Page 141 of Not In The Contract

“Oh, shit. You’re right.” I heard her shifting positions. She sounded like she was lying on her bed. “I just wanted to hear your voice, that’s all. I didn’t have a real reason.”

“Hey, that’s one of the most real reasons out there, my love.”

There was a pause, and I knew it was because she was having a moment. Savoring me calling her that. I did the same when the words left her lips.

“Okay, so spill it then,” she said finally. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

I grinned, deciding to tease her a little longer. “Oh, nothing much. Just wanted to invite you to an event where I’ll be unveiling a secret lair and a hidden treasure.”

Her playful gasp was both exaggerated and theatrical. “A secret lair and treasure, you say? I’m intrigued, Miss Bond. Tell me more.”

“I can’t promise any secret agents or spy gadgets, I’m afraid. But there will be great food and good company.”

Devon’s voice held a note of mischief. “Hmm, sounds tempting. But can you assure me that there won’t be any evil villains lurking around?”

I pretended to consider her question. “I can guarantee that any bad guys in attendance will be promptly escorted out by a sophisticated and impeccably dressed team of waitstaff.”

Her laughter bubbled up and I found myself smiling wide. “In that case, how could I possibly refuse such an enchanting invitation?”

My heart skipped a beat at her response, and I couldn’t help but let my affection show. “I’d love for you to be there, Devon. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“Of course,” she replied. “Do I get to know where ‘there’ is?”

I realized I’d been so busy fooling around that I’d forgotten to tell her about the opening.

“It’s the orphanage,” I started, and heard her give a small gasp. “The opening’s in a few days. The girls will be there, of course, but I really want to share this with you. After all, you’re the inspiration behind so much of it.”

There was a soft pause, and then her voice turned sincere, our banter taking a back seat. “I’d be honored, Alex. Thank you.”

The celebration was in full swing, and my heart was full to bursting with the excitement of it all. Some of the kids who’d be living at the orphanage were running about, playing and laughing, while acquaintances and benefactors milled around the large reception hall.

“I don’t know what’s more annoying,” Hayden quipped, grimacing through her last sip of champagne. “Every time someone comes over here to gush about how amazing Alex is, or every time Alex rubber necks in the middle of a conversation to look at the door.”

She winked at me, a wry smirk playing on her lips, while the others chorused their agreement.

“Cut me some slack, would you? There’s nothing wrong with checking,” I said, avoiding my friends’ accusatory stares.

“I think it’s cute.” Elliot offered her reassurance with a patronizing pat to my shoulder. “You’re in love, Alex, don’t let them steal your sunshine and daisies.”

Reid rolled her eyes so hard she ran the risk of flipping them all the way over. “Oh, now that’s an association that doesn’t, and shouldn’t, exist. Alex has always been more of a thorny rose bush kind of girl.”

I let them have their sniggers and mockery. With everything in my life finally going right, there was nothing that could get in the way of how I was feeling.

“See her yet?” Taylor asked, sidling up to me as I took one more look at the entrance.

“Don’t you start.” I nudged her with my elbow, then pretended I cared about the plate of canapes in my hand.

Taylor held up both her hands in feigned surrender. “I swear I’m not starting. I’m really happy for you.”

“We all are.” Frankie smiled widely. “It’s pretty cool seeing you all schmaltzy over a girl.”

“She’s not just a girl, though.” My admission was low, but sure. That became clear very soon after just meeting Devon, and she’d proven me right every day since then.

“Alex…” Taylor called my attention, her lips barely moving in her bid to play it cool.

Turning slightly, my gaze fell on the entrance once again, and time seemed to slow around her. Around us all. Devon stood there, a vision of beauty and confidence, her presence commanding attention in the most entrancing way.

My breath caught in my throat as I took in the sight before me. Her outfit was a blend of sophistication and allure that left me captivated. She wore a dress that flowed like a whisper when she moved, a delicate dance of fabric that accentuated every curve. The color—a deep shade of blue—contrasted against her skin, making her look ethereal and radiant.