Page 3 of Wicked Devotions

“I actually don’t remember you much.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll be getting a good refresher this year.” He picks up his glass and takes a drink of iced tea. “Since we’ll be roomies and everything.”

I look at my mom and Cillian in confusion. “What?”

“We decided to get you enrolled at Trinity. You’ll live off campus in Declan’s house.” Cillian watches me as I absorb the news. “It’s an excellent university.”

“Absolutely.” I nod. “I don’t want to appear ungrateful, but how did you manage to get me enrolled this late in the year? I wasn’t planning on going to college.” My voice trails off because I was told that my life would entail becoming a wife and mother after I graduated high school. I gave up on my own dreams so long ago I don’t even remember them.

“Dean Isaacson was one of Dad’s frat brothers at Yale,” Declan supplies.

“Oh.” This is so much to take in. “I see.”

“Do you have any idea what you’d like to study?” Cillian asks.

My eyes meet Mom’s, and she gives me a subtle nod. I take it as a sign to be honest. “Truthfully? I haven’t thought much about college. I’m surprised I was even qualified enough to be considered for admittance.”

“There’s plenty of time to figure it all out. Declan’s going into his junior year and still hasn’t settled on a major.”

I notice him stiffen beside me at his father’s words. His hand stills as he begins to say something but stops himself before the words can escape.

“Not to change the subject too drastically,” Mominterrupts. “But did you happen to pick up the tuxedos?” she asks Declan.

“Yeah, they’re hanging in my car. I’ll bring them in.” He pushes his chair back and stands.

“Finish dinner first,” Cillian orders.

“No, I’m good. Not very hungry.”

Cillian watches him walk off with downturned lips and a sad look in his eyes. I’m surprised when Mom puts her hand over his and squeezes it, only for him to flip his hand over and interlock their fingers. If I didn’t know better, I’d think there was something going on here beyond a relationship of convenience.

“How is Banks?” Mom asks as Declan disappears from the room.

“He’s good. He’ll be at the wedding tomorrow.”

“That’s your boyfriend, right?” Cillian asks.

“Yes.”

“How long have you been together?”

“A few years, but we grew up together. He lived next door to us for as long as I can remember.”

“His parents are Cindy and Terry Armstrong,” Mom adds.

“Of Armstrong Life and Trust?”

“Yes.”

He nods his head pensively but quickly changesthe subject. The rest of dinner is filled by conversation with Mom about wedding details and catching up with what I did over the summer. Cillian makes polite conversation and asks questions to get to know me without being overly intrusive.

After dinner I excuse myself to take a walk on the beach. I slip my sandals off and walk ankle deep into the water, watching as the sun sinks beneath the western horizon leaving the sky above alight in pink and purple twilight. Cillian’s house is gorgeous, but this land is the real prize jewel. Having a private beach on the southern tip of the island means being able to watch the sun rise and set over the water every day. I can’t imagine a more beautiful place to put down roots.

Chapter

Two

DECLAN

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