Eve by Iris Johansen Read Free Book Online

me? I’m not drop-dead gorgeous. I’m not even particularly pretty.”
    “No, you’re not.” His smile vanished. “You’re too thin, and your face doesn’t look like some movie star’s. But I don’t want to stop looking at it. Do you know what I thought when I first got a good look at you when you were sitting on those stairs? You burn, Eve. Your hair was shining more red than brown under those lights, and your whole being was focused on Rosa and her baby. You were so alive and intense, I felt as if I’d scorch my fingers if I touched you.” He added softly, “And I couldn’t wait to feel the burn.”
    She was feeling that burn, with every breath she took. She swallowed and pulled her gaze away. “That’s crazy. I don’t want this. Why are you bothering? Why don’t you go screw Teresa or someone else? When you get down to it, isn’t one girl as good as another to a guy? That’s what I’ve always heard.”
    “That’s what I’ve always heard, too.” His lips twisted. “Hell, that’s what I’ve always believed. Sex is sex. Why not take it wherever you can?”
    “So?”
    “But it’s not working right now. There’s some kind of wild chemistry going on between us. I’ve heard about that happening, but I thought it was a bunch of bull. But I felt it the minute I saw you, and I think you felt it, too. I don’t want anyone else. It has to be you, Eve.”
    “No, it doesn’t. Not if I don’t want it.” She said shakily, “And I don’t. It would get in my way. My mother had me when she was fifteen. I’ve seen girls my own age having babies and being left to raise them by themselves. And then they’re stuck in a rut that they can never climb out of. That’s not going to happen to me.”
    “I’d protect you. I don’t want kids, either. I’m going to basic training in four weeks. Do you think I want to leave a kid behind? I have to be on my own.”
    She shook her head. “Why are we even talking about this?”
    “You started it.” His hands clenched on the steering wheel. “And I’m glad you did. I wanted to have everything aboveboard. I don’t want to hurt you, Eve. We can take what we need without hurting each other. Let me show you.”
    “No.” She jumped out of the car. It was still raining, and she was wet in seconds. “You won’t hurt me because I won’t let you.” She started across the street. “I take care of myself.”
    “I’ll pick you up at work tomorrow night, Eve.”
    “Haven’t you been listening to me?”
    “Every word. And you’ve been listening to me. That means progress.” He started the car. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
    She slammed the heavy door of the entrance behind her.
    Close him out. Close out the thoughts his words had brought rushing to the surface.
    She couldn’t do it.
    Every word he’d said was still with her. She was wet and should have been chilled, but she felt as if she had a fever.
    Yes, that was it. That was exactly what John Gallo was.
    A fever that would leave her if she didn’t let it take over her mind as well as her body.
    It was clear that he’d had a lot of experience in sexual encounters. His interest in her was probably fleeting and would go away soon. Then she would not have to deal with these bizarre and disturbing feelings again.
    All she had to do was hold on.
    *   *   *
    “HELLO, EVE.” HE WALKED UP TO the counter at ten forty the next evening. “I came a little early. I thought I might need to do a little repair work.”
    “Repair work?”
    “Haven’t you been trying to tear down everything that I tried to do last night?” He chuckled. “Don’t answer.”
    She didn’t intend to answer. “I don’t need a ride home. You might as well leave.”
    He shook his head. “I’ll stick around. You might change your mind.”
    “I won’t.”
    “Let me help you fill up those saltshakers, Eve.” Teresa was suddenly beside her, her gaze fixed on John Gallo. “Hi, I’m Teresa Maddel. Are you a friend of