Page 27 of Breathless With Her

Everybody knew that I was on a date with the elusive Devin Carr, and they wanted to know who I was, who my people were, and how I had met him.

When people found out that I was the little sister of a girl he used to date? That had been fun.

“Oh, going through the family, are we?” one man asked, and Devin just growled.

“Watch your mouth,” he said.

“Oh, I am. Just think it’s interesting, that’s all.”

“Seriously? It’s been how many years?”

“I know, right?” he asked. He paused, and I looked up at him. “It’s not a problem for me. Is it a problem for you?” he asked.

I shook my head, setting down my empty glass. “No. If you were still pining for her, or if she was pining foryouat all, maybe it would be an issue. But it’s not.”

“Okay, then,” he said. He squeezed my hand, and the two of us walked around a bit to say goodbye before heading out.

Now, we were standing on my porch, having left the party a little early.

“About Jenn…” I said out of the blue, still thinking about my sister.

“You think she’s pining for me?” Devin asked, laughter in his eyes.

“I don’t think so. I mentioned to her that I was going on a date tonight,” I began.

“Oh?”

“I didn’t mention you, though.”

“Is there a reason for that?”

“No. I just didn’t have time. I mentioned it right when you rang the doorbell,” I added.

“Ah. But it’s not a problem for me.”

“Okay,” I whispered.

“What was that voice for?”

“It’s not a problem that you used to date her. But I want you to know, I’m not ready for a big relationship. I just got out of a huge one.”

“Okay,” he said, sliding his hands into his pockets.

“So, you’re not worried about the fact that I used to date your sister. A whole hell of a long time ago.”

“I’m not worried about that. I just don’t know exactly what I want.”

He took a few steps forward. When he reached his hand up to my face, I didn’t flinch, didn’t pull away. When he trailed his fingers along my cheekbone, I sucked in a breath. My skin pebbled, and my breath hitched before slowly sliding out again.

“I don’t think it needs to be serious on day one,” Devin whispered. “But that’s up to you.”

I swallowed hard, trying to get my thoughts in order. It was always hard around him. And by always, I meant the three times I had seen him since we became adults.

I didn’t know what to say. Didn’t know if there was anything to say at all.

Instead, I just looked up at him and then parted my lips, wanting to say something.

But there was nothing to say. Then, suddenly, his lips were on mine, and I couldn’t think at all.

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