Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 63174 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63174 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
“You are.” After a pause, he said, “I hope you don’t let your shitty ex put you off relationships forever, because you’re an amazing man, Kit, and you deserve all the love and happiness in the world.”
“I’m sure I’ll try again someday. And really, the past few years weren’t just about getting over my terrible relationship. I had to concentrate on school, and now that I’ve graduated, I’ve been busy trying to launch my design business. It’s taken most of my focus and energy, so my social life has been on the back burner.”
“I get it.”
I wasn’t used to talking about myself that much, so I turned the conversation to him by asking, “Have you ever been in a serious relationship?”
“No, not really. When I was younger, I didn’t want to settle down, so I never dated anyone longer than a few weeks. Then, right about the time I started to think I might be ready for a relationship, I met that psychic and everything changed.”
There was wistfulness in his voice when he said that. Before, when he talked about the psychic’s prediction, he claimed to have made peace with it. Now it was clear that he felt a sense of loss for the things he thought he’d never have.
I said, as gently as I could, “You’ll have time for that, Devon—for meeting the right person and falling in love. I truly believe that.”
He murmured, “I wish I could believe it, too.”
Now it was his turn to change the subject. After a moment, he pulled up a smile and said, “Let’s talk about you becoming the preeminent designer to drag royalty. What do we need to do to launch your career into the stratosphere?”
“We?”
“Sure. I’d love to help in any way I can.”
We ended up talking late into the night. This was a different Devon from the one I’d hung out with at the restaurant. Before, he’d been animated and outgoing, charming not only me, but everyone he met. It almost felt like he was putting on a show. But now he was thoughtful and introspective, more about listening and being supportive than trying to entertain.
I liked both sides of him, his life of the party persona and his quiet, caring side. There was a lot more to discover too, but I already knew one thing for sure—Devon was someone I needed in my life.
4
Kit
I was surprised to wake up in Devon’s arms. From the time we’d climbed under the covers, we’d acted like two friends at a sleep-over and barely touched each other. Not that I was complaining about being held like this. It felt wonderful.
A couple of minutes later, Devon snuggled even closer and murmured, “You’re so cuddly.” It was another minute before he woke up enough to open his eyes. When he realized he was totally wrapped around me, he let go and muttered, “Sorry. I’m like a giant octopus, arms everywhere.”
“It’s fine.”
He rolled onto his back and rubbed his eyes. “It smells good in here.”
“My housemates have started cooking.”
“Oh, right. I almost forgot it’s Thanksgiving. Do you still want me to stay for dinner?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“Because I turned into Handsy Octopus Boy in my sleep? Or maybe you generally regret ever having met me.”
That made me grin. “The dinner invitation definitely still stands, and I’m glad we’ll get to spend the day together.”
“Okay, good. I’m looking forward to it.” He got up and collected his clothes while I completely ogled his long, lean body. I quickly looked away when he turned to me and asked, “Can I take you out to breakfast? I’m totally useless without coffee.”
“My housemates and I share meals, so I’m sure there’s going to be coffee and plenty to eat in the kitchen. I just need a few minutes to get myself together.”
After we both took quick showers and got dressed, we went downstairs and discovered my entire household was in the kitchen. My landladies were having breakfast at the table, and the guys were all lined up at the counter, chopping mountains of vegetables.
When I called, “Everyone, I’d like you to meet my new friend Devon,” every single one of my housemates stopped what they were doing and turned to us with a delighted smile. It was the first time I’d brought anyone home, and since we’d obviously spent the night together, it seemed they’d amended what I’d just said to “potential boyfriend.”
I felt myself coloring slightly, because being the center of attention was embarrassing. I said, “Devon, this is JoJo, Yolanda, Vee, Lark, and Dylan,” as I quickly gestured around the room.
There were greetings and welcomes all around, and Devon immediately turned on the charm, lighting up with a bright smile as he went around shaking hands and saying hello.
On the way to the coffee maker, I told my friends, “I invited Devon to join us for Thanksgiving dinner. I hope that’s alright.”