Prologue
I felt Devin’s gaze on me as I finished drying the last of the dishes. Almost like it was burning into the back of my skull - I turned to face him, placing the final plate into the cabinet.
“Something I can help you with?” I flashed him my goofiest grin, hoping that his mood was playful this evening.
“Nah, babe, looks like you’ve got it handled,” he answered, rising from his seat at the counter and walking towards me. “Although, if you’re feeling up to it -” his eyes darkened as he reached toward me, pulling me flush against his muscular frame, “I could use some assistance inspecting the new blankets in the bedroom.”
“Is that so?” I raised an eyebrow at him as a smirk spread across his face. “Well, sir, it’s your lucky day - I just so happen to be an expert in all things cozy.”
“My lucky day indeed,” he said, lifting me easily so that I was straddling his torso, and heading toward his bedroom. His lips were soft as he kissed me deeply, and I felt the breath catch in my lungs as it deepened in intensity. I wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders, focusing on every place our bodies were touching as he walked.
We reached the edge of his large bed in the darkness, the only light spilling into his bedroom from the open door. He laid me down gently, leaning himself over my body while only breaking the kiss for a moment. His right hand, soft and warm, traced the line of my collarbone and down my left side, and I sighed as the tingling sensation spread from his touch. He smirked, hooking his arm underneath me and pulling me on top of him as he laid down on the bed.
As we kissed, I tugged gently at the hem of his t-shirt, and in one swift move he sat up, pulling it over his head and tossing it to the side. I ran my hands over his chiseled chest, leaning down until I could leave a trail of kisses across his collarbone and down his stomach. He groaned as I moved downward, running one of his large hands through my long hair.
Without warning, suddenly he spun me back over so he was on top. He gently ran one hand down the side of my face, and with the other began fumbling with the button on my jeans. I reached down to assist him - just as his phone rang from the kitchen.
We both stopped, the heat immediately evaporating from the room. The ringtone was unmistakable - it was his mom. His brow immediately furrowed in irritation, and a frustrated groan escaped his lips. I smiled, giving a small shrug with my shoulders. I understood - she wasn’t just his mom, after all; she was also his boss.
“One moment,” he growled, planting a forceful kiss on my lips before heading back into the kitchen.
While he was on the phone, I took the opportunity to slip into the bathroom to freshen up a bit. I fumbled in my overnight bag for my comb, and ran it through my long red curls. I retouched my perfume - jasmine and roses - and checked my phone as well; 3 missed texts from the group chat with the girls. I’d get to them later.
I slipped back into the bedroom and slunk over to the bed, positioning myself so that we could resume when he returned from his phone call. I heard him say his goodbye, and come walking back to the room.
“Well, cursory reports of the blankets are good,” I said as he entered the room, “but I’m afraid final determinations are going to require further study.” I raised an eyebrow seductively (I hoped,) and patted the space next to me on the bed. He stood near the doorway, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck - never a good sign.
“I’m sorry, Lilly,” he started, the disappointment in his voice clear. “I got called in.”
I felt the sigh leave my body before I could stop it. His eyes narrowed.
“Look, I know this keeps happening, but it’s not like I can say no -”
“No,” I held up my hand to stop the tirade. “It’s okay, Devin. Really. You have to do what you have to do.” I tried to sound understanding, to be reassuring. He did seem to relax a bit.
“I’m going to make it up to you,” he said, stepping toward me and taking my hands. “One of these days - something really grand. I promise.” He planted a kiss on the back of my hand, his big, brown eyes staring straight into mine.
“I’m going to hold you to that,” I answered, smiling up at him.
“You going to stay here?” He asked as he walked to his closet, pulling a black t-shirt out and tugging it over his head.
“I think I might see if the girls want to grab a drink,” I answered, looking at my missed texts again. “It’s still early.”
“Ah, yes, go tell them all about your awful boyfriend,” he attempted to joke, but there was a note of bitterness in his words.
“No such thing,” I said, patting his arm lightly. I stood on my tiptoes and planted a kiss on his square jaw. “Call me tomorrow?”
“Count on it,” he answered, pushing a strand of hair out of my eyes. “You be safe out there.”
“Count on it,” I answered, and made my way out of his apartment and into the night.
