Page 22 of Devotion: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 1)

Chapter Seven

The next day I walked out of my apartment and true to his word, Lachlan was already walking in my direction. He greeted me with the kiss on my cheek as if it was the most normal thing in the world. His lips felt warm on my cheek for that fleeting second.

“Enjoyed your jog this morning?” he asked and I gave him a sideway glance.

He laughed. “I told you we live close. I saw you from my balcony doing your morning jog.”

“Okay,” I replied as if I didn’t believe him.

“Did you just start jogging?” he asked curiously.

“I used to do it all the time.” I remarked, almost as if I was talking to myself and then added, “Yes, I just started.”

He had his hand on the small of my back and this time I didn’t step away. Maybe it took a day to get used to him. We walked in silence like we’ve done this a thousand times before. This time silence wasn’t uncomfortable at all. I liked his closeness and quiet confidence.

Two blocks into it, the smell of coffee perked my interest and I glanced around.

“Want some coffee?” He certainly was in tune with me.

“Yes, thanks,” I muttered.

He walked up the alley corner and then I noticed it. It was a little coffee shop tucked away. I walked past it every day but never would have noticed it.

He ordered and grabbed the available little table for two by the window.

“We’re going to be late,” I remarked although I sat down with my cup.

“That’s fine,” he retorted. “I own the company so nobody is firing us.”

I shook my head at his comment. “If you say so.”

“I say so,” he smiled. “And I won’t let anyone fire you, either.”

“That’s good to know,” I muttered, slightly sarcastic.

“Is your family in Scotland too?” The question surprised me a bit, leading me to believe his uncle hadn’t shared much about me.

“No, my sister still lives in the States.”

“And your parents?” I glanced at him, wondering why all the questions.

“My dad died when I was a toddler, so I don’t remember much of him. My mother is in the States too.”

“You must miss your sister and mom.”

I took a deep breath. Before the accident, I was close to Elise but have been keeping distance since I lost Hayden and Hunter. I guess it was my mechanism for coping, and I didn’t want to bring her down. Although I managed to worry her nonthesame.

“Yes, I miss Elise, my sister,” I answered. Before he could ask another question, I switched the subject. “How about your family? Do you have siblings? And your parents?”

“Both of my parents died, one shortly after the other,” his voice sounded sad and for the strangest reason, I wanted to offer comfort. “I have a cousin and she is the closest I have to a sibling.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” I uttered softly, and in an attempt to change this apparent painful subject for him, I queried, “Did you start McLaren Enterprise?”

“No, it’s been in my family for a few generations,” he replied. “I expanded it, took it worldwide, and modernized it a bit.” He was modest although he had every right to be boastful and proud of his accomplishments. I found that I liked that about him.

“That’s impressive,” I commended him.

“How about you?” I noticed he swiftly changed the subject. Usually that was my expertise. “Did you always know you wanted to study finance?”

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