Page 72 of Inseparable
My heart is spinning a hundred miles an hour, and while I’m loving his words, and I can tell he means every bit of it, it’s a little overwhelming, and not what I’m used to. I’m a little out of my comfort zone with this version of Dev.
“Hey.” He tips my chin up with his finger. “Is this too much?”
“No, yes, maybe.” I worry my lip in my teeth. “You do know I’m still going out with Ayden?”
If he’s surprised or disappointed, he hides it well. “I wasn’t aware of that. I guess I just presumed because he’s overseas that you two had called it quits.”
He steps back, creating a little distance between us.
“You heard about the marines?”
He nods. “Cam filled me in.”
Of course. “Well, he sprung it on me an hour before he left. I was way too mad to start any conversation about our relationship, so I’m not really sure where we stand, and I won’t know until he’s back.”
“And when is that?”
“Not until Easter.”
He purses his lips. “I understand.” An awkward silence pervades the air, and I’m confused at the turnaround in this conversation.I mean, did Devin think in coming here that we were going to be together?Because he’s never really given me any indication that that’s how he sees me, and now isn’t the time to explore it. He plasters a smile on his face, closing the gap between us. “That’s not stopping us from resuming our friendship though, right?”
“Of course not. You’ve been my best friend since forever.”
“Cool.” He offers me his arm. “We’d better make tracks. Jim’s probably already there, and he’s a stickler for good timekeeping.”
“Let’s not keep the man waiting so.”
I’m fiddling with the scarf around my neck as we walk toward the restaurant to meet Jim. “You should’ve told me we were going someplace snazzy, and I would’ve made more of an effort.”
He chuckles. “It’s not like you to worry over what you’re wearing.”
“Yeah, well, Mariah’s made me her new pet project, and it’s kinda rubbing off on me. Usually, she won’t let me leave the apartment until she’s given me the seal of approval.”
“So, I guess I have her to thank for that hot little number you were wearing last night?”
My cheeks flare up, and he laughs, opening the door and beckoning me inside. “You liked it?”
His breath is warm on my cheek as he whispers in my ear. “What wasn’t to like? You were fucking sensational in it.”
I’m all hot and bothered under my coat so it’s a welcome relief when the maître d’ offers to take it from me, hanging both our jackets up before guiding us through the restaurant. Devin grips my hand and steers me through the packed dining room, heading straight toward a booth at the back.
A distinguished-looking man with a fine head of jet-black hair looks up, smiling as he notices our approach. I can’t help gasping as we get closer. “My God,” I mutter under my breath. “You look so much like him.”
Jim taps his watch, his lips pulling into an affectionate smile. “Only ten minutes late this time, Devin. That’s got to be a new record.”
Devin offers him an apologetic smile. “Sorry we’re late.”
“I’m afraid that’s my fault,” I say. “I kept him talking at the door.”
Jim stands up, stepping out of the booth, and taking my hand in his. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you, Angelina. My son speaks very highly of you.”
I flush. “It’s nice to meet you too, sir.”
He turns to Devin. “She’s every bit as beautiful as you said.”
My cheeks flare fire-engine red, and Dev chuckles as I launch myself into the booth, burying my face in the menu to hide my embarrassment.
We place our orders, and the conversation flows naturally around the table. Jim goes out of his way to relax me, and Dev keeps his hand secured in mine until our food arrives. After the meal, we say goodbye to Jim and leave to hook up with Cody and Mariah.
