Page 61 of Devlin

Since Jason had finished what was left oftheir pizza, they tossed their trash into a can and then headed to the beach. Once on the sand, she kicked off her sandals. She loved to walk and adding in the beach just made it that much better. They strolled along the water's edge for over a mile.

"This is the perfect after-dinner walk," she said.

"I agree."

"Tell me about your travels, Devlin. You said you went all aroundthe world?"

"For over two years. It was an amazing time. I saw some of the most beautiful places on earth."

"What was your favorite?"

"I had many favorites, but the small Caribbean island of Anguilla was pretty special. The sand was white, the water a clear turquoise blue, and the music at night was a sultry mix of reggae and pop."

"Sounds beautiful and romantic. Didyou have a girl in every port, or maybe there was another woman on the crew?"

"There were a few women—not in every port. I wasn't that popular."

She made a face at his teasing smile. "I think you probably were."

"I had a good time. Although, working with some of the passengers was not that enjoyable. There were a lot of rich, entitled people on that yacht."

"You'rerich and entitled."

"My family is rich, not me, and I certainly hope I have never acted that entitled."

"I'm sure you haven't. You're not a pretentious person."

He stopped walking. "Wait, was that a compliment?"

"Don't let it go to your head." She let out a wistful sigh as they continued on. "I do envy you, Devlin. You've done so much more than me. I've barely goneanywhere."

"Your life isn't over yet. If you want to travel, do it."

"You make it sound so simple."

"Maybe it is that simple."

He had a point. She did tend to complicate things. And after her broken engagement, she'd felt like she was in a holding pattern. She couldn't go forward, and she couldn't go back. She'd kept telling herself that she'd make changes sometime.

What was she waiting for?

Her life was happening right now—for better or worse. She wanted it to be better.

As day turned to twilight, they turned around and headed back to the parking lot, but she didn't move too fast. The starry sky and Devlin's presence made her want to linger on this beach forever. At one point, she stumbled in the sand, and Devlin slipped his hand intohers, leaving it there for the rest of their journey back.

When they reached the parking lot, it was almost nine o'clock. The food truck was gone, and with the exception of a group of six friends sitting at a picnic table, everyone else had vanished.

She was sorry to see the night end. It had been so much fun spending time with Devlin, getting to know him beyond the man who'd firedher father and the boy she'd crushed on as a teenager.

They were both quiet on the drive home, and the silence seemed to grow more tense with each passing mile. When Devlin pulled into the driveway of her father's house and shut off the engine, she felt like her nerves were screaming. She knew she needed to say goodnight and get out of the car, but she couldn't seem to move.

"I'llwalk you to the door," Devlin offered.

"No. Let's say goodnight here." If he came to the door, she'd be tempted to invite him in, especially since her father wouldn't be back until tomorrow.

"Okay. I had fun, Hannah. I like spending time with you."

"I feel the same way."

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