Hard As Ice (Fortis Series 1) by Raven Scott Page A

kinds, really. Big action movies for sure. Corny romantic comedies.”
    Evan raised his eyebrows in surprise.
    “You’re a romantic!”
    “Not particularly, no,” she immediately rebuffed. “But movies are fantasy, escapism, right? So the idea of a soul mate, or love at first sight works on screen because it’s not reality.”
    “You don’t believe in love?”
    “Whether it truly exists or not, it doesn’t solve everything. It’s not unconditional and ever-enduring. Not like in Pretty Woman or When a Man Loves a Woman .”
    She looked at him, waiting for Evan to respond. He thought about the unaffectionate marriage his parents had, and his failed engagement that had ended over three years ago. While he was long over the confusion and disappointment, it hadn’t encouraged a belief in ever-enduring love.
    “Don’t you agree?” Nia probed when he didn’t comment.
    He chose the easy way out.
    “You’re probably right, but a man can only dream.”
    Nia laughed out loud.
    “What?” he demanded.
    “Sorry, I just can’t see you as a dreamer.”
    He shot her a look to express how offended he was. She just shook her head, not at all swayed.
    “Okay, Ms. James. Looks like I just have to show you my soft, sensitive side.”
    She snorted again, then covered her mouth, her eyes wide with embarrassment. Evan laughed until she also burst into giggles.
    All too soon, he pulled the car into a parking spot in front of a four-floor semi-detached duplex on a residential street. He stepped out of the car to open the passenger door for her.
    “Thank you for dinner,” Nia murmured softly once she was standing in front of him.
    “You’re welcome. But I still have to get you to your door,” Evan teased.
    She looked around, almost self-consciously as though people might have been watching them.
    “That’s not necessary. I’m right there,” she countered, gesturing to her apartment.
    Evan didn’t respond. He just took her hand and started walking toward the front door.
    “What about your car? Aren’t you worried about it?” she insisted.
    He shrugged. “It’s insured. Why? This looks like a pretty nice neighborhood.”
    “It is nice. Just not that nice.”
    She unlocked the building entrance, and they both entered a small common area.
    “Okay, this is me,” she announced, stopping in front of the first-floor apartment door.
    “Do you live in the hallway?” he asked, pursing his lips.
    Nia narrowed her eyes before turning away to unbolt the lock with her key. Evan used that moment to quickly pull his iPhone out and disable the video and voice surveillance Tony had installed in her apartment the day before, using the mobile interface application. The team didn’t need to see all the details of his covert work. Then, he followed her inside the unit, closing the door behind him.
    “This is nice,” commented Evan as he looked around. He could see through the main living area to the back of the room. The space had been recently renovated into a modern, open area, but still had lots of the early twentieth-century architectural character.
    “Thanks,” mumbled Nia. She hadn’t moved more than two steps into the apartment.
    “I don’t suppose you’re inviting me to stay for a nightcap?” he couldn’t resist asking.
    “No, I’m not,” she bluntly replied.
    “Fair enough. Now that I’ve completed my gentlemanly duties and escorted you into the safety of your home, I suppose I should go,” Evan continued.
    He stepped forward, entering her personal space. Nia held firm, only lifting her chin so that she could still meet his eyes. They were so close that her soft, floral scent teased his senses.
    “Thank you for going out with me tonight,” he stated, similar to her statement when they arrived.
    Her gaze dipped to his lips, and Evan felt it like a stroke against his skin.
    His plan had been to wine and dine her, get her to see the benefits of dating him. In his experience as a covert agent, shared interests