Page 146 of Not In The Contract

The thought settled in the pit of my stomach like a hot ember, crackling with a warmth that quickly spread through my entire body.

I made prompt work of getting washed up and changed, eager to finally sit down with my love. By the time we were at the table, my stomach was rumbling under the weight of the delicious smells wafting up to me.

Devon’s enthusiasm was palpable as she talked me through the night’s menu. I watched her, my heart swelling with affection for this woman who constantly surprised me in the most wonderful ways. I could tell that she was brimming with something other than excitement over the kitchen victory. Finally, as we settled into our meal, she looked at me with a marked shift in her demeanor. Suddenly vulnerable for some reason.

“Alex, I have some news.”

I set down my fork, not sure whether I should have my guard up or not. “News?”

A nervous giggle escaped her lips before she took a deep breath. “I’ve finally figured out what I want to do after graduation.”

I gave a huge, inward sigh of relief. No need to have my guard up. “That’s fantastic, Devon! Please, I’m all ears.”

I had an idea of the way the conversation was going to go but didn’t have to fake my excitement. I may have played a role in her reaching an answer, but it was no secret how torn up Devon had been about which direction to go with her career. This was a big moment for her, and that exhilaration was contagious.

Pure delight danced in her eyes as her gaze locked with mine. “I want to work with children in the foster care system, and also those growing up in orphanages. As a counselor.”

I felt a surge of pride and admiration for her and reached across the table to take her hand. “Devon, that’s incredible. You’ll make a real difference in their lives.”

A hint of uncertainty flashed over her features and I could see where that vulnerability stemmed from.

“You really think so?” she asked, her voice timid.

I squeezed her hand gently, my gaze never leaving hers. “Absolutely. And you know what matters most? As long as you’re doing what makes your heart happy, I’m behind you one hundred percent.”

Relief and gratitude washed over her, and a radiant smile curled her lips. “You have no idea how much I needed to hear you say that.”

“I just want you to be happy, Devon. You know that,” I said, the sincerity clear in my voice.

She laced her fingers with mine, clasping them firmly. “I am, Alex. And you’re a big part of that. I’m so happy with you.”

The atmosphere between us grew charged with a different kind of electricity. The intimacy of the moment lingered in the air, captured in our unwavering gaze, intertwining with the excitement of the future that stretched before us.

“Have you- Have you ever thought about what it might look like?” I asked, my tone hesitant. “Going the distance with me, I mean.”

I’d been thinking about it a lot lately but admitting it out loud felt like opening a door to a realm of vulnerability I wasn’t used to.

Devon’s expression softened, her thumb tracing lazy patterns on my hand. “I have, actually. I’ve been imagining a life where we share our passions and our dreams, where we’re each other’s biggest supporters.”

I smiled, feeling the heat rising up the back of my neck. And everywhere else. Hearing her say it first made it easier for me.

“I can see that. And I, um, might have thought something along those lines too.”

Her eyebrows quirked up playfully. “You? Evidence of future planning? If you’re not careful, someone might think you’re in love.”

Our lips met in a tender kiss, a silent affirmation of our shared hopes and dreams. As we pulled away, Devon’s gaze locked on mine, a promise of unwavering commitment shining in her eyes.

“Devon, our future is a blank canvas,” I whispered, caressing her thigh. “I can’t wait to paint it with you, one stroke at a time.”

I leaned in once more, capturing her mouth with a kiss more fervent than the last. Our future, once a realm of uncertainty, now felt like a tapestry waiting to be woven. One rich with love, passion, and the vision we shared for each other.

“Take me to bed.” Devon’s command was simple and I didn’t waste another second.

We staggered up from the dining room table in a flurry of kissing and touching, neither one willing to break contact with the other. Each okay with that silent agreement. Every forward step I took was a blind one backward by Devon.

My hands traced the lines of her trembling body, wishing I could lay waste to the layers of fabric that kept me from the feel of her soft, warm skin. Her fingers clutched at me, groping for a hold as she unbuttoned my shirt, desperate to find her way underneath.

I gripped her waist and lifted her up, dissatisfied with the snail’s pace we were making. Devon instinctively wrapped her legs around me, trailing wet kisses down my neck. She moaned out loud when I nipped at her collarbone, sucking in the soft mound peeking out from its black lace prison. Her pleasure moved through my chest, sending my arousal into overdrive.