Page 31 of The Last Key
I wave as I turn and walk toward the door.
I got some great books, a fun volunteer gig, and a new friend out of this.
When was the last time I made a new friend randomly like that? Hardy and Ackley were a package deal with Mark when Frannie started dating him. But other than that, I can’t remember the last time I easily connected with people. Of course, most people in Manhattan aren’t interested in a friendly chat and giving some random girl at the library their number so they can be friends. Maybe that’s why.
That’s it. Decision made. I’m staying all summer.
After the library,I went to Busta Brew and got a latte. It was almost as good as the ones Devon makes, which is a high compliment. Then I stopped back home and dropped off my books before going for a short hike on a nature trail. Justin was nice enough to let me borrow his rental car today, since he was spending the day at the inn with Devon. I topped off my day with a nice long shower—nosingingthis time, which is good because Devon and Justin got home halfway through. Then I took time to put on lotion and blow dry my hair.
Feeling relaxed and a little sexy, I stroll downstairs.
“How much do you love me?” I ask Justin as I walk into the kitchen.
Justin’s eyebrows go up and he looks from me, then across the kitchen to Devon, and back again. “Who are you asking?”
The slightest bit of pink hits my cheeks, but I push the feeling away.
“You. I need a favor.”
Justin grins. “Hit me with it.”
“How would you feel about making an appearance at the library next week?”
His smile grows. “What kind of appearance?”
“A romance cover model slash narrator appearance at their romance book club. I mean. Don’t dress like a cover model. Leave your shirt on. Don’t give them horny eyes.”
Devon snickers from the corner. “Horny eyes?”
I turn toward him. “Yeah. Horny eyes. Have you never seen one of his covers? Where his eyes simultaneously screamI’m the guy who will worship youandI can’t stop thinking about how I want to fuck you tonight.”
Devon’s eyebrows go up and he turns to Justin, who is still grinning.
“That’s exactly it. I never put words to it before. It’s more of a feeling,” Justin says.
“So, will you do it? It’s on Tuesday.” I tell him which book they’re reading. “Maybe you could sign some books and do a little reading? Take some pictures?”
“Sure. Why not? Sounds fun.”
“What inspired this?” Devon asks, amused.
I explain about volunteering and how Cindy and Lily reacted to finding out I know Justin. For Lily’s sake, I leave out the part about her knowing who Devon is. Then I tell them how I offered Justin up as a sacrifice.
Justin chuckles. “Sounds like a fun night. Just tell those ladies not to get too handsy.” He winks at me.
“I will be sure they know that. Oh, and if you have any indie authors you’ve worked with who you think would be good to feature for future book clubs, let me know.”
“Will do,” he drawls. Then he smiles.
“What?”
“You seem happier here. It’s good to see.” Then he rises from his stool and walks past me out of the room, ruffling my hair as he goes.
Devon strolls over as I digest Justin’s comment.
He saidhappier, not happy. Happier. Implying I wasn’t as happy back in New York. Or anywhere else he’s seen me. Is that true? Am I happier here? I’m having fun. I feel free in a way I never have before. And then there’s the man standing in front of me.
“You do look happier here,” Devon rumbles.
