Page 127 of Make Me Yours

Keep dreaming.

Steele:

Only about you.

I inhale as my heart rate kicks up. His words arealways half a joke, half a dare, but there’s something about them that slides under my skin and stays there.

Steele:

Anyway. Repeat of last night is still on the table. And maybe dinner too.

Me:

Free food?

Steele:

The way to your heart, I know. That’s my girl.

I swallow.

Hard.

Hisgirl.

Is that what I am now?

The barista slides my latte and croissant onto the counter with a smile. “Chocolate’s still warm. Want a bag?”

“That would be great. Thanks.”

“That’ll be thirteen dollars,” she says.

I slip my phone into my purse and start digging for my wallet when a voice cuts through the air, familiar enough to stop me cold.

“I’ve got it.”

My entire body locks up as I lift my head and turn to find Devon behind me. He looks the same as ever. Polished. Perfect. Not a hair out of place. What strikes me most is how relaxed he seems. Lighter. The lines that used to crease his forehead have eased, and there’s a glow to his skin along with a glint in his eyes.

He looks… happy.

And for some reason, that lands like a sucker punch straight to my gut.

I clutch the strap of my bag. “That’s not necessary.”

“Come on, Lilah. Let me buy you a cup of coffee.”

Before I can argue, he passes a twenty across the counter.

The barista smiles as she rings it up. “You two were always one of my favorite couples. Nice to see you’re still going strong.”

I force a tight smile as Devon mirrors it.

Neither of us correct her.

I take a step back, coffee in hand, hoping to escape the awkwardness. “Well. Thanks again.”

“I assume Ashley reached out to you?”