Page 23 of Devotion: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 1)

“I actually didn’t want to study finance at all. Hated the idea of having those classes in college,” I revealed to him. “Elise insisted I take at least a sensible minor in college or she wouldn’t help me pay my first year.” Another way she took care of me and ensured I had a financially stable future.

“So what was your major?” he asked with interest.

I had to inadvertently smile as I answered. “Creative writing.”

He chuckled softly. “I would have never guessed. Did you end up using it?”

I nodded. “Yes, and I loved it,” I sighed, glancing out the window. It was something I didn’t think about anymore. “I just needed a break from it.”

We sat there together, both of us wrapped up in our own thoughts. As I blew the steam off my coffee, I noted how being around him brought me comfort and jitters, and it certainly was an unusual combination.

It was different with my late husband. I tried to think hard how Hunter made me feel, way back when we started it all. It felt so long ago, different lifetime and different me. Hunter and I worked for the same publishing company well before we started dating. He was funny, charming, and outgoing while I was the opposite of all that. Thinking about him brought on a dull pain and I gently rubbed my chest as if that would bring some relief.

I reached for my necklace and brushed my fingers across the cold metal of our wedding rings, Lachlan’s eyes locking on my fingers.

A loud squeal and commotion caused me to look around to see what was going on.

A woman approached our table, her gaze locked on Lachlan. She was beautiful. Curly flaming red hair framed her heart shaped face dominated with full lips and sparkling eyes, as the sea of Adriatic. She was tall with luscious curves, exactly the type that men turned their heads for.

“Lachlan,” she shouted as she approached us. Her voice was deep, and if I had to select one least attractive quality on her, it would be her voice.

“Ainslee,” Lachlan greeted the woman. She stopped at our table, glanced between two of us and a wide smile spread across her face.

“No wonder you weren’t answering my calls,” she scolded him jokingly and reached out her hand to me. “Hello, I’m Ainslee McLaren.”

I took her hand in greeting, surprised.

“Eve, this is my cousin,” Lachlan added.

“Hello,” I greeted her. “Eve Bailey.”

“I’ve been calling and calling this chap for the last two days,” she chattered. “But now seeing you, I can understand why he is ignoring me.”

I felt the blush warm my cheeks. “Don’t blush, lass,” she continued on like we’ve known each other for years. “I’m glad to finally see him with a woman.”

“Ainslee,” Lachlan's voice gently warned his cousin.

“Ok, ok.” She stopped as she pulled herself a chair to sit down with us. “So how did you two meet?”

I glanced at Lachlan and raised my eyebrow hoping he’d take that one. He remained silent and Ainslee kept glancing back and forth between us in anticipation of an answer.

“I work at his company,” I answered in a low voice, my reserved demeanor in contrast with her vibrant personality. “For his uncle.”

She frowned as if she didn’t understand what I just said. “You work for Uncle Colin?”

I nodded. I guess if they are cousins, it would be her uncle too. Duh!

“And you are dating Lachlan?” she asked and I would have sworn her voice sounded hopeful.

“No,” I mumbled, feeling heat on my cheeks again.

She looked confused and I eyed Lachlan hoping he’d explain to her since she seemed not to understand my explanation. Maybe it was a Scottish English thing?

“Hmmm,” was all she commented with a slight pause. “Anyhow, Lachlan is having our annual party next Saturday at his country estate. You should join us.” She turned towards Lachlan and asked, “Don’t you agree, Lachlan?”

“Absolutely,” he answered. I gave him a slight glare.

Now he answered!I thought with agitation.What was it about him that brought my emotions out?

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