WindSwept Narrows: #6 Eve Hastings

By Karen Diroll-Nichols

It was Sunday when he came in from his run that he picked up the phone and tapped in the number Sam had given him. His voice curt and flat.

“I want to talk to you. I’ll be at your place tomorrow at six,” Zach told her flatly, breaking the connection before she could say a word.

Eve looked at the phone, sighing and closing it before returning to the fabric she was stitching as she watched the news. She had to set the frame aside after a few seconds, her hands were shaking too much to quilt straight. It had been five days since he had appeared in her office.

She brought the paper she’d printed her part of the bargain on home with her Monday afternoon, leaving it sit on her desk as she worked on dinner. A nice salad, a rich spaghetti dish and a red wine. The table was set when his fist struck her door, making her glad she had very sturdy doors.

She shouldn’t be surprised that he was angry. She doubted there was much that stood in the way of Zachary Covington. She wiped her palms on the seat of her jeans and pulled the door wide.

Dressed as before, she watched the dark suit and vest storm past her into the house. Eve closed the door, sliding the lock into place and turning to face him. It was raining and his dark brown hair was dotted with crystals of water, his hand raked over his head absently.

“You realize I am completely and totally pissed off at you,” Zach met the quiet stare, ordering his stomach to ignore the smell of food.

“It does show in the stance and voice,” Eve answered with a little nod. “Are you hungry? I thought dinner before we discussed business...”

“Business...that’s what you’re calling this...this blackmail?”

“Would be a nice ice breaker,” she continued as if he hadn’t interrupted. “Businesses have a long history of barter, Mr. Covington,” Eve said with a shrug. “That’s all this is. I have something you want...you have something I want. It’s a simple business transaction.”

“Holding a man hostage in a marriage...”

“By the time the project is complete, you’ll be a free man,” she interrupted. “For one year of your time and a few muscular contractions, you get the property. You don’t have to live with me or put up with me at all, for that matter.”

“They have clinics for what you want,” he pushed the words through his teeth. “Muscular contractions?” Zach repeated in total amazement and disbelief. He had never been this furious with another human being.

“I don’t want random. I know I am far from the type of female you’re accustomed to,” Eve said with a wave of her palm. “But given the standards of most men, I can’t believe it would be that impossible to...to...”

“You can’t even say what you want.” He threw back with a growl.

“To have sex with me,” she shot back immediately, dark lashes narrowed over the violet eyes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karen Diroll-Nichols
• Release date: Mar 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465948403

Karen Diroll-Nichols

At this time books are on AllRomanceebooks.com or smashwords.com or amazon.com. I write what I dream. I dream because I can't always be or do. And I always write to make people think and laugh and feel. I hope I succeed. I've been creating what I believe we're all in search of. Friendships and romance; communication and pure, simple fun. Throw in some misadventures and misunderstandings, not to mention a few not quite truths, and it should be a roller coaster of laughs, tears and thoughts. WindSwept Narrows Resort & Casino - Modern, contemporary romance with the occasional mystery and usually lots of family issues. They're building a community that's not greed based, but on the well-being of all. Hopefully. Yes, there's lots of romance - sometimes more than one per story. Yes, there's really sensual and sexy scenes. Devil Hills is a town between Seattle and Spokane, on the edge of the snow capped mountains on the Seattle side. It's a shifter town...and a few others. And of course, just like our world, there are those who believe they know what's best for everyone. Yep, lots of sex, arguments and laughter. Typical human mistakes and misunderstandings - but with a little fur thrown in to complicate things. Independence: Bailey is the first entry into this series that should fascinate and intrigue...what happens in a life when a little Dom and D/s are thrown into it. Definitely NOT for the faint of heart...but it'll make you laugh and maybe even identify. Breanna...slightly more spicy with 2 smart, caring guys falling for 1 slightly mixed up barista who makes wicked coffee and loves cooking. While I haven't a series name - there is a follow-up to her coming out before the end of the year, Danea...a fishy little tale on the coast of Washington. A Red Crystal Romance - well...what to say...imagine believing you're at the end of your life. You live in a retirement home. You're alone. The past in your memories and just fatigue in your bones. You visit a small metaphysical shop, buy some candles that smell good and are offered a chance to fish in a caldron of crystals. Free and for good luck. When you wake in the morning...nothing will ever be the same again. Yes, some of my stories have more than one romance in it. Because it's not a bad thing to have friends *************** A bio - wow - I live to the South of Seattle along the coast in a small town called Des Moines. Gorgeous Puget Sound as our backyard, with snow capped mountains in almost all directions. I've been writing for over 20 years and in that time I have noticed how hard it is for certain people to embrace their sexuality, and very very few have the backbone to even discuss it! I think sex is a very important attribute to our lives and is necessary in order to live a balanced, happy and healthy lifestyle. It exists for exploration and simulation; it exists for bonding and pure, simple happiness at the whirlwind of sensations that can overwhelm and take your breath away. I hope that my stories simply depict that, ignite the fires within and maybe even give some pointers on how to please your partner in some new exciting ways. Bottom line: they are here for enjoyment. So read, enjoy and live the happy healthy lives we are all meant to live. Now - a dedication: I can't say I grew up with anyone encouraging me, and that's fine, they had things in their life they were dealing with. My parents and 1st husband and current in-law said it was 'a nice little hobby'. When you get that kind of reaction from people who matter, it has the effect that you no longer tell anyone. And no one ever asked what I did for hours on end over a typewriter and then VIOLA! a computer keyboard! So no one knew. Until I met and fell in love with my 2nd husband. He found the large file cabinet filled with thick manuscripts, filed in alphabetical order by lead female name. And he talked to me about writing. My writing. The single thing in my life aside from my two grown children, that I adored and cherished. They became my community; my friends. It's an amazing thing what happens when someone believes in you. Maybe it rubs off and you begin to believe in yourself, too. So everything I've created and set free on the internet to share are thanks to him and his belief and love. He helps me with words I know but that are stuck in my head floating around somewhere; he helps me spot gaps in my stories and we bounce ideas off one another for covers for my girls. He encourages me and has also come to learn some interesting traits about himself that he'd submerged because of a bad relationship. So we've grown together and continue to explore all that we can. He has my love and my heart and my gratitude for sharing a little of his courage and belief. Email: [e-mail] Website: http://www.facebook.com

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Eve Hastings

WindSwept Narrows

Book Six

Karen A. Nichols

Copyright 2011 by Karen A. Nichols

Smashwords Edition

Published by Karen Nichols. Copyright, Karen Nichols. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

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Chapter One

Evelyn Hastings opened the stationary that was becoming very familiar. The letter was another of the same previous three she had on her desk. She ran one hand over her head, smiling at the still unfamiliar feel of the short pixie cut she received from the Locks of Love promo for the resort.

She stood up from her desk, bare feet carrying her to stare out the large double paned window into the storm whipping up around the south end of Puget Sound. A vague image of herself peered back at her through the glass but she rarely noticed her appearance. She’d spent too many hours pondering this decision.

She had him and his company thoroughly investigated after the first letter arrived. She knew he had never been married and she had a photo of him. She knew he inherited the majority of the funds he was sinking into the project and had another small fortune in reserve that he’d made on his own. She knew he was in the military for six years and that people her representatives had discreetly spoken with all thought very highly of him.

He was a hands on kind of developer, involved in the design and the day to day creation. He wasn’t just the sort to throw money at a project. Considering this was a seriously long term project and not an instant money maker, she liked the premise. Even as he was working on acquiring the final large piece of property, he and several teams were conducting on-site cleaning and removing everything that had previously been built there. It was destined to change the downtown area.

Eve slid her palms into the back pockets of her jeans and stood staring for a long time into the maelstrom stirring up the back yard, leaves forming into tiny swirling tornadoes and spilling off into the air. There were white caps on the Sound, a few brave or really insane sailors fighting the winds and waves.

She locked up the house and prepared for bed.

He’d find her. She didn’t doubt that. It was just a matter of time.

****

Zachary Covington threw the note from his admin to his desk, pacing the office and glaring out into the storm. Why the hell didn’t the woman answer his letters? He’d been at it for over a month now, sending her one every ten days.

He tightened his tie, straightened his vest and patted down pockets before heading to the car. He ignored the wind whipping his hair around, the car door slammed and belt buckled before he started the engine.

He knew where she would be today and he had no intentions of being put off another day.

Sophie looked up from the mail she was opening, dark eyes taking in the tall man approaching her desk. No, she thought. He was storming the area. It showed in the knit brows and pursed lips. Clear cut determination, she thought and wondered who he was after.

Can I help you? She asked at the same time Cade opened his office door.

He’s here for me, Sophie…come on inside, Zach, Cade closed the door and went to the small kitchen area. Coffee?

Hot and straight, thanks, Zach shoved his jacket back, hands in the pockets of his slacks.

You seem a little more anxiety ridden than usual, Zach, Cade handed him the cup of steaming brown liquid. How’s the project going?

Clean up is in progress…shit load of rusted metal and god knows what being hauled off to the dumps and recycling stations, Zach sipped slowly. Nice view…

Logan’s in the office next door… Cade mentioned. He positioned us to have happy views to counter the general mayhem of the work, I think.

He thought I was crazy when I offered the proposal, Zach said with a chuckle.

It was something we tossed around, Cade admitted slowly, striding to lean against his desk, watching his friend. But we weren’t ready for that amount of funding just yet…until you happened along.

You’re pulling in more and more of our friends with the premise, Zach said with quiet approval. Combine the minds he’s pulled together with the cash, and this is going to become the most successful reclamation in the country.

Thanks for the compliment, but I know you pretty well. You don’t just drop in for social visits, Zach.

One damn piece of property, he growled in frustration. A large damn piece…and my information says she’s here today. She’s ignored my letters. Let’s see if she can ignore me up close and personal.

Here? As a guest? Cade moved to his chair, fingers tapping over the keyboard. What’s the name?

Evelyn Hastings.

Evelyn Hastings, Cade repeated the name slowly, his hands falling to the arms of his chair. He stared at Zach for a long minute before reaching out and pressing a preset number on his phone, the speaker on. Abby…

Yes, sir? Abby smiled at the phone.

Cade stared with a slight frown. Sir? Did I tap in the wrong number?

Hmm…trying to be professional here…since you have me on speaker, I’m guessing this is business, not personal, Abby told him, her smile in her words.

You’re good, Miss Murray.

So I’ve been told, Mr. Rollins, what can I help you with this morning?

Evelyn Hastings…I have a vague memory…

The Play Care Center, She answered instantly. She’s a friend of Sam’s…and now, mine and Cassidy’s.

Do you know if she’s in today?

Eve doesn’t miss days, Abby said simply. The kids would riot…

She’s not a normal employee…

She’s the director, Abby filled in for him. She has a degree in child development and recreational activities. Did you stay awake for any of the senior management hiring reviews?

Thank you for your time, Miss Murray, Cade listened to her laughter and ended the call.

She works for you, Zach said carefully.

No one works for me, except the hotel people, Cade corrected. They work under Logan. Although, I think he’s considering a manager for that position so he can concentrate on the casino more. She’s the property owner you’re looking for? Let’s go…I’ll take you over there…then snag my wench for lunch.

The woman on the call?

Abigal Murray….human resources director, Cade confirmed, nodding at Sophie on the way out and moving the little magnet to lunch on the board she had set up for them. A lot of changes in our friends circle, Cade remarked, guiding them along the corridor and into the main lobby. He took them down a long corridor that ran along side the kitchen.

So I’ve heard. Franklin’s running a lodge up north, Zach commented as they walked. Gabe, Gideon and Damian all settled…those were shockers.

You’ll get hit one day, my friend, Cade told him with a nod. Once you’ve entered the realm of the kind of women we’re involved with, you don’t stand a chance. You’ll fall hard and fast and almost not know what hit you.

They approached a large collection of thick paneled glass, small openings allowing noise to come through the main entrance, carefully controlled with a locking gate and cameras. Loud, bubbling giggles met them as they turned the corner.

Six little children were crawling around the large open space with an adult. She wore the blue short sleeved WindSwept Narrows T-shirt, a pair of hip hugging jeans and no shoes.

I’ve only been through here on inspection before we opened, Cade commented, recognizing Scarlet and waving when she looked up at them.

It just…we spent so much time advancing and to get people and communities back on track, we find ourselves reverting to the old style of running businesses, Zach shook his head, looking around the large area at the various open doors, all of which had low gates on them. A wide, sparkling kitchen was straight back and an office and reception area coming up on their right.

The most difficult part is taking greed and excess out of the equation, Cade remarked, casually watching his friend. I believe that…is Evelyn Hastings.

The director crawls around on the floor with little kids? Zach looked from him back to the long body of the slender woman laughing and positioning the kids until all of them fell in a giggling heap in the middle of the floor. He had expected to find a spinster in a suit wearing thick glasses and flat shoes.

I’m off to lunch with my girl, Cade told him with a chuckle, clapping his palm on Zach’s shoulder. Anything I can help with, shoot me a message.

Thanks, Cade, Zach stood there for several seconds before striding to the main entrance, absently glancing over the young woman behind the desk.

Hello…are you here to pick up someone? She asked brightly, her list in front of her. I’ll need to see your identification, please.

I’m not here for anyone. I’d like to speak to Evelyn Hastings, Zach looked toward the gated area, the woman now sitting crossed legged surrounded by the kids and reading softly, all silent and attentive. She threw herself into the story, making facial expressions and movements that had the little kids looking both shocked and giggling.

Dr. Hastings? The young girl nodded and went to the gate. Dr. Hastings? There’s a man here who would like to speak with you.

Does he have a name, Angela? Eve called back, finishing the short story book and closing it with a flourish.

Zachary Covington, he answered loudly, watching the woman on the floor turn her head slowly in his direction. She knew who he was, he thought with a satisfied gleam in his eyes.

Eve rose from the floor slowly, bending over and calling the children close. She spoke to them quietly, watching each one nod.

Angela, find Myra for me, Eve called out, leading the six children to a low table and helping them into their seats. She looked up to see the newest member of her team come from one of the smaller classrooms. Tina can handle her group for lunch. I need you to get these guys set up until I’m finished with my meeting, please.

Will do…hey, guys, you hungry? She whispered with a laugh, noting the names and checking for special diets.

Eve walked through the entry gate, her palm up quietly. Mr. Covington.

Miss Hastings, Zach accepted her palm, a warm set of very slender fingers that were firm. Or should I use the ‘doctor’ label?

I prefer Eve or Evelyn, honestly. Evie on occasion, she said with a slight smile. My office? She stepped forward and led him to the large office behind the reception desk. He was tall, she thought. And looked very much like the photo from the newspaper that her agent had sent her. Clean shaven but a hint of a dark shadow that would show up soon and match the dark brown neatly trimmed hair. His scowl was tense, dark eyes watching her every move.

Do you always climb around on the floor, Dr. Hastings? Zach entered the large office, his gaze sweeping the room casually after he closed the door for privacy. A few photos and a lot of books. A stack of papers on her desk with a computer set up and some pens. Zach watched her stride ahead of him. She pulled a sweater off her chair, long slender arms slid into the thickly knit gold.

I do whatever I need to or want to, Mr. Covington, she returned, casually matching his tone. I’m sure you proceed as a developer along those same lines.

You were aware of who I was the instant you heard my name, Zach accused flatly.

Chapter Two

Are you looking for me to come up with some flattering statement about watching your progress on the apartment project? Eve stared curiously, her head tipped to the side slightly.

I’m looking for the piece of property I want to complete the landscape, he shot back curtly.

Ahh…right to business, Eve perched on the edge of her desk. I received your letters, yes, so your name was very familiar.

And you were too busy to respond? You couldn’t pick up the phone and discuss the proposition? Zach demanded hotly.

I don’t do business with anonymous people through the mail, Mr. Covington, or over the phone. Do you? Eve frowned, watching him pace her office like a caged, very angry tiger. Would you like to sit down?

You’ve held up my project… Zach said tersely, reminding himself he needed to remain semi polite until he had the deed to that property. He needed to charm her and he was seething with fire and brimstone.

You know that isn’t true, Eve said calmly, her voice low and soft.

Dark eyes turned and faced her, a pair of wide soft violet eyes following him. His investigation of her had been a surface look only. Just enough to find her and get his hands on the property. Her hair was a deep chocolate and cut in the pixie style that showed the double pierced ears, long, slender neck and strong, oval face. She was slender and curved and he would have guessed her in her mid twenties until he looked into her eyes.

You’re aware of the progress? He asked in surprise, studying the woman seated on the desk more closely.

"I’m aware of a lot of things, Mr. Covington. I’m sure you’ve researched me as readily as I