front of my dorm with still no response from Bennett. We’re going in blind.

Evan parks and hurries around the front of the truck to open my door, taking my hand to help me down. “Is it okay if I go in?” he