Page 81 of Broken Dreams
“Not like this!” I screech and regret it. My head is pounding. “Okay, fine, no window jumping, but you can’t tell her you spent the night.”
Seriously, she’s going to break the door down if I don’t hurry. He doesn’t say anything, just follows me down the stairs.
I stand in front of the door, huff, straighten my shoulders, and open it a smidge with a smile. “Dev, hey! Whatcha doing here? I thought you were in Florida? Maybe I’m off on my weeks. Anyway, surprised to see you.”
She runs her tongue along her top teeth and then makes a pop noise. “Really? The question you want to ask is what am I doing here? I think, my friend, what everyone wants to know is what is Grady’s truck doing here this early in the morning?”
Of course. I didn’t think about the fact his truck has been here. I sigh, opening the door, where she can see Grady leaning against the arm of the couch. “Hello, Mrs. Arrowood.”
She laughs. “Hello, Mr. Whitlock.” Devney enters the house, giving me a wink as she passes. “I see you got the text messages as well?”
“What text messages?” I ask.
“The ones that came through this morning.”
“I didn’t send anything.”
Devney hands me her phone and my jaw falls slack. There I am, in the bathtub, wine bottle in one hand as I’m staring at the phone.
I took freaking selfies.
“Please tell me you didn’t show anyone,” I say as I sink into the chair.
“Only Sean, and I might have sent it to Blakely, but only because this morning she sent me the video of you singing.”
Please God tell me she’s joking. “Video?”
She grins. “Scroll to her message.”
I do, and there it is, a video of me in the tub, but there’s not a chance in fucking hell I’m playing it with Grady sitting there. “Great.”
I don’t remember any of that, but...well, the evidence speaks for itself.
“Delete these.”
“Not a chance.” Her reply is instant before she turns to Grady. “So, you spent the night? Did she send you texts as well?”
He answers immediately. “I got the live version. I called, she sounded like she needed me, and I stayed with her after she passed out because I wanted to take care of her.”
“That’s sweet, but the whole town is talking about how his truck has been in your driveway all night.”
“The town can kiss my ass.” I’m not playing this game. Who I have sleep at my house or not is none of their business.
Devney lifts both hands. “I’m just telling you that people are talking. I was on my way when you didn’t answer my text this morning after I saw yours. Then I got a text from Mrs. Symonds that Albert notified her you might have an issue with your pipes that Grady is taking care of. Good play on words, huh? However, the key wasn’t where it normally is, so I had to knock.”
I groan and slap my palm to my forehead. “I’m planting trees, so many trees tomorrow.”
She chuckles. “I’ll handle him.” Devney’s hand squeezes my shoulder. “I’m glad you’re okay. I have to finish packing since Sean and I are heading to Tampa for a few weeks. I’ll see you soon?”
I nod. “Thank you for coming to check on me.”
“Of course. I’m sorry I didn’t see them until this morning. It sounds like I missed a good party.” She turns to Grady. “Thank you for being a good man and taking care of her. Addy means the world to me and I’m so happy she found a man like you. Even if you didn’t clean her pipes out.”
“Oh Jesus,” I mutter.
They laugh and then she kisses my forehead and leaves.
I turn and look at Grady who is grinning. “What are you smiling at?”
