Page 42 of Devlin

"I haven't met a Blackthorne who isn't confident. But Devlin is a good guy. I don't know what went down with him and your father, but I'm sure there's more to the story, because Devlin doesn'tjust let people go."

"His father got in the mix."

"Well, that makes more sense. Graham Blackthorne is definitely capable of letting people go."

"So, what are you doing now, Caroline?" she asked, wanting to change the subject.

"I'm the program director at the Center Theater."

"That sounds fun."

"It's small time, but I love putting on shows, and workingwith actors. We have a children's summer workshop, too, that's very popular. Oh, and I'm also engaged. My ring is getting resized. That's why I'm not wearing it tonight."

"That's all great. No wonder you look so happy."

"I feel very lucky."

"Where is your fiancé? I'd like to meet him."

"That will have to be another night. He's a fireman, and he's working tonight. Whatabout you? Any men besides Devlin?"

"There's no Devlin."

"I think you might be wrong," Caroline said with a pointed look.

She turned and saw Devlin approaching with a full plate of food.

"It's just dinner," she told Caroline.

"Maybe it doesn't have to be."

When Devlin slid into the seat next to her, she found herself wondering the same thing.

CHAPTER NINE

DEVLIN LIKED HANGING WITHHANNAH,even if she did not like hanging with him. Actually, he thought she liked it just fine; she simply didn't want to admit it, which was why she spent most of their meal grilling Caroline on her personal life and all the latest King Harbornews.

It had been awhile since a woman had given him the cold shoulder, and he had to admit it made him want to find a way to change her mind. He hadn't felt such a hunger for a woman in a long time—the kind of hunger that kept him up at night, that made him turn the shower from hot to cold, that suggested he give the logical part of his brain a long vacation and let his desire dictatehis actions.

"Devlin?"

He suddenly realized Hannah was giving him an odd look. He hoped none of his thoughts had actually come out of his mouth. "Sorry, what?"

"Do you want cake? I'm going to get a piece."

"I'll share yours."

"Not a chance. I never share cake. Caroline, what about you?"

"I'm in pre-wedding diet mode," Caroline said. "No cake for me."

"Fair enough," Hannah said, as she headed into the banquet room.

He found himself watching the sway of her hips as she walked away in a short little dress that clung to her curves and showed off her beautiful legs.

"You are in trouble," Caroline said, an amused look in her eyes. "I don't think you want cake; I think you want Hannah."

He grinned back at her. "What ifI do?"

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