Shameless (An Enemies To Lovers Novel Book 5)

by Michelle Horst

  “A man once gave my sister and I a chance. He kept us from living on the streets, and I want to give you that same chance.”

  “Thank you,” I whisper. I wonder if Rhett understands what this means to someone like me. “I don’t know what made you look at me yesterday, but I’m so thankful that you did. All of this,” I sweep my hand over the room, “is so much more than I could ask for. But the fact that you saw me when everyone else kept looking right through me, I have no words to describe what that means to me.”

  The look on his face is gentle as he says, “You’re welcome, Evie.”

  He moves slowly towards me as if he’s worried that I’ll run off if he walks too fast.

  This day started out horrible, and if someone told me I would end my day in a luxury hotel, and allow a man I’ve just met to hug me, I would’ve thought they were crazy.

  But here I am, and I don’t stop Rhett as his arms wrap around me. As I rest my cheek against his chest, I pinch my eyes closed.

  How is it possible that such a kindhearted and remarkable person like Rhett sees someone as ordinary as me?

  Just being noticed by another human being fills me with the profound thought that I’m not invisible. For a moment, it feels like I matter. It’s food for my battered soul, and in a way, I needed it more than I needed shelter and nourishment.

  When he pulls back, his smile is kind. The gentle look in his eyes only makes me feel more at ease.

  Rhett holds the keycard out to me, and when I take it from him, he says, “I’m going to leave so you can get some rest. I’ll be back early tomorrow morning.”

  He walks to the door, and as he starts to pull it closed behind him, I take a step forward. “Rhett!”

  The door instantly swings open, and a worried look tightens his features.

  “In case something happens, I just want you to know that you’ve already made a difference in my life.”

  “Nothing’s going to happen, Evie. I will see you tomorrow.”

  I nod and stand still as he closes the door behind him. It sounded like a promise, but nothing is set in stone.

  At least for tonight, I’ll be safe, warm and fed.

  Chapter 6

  RHETT

  As I get into the elevator, I send Carter a message, letting him know that I’ll be home soon. Shoving the phone back in my pocket, I wait for the doors to open, and then walk to the reception counter.

  The receptionist gives me a knowing look. She must’ve seen me get in the elevator with Evie. I don’t care about her assumptions as I scowl at her.

  “Can you have dinner sent up to room two-oh-four?” I ask when she looks at me with a fake smile.

  “I can place the order with our restaurant. What would you like?”

  I give her points for remaining professional.

  “Anything healthy,” I say, not sure what Evie would prefer. I should’ve asked her what she wanted to eat before I left. “Send up a platter with a variety of foods.”

  “What time should we send it up?”

  Evie will probably want to bathe first, and she still has the burger and fries. I glance at my watch and notice that it’s almost six o’ clock.

  “Can you send it up at seven?”

  “I’ll have a platter sent up at seven. Will there be anything else?”

  “No, I guess that’s everything,” I say. There’s no reason for me to stick around any longer. Before I leave, I ask, “Can you call me if Evie checks out before I’m back?”

  This time the receptionist frowns. “You’re not staying?”

  I glare at her, not liking that she's nosy. People need to learn to keep their fucking noses out of other people’s business.

  “No. I’m not. Call me if she leaves,” I growl, and not waiting for her to agree, I turn around and stalk towards the exit.

  Just before I reach the doors, I notice the clothing store to my right. Not sure if Evie has anything clean to wear, I make a quick decision to get something for her.

  As I walk into the store, a lady approaches me with a smile. “Can I help you, sir?”

  “Yeah, I have a friend staying here for the night. I don’t know her size, though. Could you send someone up to her room to get her size and then send her …” I glance at the clothing, not sure what Evie would like.

  “I can help put an outfit together if you tell me what your friend’s plans are for tomorrow,” she offers.

  She’s probably going to run.

  The thought doesn’t sit well in my gut.

  “We’re going apartment hunting.”

  “Something comfortable then. Should we charge it to your bill?”

  “Please.” I follow the lady to a counter where she grabs a piece of paper and a pen. Realizing that she needs Evie’s information, I quickly give the details before thanking the lady.

  Once outside, I call myself an Uber. I don’t like leaving her here, but I’m in desperate need of a shower and sleep after the long day.

  Getting home, I’m not surprised when I walk into the living room, only to find all the guys waiting for me.

  “Evie is staying at a hotel tonight. Hopefully, she’ll be there tomorrow morning.”

  They all keep quiet and continue to just stare at me, which prompts me to say, “I’m going to help her get on her feet. That’s all.”

  Still, they say nothing which starts to annoy me.

  “Stop looking at me like that,” I growl.

  Logan gets up and shakes his head. “Can you blame us? You’ve never shown interest in committing to a woman before. We’re all a little shocked.”

  “I’m not committing myself to a woman,” I quickly defend myself. “I’m helping a kid. There’s a huge difference.”

  Logan chuckles as Carter gets up and walks over to me. When he’s standing in front of me, he says, “Evie isn’t a kid, Rhett. She’s eighteen. Whether you like it or not, taking care of her means that you’re going to have to be committed to her in some way. This isn’t something you can start and stop at the drop of a hat. Make sure you’re in it for the long run.”

  Fuck, he’s right.

  Jaxson surprises me when he says, “This isn’t a pet project, dude. This is a person’s life. This girl is going to be dependant on you so you better not fuck with her. It’s your choice to help her, and that comes with some major responsibility.”

  “I know,” I grind the words out. Not wanting to hear another warning, I turn around and head for the stairs.

  I take a shower, the entire time thinking about Evie. No matter how pissed I got at the guys for voicing the obvious, I have to face the facts. Evie will be my responsibility.

  As terrifying as that thought is, I can’t turn my back on her. Watching her eat earlier, tore a hole in my heart. I’ve never seen anything so heartbreaking.

  Fuck, don’t even get me started on when she thanked me for seeing her. It gutted me.

  How fucking alone must a person be if they feel the need to thank someone for noticing them? I can’t comprehend it.

  I might have dealt with some shit in my life, but I can’t remember a single day where I’ve felt alone. I’ve always had someone.

  I told Evie that I’m going to help her, and it’s a promise I will keep.

  Chapter 7

  EVIE

  Still, feeling overwhelmed, I stare at the clothes I’ve laid out on the massive bed. I can’t believe Rhett did this for me.

  I was sitting on the couch, thinking about everything Rhett had already done for me when the woman knocked on the door. I thought it was Rhett, but after opening, the woman from the boutique explained that she was here to take my size.

  The cream cashmere sweater is the softest thing I’ve ever felt. I lightly trace the tips of my fingers over the fabric as a smile forms on my lips.

  All the luxury is a lot to take in. Growing up, I never had anything I could call my own. I still don’t, but for tonight, I’m going to pretend this is all mine. I might never get a chance like this again.<
br />
  I walk to the extravagant bathroom and fill the tub with steaming water. I can’t wait to soak in it. Brushing my fingers over the towels, I notice a collection of bath products on the counter. Lifting a tiny bottle of shampoo, I unscrew the cap and take a deep breath of it. It smells divine, like a bouquet of flowers.

  Another knock at the door has me quickly screwing the cap back on. I place the bottle back with the others and rush to the door.

  “Who is it?” I ask while peeking through the peephole.

  “Room service.” I can see part of someone dressed in white, and a cart with silver dinnerware on it.

  When I open the door, an elderly man pushes the cart into the room and turns to me. “Where can I place it for you?”

  I point to the living room, wondering if he didn’t make a mistake.

  “I didn’t order anything,” I say.

  “The order was placed with reception. Enjoy your dinner,” he says before leaving the room.

  Oh yes, I forgot. Rhett did mention that he would have food sent up. With all the excitement I forgot.

  I close the door and walk over to the cart. When I lift one of the lids, and I see a spread of fresh fruit, my mouth instantly starts to water.

  I’ll never be able to repay Rhett for all his kindness.

  I take the plate of fruit to the bathroom and strip out of my dirty clothes while nibbling on grapes. When I sink down into the hot water, I let out a happy sigh. I let the warmth seep into my bones while I eat most of the fruit. With a satisfied stomach, I lie back and close my eyes.

  When the water turns cold, I add hot water before washing my hair. Being able to use beauty products fills me with excitement, and I can’t help but laugh out loud as contentment fills my chest.

  When I’m clean from head to toe, I dry myself with one of the fluffy towels. Taking a complimentary robe from behind the door, I put it on.

  There’s even a toothbrush and paste, which I don’t hesitate to use. This room has everything I could ever need, and by the time I’ve dried my hair, I feel more like a woman and less like trash.

  Careful not to wrinkle the new clothes, I hang them in the closet. I crawl into bed and let out a bliss-filled sigh as I snuggle into the plush pillow.

  “Thank you, Rhett,” I whisper as I snuggle deeper under the covers.

  ∞∞∞

  I can’t remember if I’ve ever slept as well as I did last night. I’ve taken another bath before getting dressed in the new clothes.

  I’ve been staring at my reflection for so long that I’ve lost track of time. I’m clean and the beautiful sweater, jeans, and boots, make me feel feminine. It’s something I haven’t felt before.

  I even have new lace underwear on.

  My hair frames my face with light curls, which brings out the green of my eyes. I might be way too skinny, but after all the pampering, I feel pretty.

  I make the bed and clean the bathroom before I place my wet clothes in a plastic bag. After I’ve thanked Rhett, I’ll find a spot where I can let them dry in the sun.

  My clothes might be ragged, but I try to keep it clean.

  I feel guilty when I place the tiny bottles of beauty products in my bag, and I hope I won’t get caught with them.

  When I’ve cleaned the room, and everything I own is packed in my bag, I glance around the room one more time.

  Feeling a little sad, I remind myself to be grateful for the experience. I take a deep breath before I leave the room, and with my energy replenished, I walk to the elevators.

  When I walk out into the reception area, there’s no sign of Rhett. For the first time, I think that he might not come to meet me this morning.

  Hoping that he will show up, I take a seat on one of the couches and watch the entrance.

  As time goes by, I start to grow anxious. I glance down at the keycard in my hand as my thoughts turn to the deal Rhett has offered me.

  I want to jump at the chance, but my pride keeps me from saying yes.

  I can always pay him back.

  I frown at the thought. I haven’t considered it before. If I take the deal, I’ll be able to study and get a good job. I can pay Rhett back once I start working. It could be a loan.

  My heartbeat speeds up with hope as I consider all the possibilities.

  But… can I trust Rhett.

  The thought puts a damper on my excitement until I remind myself that Rhett could’ve hurt me already if that was his plan. He has been nothing but kind to me.

  I glance up at the entrance, still undecided about what I should do. Rhett walks in, and just seeing him makes my heart skip a beat. A tremor of nerves sets in as my eyes follows him.

  I’ve been so caught up in my troubles that I haven’t really looked at Rhett again since I saw him coming down the stairs at his house. Now that I’m feeling rested and I’m not so scared, I take a few seconds to examine him.

  He’s wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt today. I notice the tattoo which covers his entire left arm all the way to his knuckles. Even though he’s dressed so casually, he still looks like a force to be dealt with. Every movement he makes exudes confidence which only adds to his already incredible good looks.

  Never taking my eyes off Rhett, I get up and nervously clutch my hands together in front of me.

  His dark eyes skim over me as he scans the area. A worried look crosses his features before he glances in my direction again. This time he doesn’t look away as he slows to a stop in the middle of the reception area.

  I start to feel self-aware and painfully anxious as he continues to just stare at me. When it borders on awkward, he finally moves, stalking towards me.

  I swallow hard and force a smile on my face when he stops right in front of me. He opens his mouth but no words come out, so I take my chance.

  “Thank you, Rhett. I really appreciate what you’ve done for me.” I’m happy when I don’t fumble all over the words.

  A slow smile starts to form around his mouth, which makes my heart do a somersault. At least it doesn’t look like he regrets helping me. That would’ve sucked.

  “Morning, Evie, you look great. I forgot to ask last night, but can I see your I.D.?”

  I didn’t expect that from him and feeling nervous again, I unzip the front of my bag and remove the card. I hand it to him and wait anxiously while he inspects it.

  With a stunned look, he says, “Damn, you really are eighteen.”

  He hands it back to me, and I quickly tuck it back in the front pocket so I won’t lose it.

  When I glance up at Rhett again, there’s a sexy grin on his face which makes my stomach flutter. My eyes grow huge as I quickly look down at the floor. I can’t think of Rhett as sexy, or attractive. That’s asking for trouble I don’t need.

  “Are you ready for breakfast?” he asks.

  Still unsure about taking his deal, I hope that having breakfast with him will help me decide.

  Chapter 8

  RHETT

  Fuck, I can’t believe what one night of sleeping in a decent bed, having a bath, and getting some food in her body has done for Evie’s appearance. I almost didn’t recognize her.

  Evie Cole. I got her last name from her I.D. card. I would never have believed she’s eighteen if I didn’t see it with my own eyes.

  She’s only a year and five months younger than me. Hopeful that I’ll get to know her better, I choose a table at the back of the room, so we’ll have privacy.

  I pull her chair out, and the blush creeping over her face tells me she’s not used to this kind of treatment. It’s actually refreshing being around Evie. The women I usually go out with take everything for granted.

  After I’ve taken the seat across from her, we study the menu.

  “Morning, I’m Beth, and I’ll be your waitress,” a perky blonde says as she smiles welcoming. It’s a nice change from the receptionist.

  “I’ll just have coffee,” I say, not hungry at all.

  Evie orders the same, and as soon as t
he waitress is out of hearing distance, I say, “You can order breakfast.”

  “I’ve never been a big eater early in the morning. Coffee is good.”

  She fidgets with the keycard, and I reach across the table to take it from her. My hand almost covers both of hers as I give her an encouraging squeeze before pulling back.

  “Let’s get to know each other a little. I think it will help calm your nerves.”

  “Okay,” she whispers, but her eyes don’t meet mine which tells me it’s going to take a lot to get her to feel at ease around me.

  “You know my name. Rhett Daniels. I’m nineteen. What else?” I try to think of something else to say that won’t be too personal.

  “The other men you live with, are they your brothers?"

  Happy that she asked something, I smile as I answer, “We might not be related by blood, but they are my brothers. Carter and I have been friends since our first day of school.”

  “Carter seems nice,” she says, and I don’t miss that she’s not as tense as when we sat down.

  “Actually, Logan is the nice one. I think you’re the first person to describe Carter as nice.” I might have meant that as a joke but there’s a lot of truth to it. Carter is realistic and doesn’t take shit from anyone.

  There’s a moment of uncomfortable silence between us. I’m not used to awkward moments with girls. Usually, there isn’t any time for awkward moments because I never have conversations with any of the women I sleep with.

  But Evie is different. If she’s going to be my responsibility, then we’ll have to get comfortable with each other.

  “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” I ask just as the waitress brings our coffee.

  While I wait for her to answer, I add cream and sugar to my cup.