Page 119 of Devious Love

“What about you? How have you been?” I ask.

“The same.”

“You’re adorably talkative.” I take another sip of my coffee. As I pull the cup away, a droplet of liquid slides down my chin. I swipe at it quickly, but not fast enough to escape his notice.

His focus lowers to my mouth, and his eyes go hazy.

For a moment, he stares. Then, abruptly, he clears his throat and raps his knuckles on the table. “You need a ride home?”

“Home?”

“Oh, uh, guess I just assumed you were staying with Dad and Monica.” He gives me a sheepish smile.

I sigh. “Yeah, I am. Until I figure out housing.”

“Okay, then I’ll ask again. Do you need a ride home?”

“Dinner is at six.”

He nods, his lips twitching.

With exaggerated movements, I check my smartwatch. “It’s three now. Were you headed there from here?”

“Nah, I’m headed home to shower, but a quick detour to drop you off wouldn’t put me behind.”

I exhale slowly. “Thanks, but I’ve got my own car. Guess I should’ve said that from the start.”

“Okay.” He stands and picks up his coffee. “I better go. Still have some errands to run before dinner.”

My heart flutters as his whole body comes into view again. Damn, I don’t remember his thighs being so thick. “Of course. It was nice to see you.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” He wets his bottom lip, looking as if he has more to say. Instead, he tips his head and exits the shop. As he passes on the other side of the window, he catches me staring and winks.

Damn it—if me coming home doesn’t blow up in my face, I will be genuinely very surprised.

After all theshit that went down four and a half years ago, one would think I’d hate this place, but the scent of delicious food and the wine in my glass make this house feel like home. The conversation is easy and full of laughter. I can’t remember a time this table saw such a lively meal.

Mom is trying to be nonchalant, but she can’t help but fuss over the food, even the napkins. She’s happy I’m home, but we’re still not particularly close. Sure, she tried to make amends. She visited me in Milan a few months after I moved, asking for forgiveness and apologizing repeatedly for the way she treatedme. She even apologized to Dad, and she’s been good to him ever since.

It felt great hearing her say that, and though I’ve forgiven her, the bond the two of us never formed couldn’t be fabricated just like that. And honestly, after all we’ve been through, I don’t know if it’ll ever develop.

Back straight, I sit beside Luna, sipping my wine. My voice is light when I speak. I laugh when I’m supposed to and smile when it’s expected of me. With all my might, I try to keep up with the conversation, but with his attention on me the way it’s been all night, it’s impossible.

Across the table, Dominic sits beside Allan, and unlike me, he’s not hiding his curiosity.

My skin burns under his gaze, as if my body thinks it still belongs to him. Butterflies take flight in my stomach, and my heart trips over itself every time our eyes collide. No matter how hard my brain works to remain in control, its efforts are fruitless.

“Help me with the dessert?” Luna asks, pushing back from the table. She’s small and curvy, like a pixie from Neverland, but hiding beneath those red curls and dark green eyes is a lioness. Hence the reason she’s such a successful attorney.

I nod, grateful for the distraction, and follow her to the kitchen.

“How are you holding up?” she asks, leaning her hip against the counter. “Is it awkward having Dom here?”

I chuckle, hands splayed across the cool granite. “I’m fine. Dom being here doesn’t bother me. We’re a family, after all.”

“Okay. I just wanted to check in.”

“Thank you. But truly, everything’s fine.”