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She waved. “That’s not what I’m saying, but I can admit I’m surprised.”

He laughed low and long. “Are you here with someone?” His eyes shuffled around, then back to her.

“No. I don’t need a chaperone to shop for groceries.”

“That’s not what I was saying.”

She pointed at him as if to sayah-ha!

Catching her meaning before the need to explain, Devin nodded. “You got me. But do you mind if I shop with you?”

She laughed and shook her head. “Why?”

“You never know what things you find out you have in common with someone until you take a stroll with them.”

“That’s cute. You might be right, but I have to decline.”

He cocked his head to the side. “Was it something I said?”

“No. I’m dating someone, and it would be rude to walk with you when I have no intentions of anything else.”

His brows arched as he understood her meaning.

“Why would you give me your number if you were seeing someone?”

Her mouth opened, stretched, her eyes darting. “Well, I wasn’t at first. We just started dating literally at the beginning of the year.”

“Huh. So, I missed out then.” Hetsked.

“Afraid so.”

“You have my number. If this thing doesn’t work out, call me, not that other guy.”

Laughter shot from Carla. “Hold on a minute—what other guy?”

He laughed. “I don’t know, but I know there is one. You’re too beautiful for there not to be.”

“Laying it on thick.” She smiled. “Cute.”

“I try.”

“Have a good day, Devin.”

“You too, Carla.”

She pushed the cart out of the aisle, thrown about what she was there to pick up after seeing him.

Not only was she not prepared for his heavy flirtation, but him being here only made her think about Lennox. Was it necessary for her to contact him and let him know she was dating Jacob?

She shook her head, deciding against it. If ever there came a time to let it be known, she would. Simple as that.

After Jacob and she decided to go to Barbados, Carla’s days were filled with getting the information back to Principal Sharp for his approval on the anti-bullying project. Now she was simply waiting for him to return her email, and it was a go.

A smile crossed her face as she entered the checkout line. It had been two weeks since the New Year, and the plans for the campaign and the hands-on life experience her students would receive was a lesson they could take with them when they graduated.

“Thank you,” Carla said to the cashier. She completed her purchase then drove to toward north Chicago.

Her phone rang, and she answered it with the push of a button on her steering wheel. The surround sound speakers activated.