Unexpected Eva (Triple Trouble #3)(53)

He’s like her own personal lumberjack Santa. He keeps fit working around the sports retreat all day, every day.

They are very lucky to have found each other. When she was only nineteen, she decided he was it for her. She knew he was the one despite the ten-year age gap and my gran and grandad forcing them apart.

They didn’t listen to anyone.

Their determination to be together almost split them from their families, but now, well, now thirty-plus years later, they still rock each other’s world.

My mom still swoons; my dad still kisses and cuddles. They can’t stop.

It's admirable. Gorgeous, and it also freaks me out. Their public displays of affection are often a little too much for my stomach.

Gosh, maybe Dad will be more understanding when, if, Knox and I tell him about us.

“You’re not the worst, Dad.” I shake my head. He’s the furthest thing from it.

But I’m currently the worst daughter, way up in first position.

I’m fucking your friend.

“I feel like it, Eva. Ella is going to make me dress in a bright-pink suit if I don’t sort this venue out for her.”

“She won’t.” I chuckle.

“She will. She showed me a picture online.” He looks deadly serious.

“Consider it done, Charlie.” Knox casually pushes his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

My dad’s brow furrows. “I haven’t even asked you what I want yet.”

“Eva already asked me about Ella and Fraser having the wedding reception at The Sanctuary. It’s a firm yes.”

“Oh, good grief, Ella is going to love you, Eva. Your mother even more so. The pink suit threat didn’t go down very well. Apparently, it would clash with her soft peach mother of the bride outfit.” He rolls his eyes, mimicking her high-pitched voice. That poor man is stuck with us four women in his life. We sure do like to mess with him.

“I know. I will give you the honor of telling Ella, though. But remember to tell her it was me that wangled it.” I shake my finger at him. “And remember, I saved your backside. No pink suit.” I unravel my bun. How Ariana Grande manages a taut, high ponytail all day is beyond me. The top of my head is throbbing like a bitch. And the stress rash I’ve developed at the back of my neck feels itchy.

“You’re a life saver, Eva. And you Knox. Thank you.” My dad places his hand over his heart. “Right, I’ll be off then and let you get back to your lesson. Remember, Knox, no flicking of your fingers. Hand positioning is everything in dance. Isn’t it, Eva? See, I pay attention to your dancing lessons.” He winks my way. “And golf on Monday, Knox. And I’ll call you to settle the bill for the reception.”

If only my dad knew what he was saying; none of my feedback was even dance related. It comprised panicked words of mumbo jumbo.

It's official, I’m going to hell.

Unable to make eye contact with my dad, Knox juts his chin in my dad's direction. “See you Monday, Charlie.”

My dad runs over to me, taps a kiss to my forehead, tells me he loves me, then leaves.

I contemplate what to say next as I stare at the empty doorway.

“We have to tell him,” Knox says before me.

“We do.”

“Lincoln first though, Eva.”

“Yeah. When?”

“I’m not sure. Should we see how we get on in the next few weeks? Figure out how we tell people? Plus, we have Ewan to consider and your boys.”

Yikes.

I don’t want to be the one to tell Ewan, but it’s inevitable.

“Maybe we should wait until after Ella and Fraser get married?” he suggests.

That sounds sensible. My family has had enough drama the last eighteen months, what with all of Eden and Ella’s ups and downs.

He continues. “Let the dust settle after Ella and Fraser are married, then we can tell everyone.”

A mini whirlpool swirls in my stomach at the thought of telling my father.

“Should we have some fun in the meantime?” I throw him a cheeky wink, hiding my nerves.

“I’m counting on it.”

Enjoying the relief, I run my fingers through my sensitive scalp as I puff out my hair.

“Let’s see what you can do then, Mr. Black. I’m taking the tempo up a notch. No funny business, though. We’ll save that for later.” I sway myself elegantly toward him. “For now, we dance. I think dancing with you is my new favorite hobby.”

He’s a confident dance partner. I find that so deeply and consumingly attractive.

“My fingers need adjusting,” he says deadpan.

“Oh, stop it. I couldn’t think of anything else to say.” I lift my shoulder in a lopsided shrug. “I don’t have any critique to give you. Your technique is immaculate.”

Knox excels at everything in life. He studies. Refines. All with one goal, to be the best.

“It’s who I’m dancing with that makes all the difference. Also, my fingers are the best at dancing across that beautiful jeweled bud of yours. My technique is flawless.”

Facts.

To my annoyance, I feel myself blush.

I’m certain he says these things to watch my reaction.

A satisfied smirk twitches his mouth.

I knew it.

“No more distractions.” I slice a line with my flat hand through the air.