Page 71 of Inseparable
“He is, and I can’t wait for you to meet him. I’ve told him all about you.”
I pull at my lip, a shy blush creeping across my cheeks. “You have?”
He grins, leaning forward to kiss my forehead. “He wanted to know about my life. You and Ayd have been the biggest parts of it. Of course, I was going to tell him about you.”
“Oh.” It’s all I can think to say.
Moisture gleams in his eyes as he stares at me. He’s so close, and the urge to touch him hasn’t gone away. With Devin, I don’t think it ever will. His soul calls to mine in a way I can’t explain.
“You’ve no idea how much your texts meant to me during that time, Ange.” He grips my hand tighter. “I wanted to text you back, so badly, but I was only allowed my phone for one hour a week, and my counselor wanted me to cut all contact with the outside world to aid my recovery. I didn’t even speak to Jim, not until the end, when he came in for a few sessions.”
He presses his forehead to mine. “They had this really nice sunroom at the rear of the facility, and every Sunday when I was given my cell, I’d curl up on one of the couches and read through all your texts. To know you hadn’t forgotten me, that you were still thinking of me”—he lowers his voice—“that you loved me”—his voice cracks, and he reels me into his arms—“it meant everything to me, Ange. Everything.”
I wrap my arms around him, closing my eyes, and his musky, woodsy scent swirls around me, bringing so many happy memories to the forefront of my mind.
“I honestly don’t think I’d have gotten through it without that. Your words kept me going. They buffered me on dark days when I wanted to give up, but I wouldn’t. Not when I knew you were thinking of me. When I had hope you’d be here for me to come back to. I know I don’t deserve it, but I’m glad you’re here. That we’re both here. Right where we should be.”
I have so much I want to say, but the words are stuck in my throat. I’m overcome with emotion. I still can’t believe he’s here, and I’m not sure what exactly the future holds, but, for now, I want him to know he’s important to me. I pull the locket out from under my top, running my fingers over it. “I never take it off.” His eyes brim with emotion. “And I could never forget you, Devin. No matter what, you’ll always be a part of me.”
Devin left shortly after that. I think he was as emotionally drained as me. There’s still so much we need to talk about, but as I drift off to sleep, I can’t keep the gleeful smile off my face. One of my best friends is back in my life, and I’m unbelievably happy.
Mariah jumps on my bed bright and early the next morning. “Ugh, go away, you’re far too exuberant for this time of the morning.” I bury my head under the pillow, hoping she’ll take the hint.
A breeze wafts over my head as she whips the pillow off me. Guess that’d be a no.
“No can do. I’ve been bouncing around Cody’s apartment all night dying to know what’s going on with Devin. My boyfriend actually threw me out. Can you believe that?” I hear the mock pout in her tone. “He said I was giving him ear ache.” She laughs, bending down to hug me. “Come on,baby doll, sharing is caring.”
I brush knotty strands of hair off my face, yawning as I pull myself upright in the bed. She sits beside me, leaning her head on my shoulder as I tell her everything. She oohs and aahs in all the right places, emitting a string of expletives when I get to the Becky part of the story. “I knew it!” she shrieks. “I flippin’ knew that slut had something on him.”
I cover my ears. “Too. Loud.”
She titters. “So how did you leave things?”
I yawn again. “We’re going to catch up later, I think.” I slip back under the covers. “Now you know everything, and I need more sleep. Shoo.”
She kisses the top of my head. “I’m really glad he’s here, Ange, but if he hurts you again…”
“We’re friends, M, that’s all, and I believe him when he says he’s changed. I could see the difference in him.”
My phone beeps and I slide it off my bedside table, squinting as I open my inbox. I can’t curtail my smile as Devin’s name pops up. Mariah is grinning from ear to ear as she slips out of the bedroom.
Hey, beautiful. Want 2 meet 4 a l8 lunch? Jim’s dropping by. He’d love 2 meet u. No pressure if it’s2 soon.
What time?
4?
Cu then.
Dev knocks on my door on the dot of four, and the fluttering in my chest builds to epic proportions. Grabbing my jacket, purse, and keys, I walk to the door and fling it open. My heart stutters at the sight of him. He’s wearing dark jeans, sturdy brown boots, and a thick gray jacket with a UI scarf around his neck. He graces me with his trademark grin, and his eyes sparkle with joy as he looks me over. “Look at you,” he says, pulling me into his arms. “You’re even more beautiful than I remember.”
I send him an incredulous look. “Since last night?” I quirk a brow.
He tweaks my nose. “Yep. Every hour you grow more beautiful.” He takes my hand, pulling the door shut behind me.
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Just telling it like I see it.” He weaves his hands through my hair. “You are gorgeous, Ange, and I haven’t told you that enough. And I’m not just referencing what’s on the outside, even if I have missed your beautiful face so much.”
