The Scarlett Legacy (Woodland Creek)(4)

“Fine. Won’t you let me take you to dinner after? Show you off a little.”

“You want to show me off?” Evie stared at her reflection.

Gray eyes with flecks of hazel looked back at her from beneath her glasses. She shared much of her looks with her father.

Evie sighed at her reflection, missing her father at that moment. A lock of white hair stood out against her black hair. No matter what, she’d never been able to dye that lock to match the rest of her head. Instead it had stood out for as long as she could remember. There were pictures of her as a baby with that white lock.

The taunts of ignorant children had followed her from elementary school to college.

“Why wouldn’t I? You’re beautiful.”

Hearing those words washed away all of her bad memories about her self-image. Evie hid her grin and started brushing her teeth.

“You sure you aren’t embarrassed to be seen with me?”

“Now that’s possibly the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever said to me. Of course not. I love you.”

Evie’s heart soared at hearing those words. She’d never get tired of hearing them come from his lips.

“I love you more,” she said in a soft voice.

“Not possible.”

She giggled, loving how open he was about his feelings. “Good reply.”

He made her feel safe even though he was merely human. Sometimes that’s all she needed, a human companion to make her feel normal when she was far from it.

Parker came into the bathroom and stood behind her. He grabbed her by her waist and pressed her naked bottom to the front of his pants. He groaned.

“Come on, Evie. One more time.”

Evie rinsed her mouth of toothpaste and grinned at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. He kissed her throat and her eyes fluttered closed. Every touch sent hot tingles along her skin. She began to calculate how long it would take her to drive to Hastings-Albrecht University if she left just a little later.

She enjoyed the feel of his mouth on her neck. He sucked her earlobe, making her eyes flutter closed.

“Fine,” she breathed. “One more time.”





ADELAIDE HUMMED an old French song as she walked down the winding staircase to the landing. It was almost eight o’clock in the morning, and Evie’s mother already wore a long black dress, and had her hair styled in long glossy blonde waves that hung down to her tiny waist.

Evie glanced up at her and frowned. Was it normal to envy your mother? Why didn’t she get those beautiful Nordic looks?

Evie crossed her arms as she stood before the door. She’d almost made it out of the house without her mother catching her and Parker.

Parker’s eyes went from Evie to Adelaide, and back.

Busted, his eyes said to her.

He cleared his throat.

“Good morning, Mrs. Scarlett,” he said.

Adelaide nodded at him, a tight smile on her lips as she looked him up and down.

“Good morning, Parker. You’re here early enough. Aren’t you?”

Evie cringed, but Parker gave her a charming smile. It was just like him to charm when they were caught breaking the rules.

“I hope that’s not a problem? Evie and I had some studying to do.”

Evie hid her grin.

Studying the art of anatomy.

“Well, you do know I am not fond of visitors without my permission.”

Evie sucked her teeth. "I am an adult, and I live here too. What is it that you need?"

The corners of Adelaide's mouth curled into a tight smile. "And hello to you too, sweet daughter of mine. Have a good day, Parker. I need to borrow Evie for a moment.”

Sighing, Evie turned to Parker. She shook her head as she looked at him. “Come get me from the library before lunch.” She stretched up to kiss him on the lips. “Be safe, baby.”

“You too,” he said and he waved at Adelaide before leaving. He walked around the corner of the house to the second garage to get into his car.

Evie stood in the doorway, watching him drive down the long driveway in his black Dodge Challenger.

“I haven't seen you in what feels like forever. Where have you been hiding?"

"You know where I’ve been."

Adelaide nodded. "You’re right. I do. You’ve been shacking up with that Drake boy at his house… and ours apparently."

"What do you need?"

"I sense some attitude. Are things going well with you and the Drake boy?"

Evie uncrossed her arms. "Stop that. You know Parker isn't a boy. And yes. He's fine."

Adelaide walked to stand before her. She opened her arms, expecting Evie to embrace her.

Evie caught the hint and hugged her briefly. She loved her mother but the woman could drive her crazy like no other. She’d always been overly protective and nosy, but stingy with any show of affection.

It drove her crazy. During family vacations she made Evie call her by her name and pretend that they were sisters.

"You two have been close since the day you met in kindergarten.” Adelaide looked off for a moment. “I should have put you in private school like Wesley.”

Evie pursed her lips, annoyed. “Woodland Pond Grammar School was just fine.”

“I suppose it was sufficient,” Adelaide said, pulling a strand of hair from Evie’s face. “He's a handsome boy. I’ll give him that. Do you think he is the one?”