Army Of The Winter Court (Skeleton Key) Read Free Page B

across his forehead. Ian was a very handsome man and the thought of spending more time with him sent butterflies swarming in her stomach. She pinched her bottom lip between her forefinger and thumb, trying to decide.  
    “I—”
    “I’ll tell you what, if you need to go now, then have dinner with me.”
    “I'm not sure… I don’t really know you.”
    “That’s why we'll have dinner together.” He smiled at her confidently.
    Evvie’s eyes darted toward the doorway. She had enjoyed talking with him and couldn’t remember the last time she allowed herself to go out and have fun.  
    “Okay. Yes, I think I’d like that. When?” she agreed, turning to face him again.
    “Excellent,” Ian beamed. “Meet me at the Glass House, in front of the sun sculpture, at seven tomorrow.”
    She grimaced, sucking air in through her teeth.  
    “I can’t, I have to work tomorrow night.” Evvie paused at the slight frown on his face as he tried to hide his disappointment. “I’m free Friday. Does that work?”
    “That is perfect.” His smile widened again as he stood. “I will see you in three nights. I look forward to it.”
    “Yeah, me too,” Evvie said, surprised that she meant it. She rushed toward the door, pausing briefly to look back at the man watching her leave.

CHAPTER THREE

    Evvie

    Nervously glancing at her watch one more time, Evvie tapped her foot. Ian was twenty minutes late. She turned on the heel of her black knee high boots and examined the glass sun sculpture behind her. Swirling tentacles of red, yellow and orange were clustered around the sphere creating a fiery effect, light shining from within. It looked like a cross between the sun and a glowing sea anemone.  
    Behind the sun sat the Glass House, dimly lit by the massive red and white chandelier made of glass birds that spanned the length of the building.  
    Five more minutes, then I’ll leave… Ugh, why did I agree to go out with some guy I just met? He probably forgot all about me.
    Evvie watched as couples walked through, holding onto each other’s arms, snuggling close, laughing and speaking in hushed tones. That was why she’d agreed; she wanted the chance to be close to someone like that, even if it was just for one night. Evvie tugged on the thick braid that rested over one shoulder and twirled the end around her index finger.
    Pulling her long black coat tighter around her, she felt foolish for dressing up. The temptation to wear more than her standard jeans, a tee and a scarf had gotten the best of her and she’d gone with heels, a red pencil skirt and one of Silvia’s lacy, black, sleeveless tops. Now she felt silly dressed up and standing in front of the giant glass sun.
    “I’m sorry I’m late,” a rich, velvety voice said from behind her.  
    Whirling around she tipped to the side, losing her balance on the tall heels she wasn’t quite used to. His strong hands reached out and gripped her shoulders, steadying her.
    “Easy there,” he said smiling.
    “I thought you weren’t going to show up,” Evvie blurted out. His face fell and she immediately regretted her words. It didn’t matter if he were late—it was rude of her and she could have at least said hello first. “Sorry,” she added looking away.
    “There’s nothing for you to be sorry about. I should have been on time. Unfortunately, I was unable to get away any sooner.” A knuckle lifted her chin until she met his eyes. “Will you forgive me?”
    Evvie pulled her chin away and nodded, the damp chill of the night air forgotten. The yellow light that radiated from behind her cast an ethereal glow over his face, though it didn’t suit him, it muddied the dazzling blue of his eyes to a dull grey and made his skin appear pale.
    “It’s fine, don’t worry about it,” she said waving her hand dismissively.
    “Have you been waiting long?”
    “No, just a few minutes,” she lied.
    “I’ll make it up to you.” He stepped back and offered her his arm, a