Page 140 of The Map of Nova and Dev

That’s how long it took for whispers to circulate. Three days after we filmed and four after I sat with Collin Panovitch for his exclusive. The article is live, the world knows, and I’m on a small island in the Bahamas with my love.

I don’t care how they edited it. I know what we discussed. The turquoise waves draw my gaze, and I take an easy breath. When Panovitch first called, I was unsure if I’d ever breathe easy again, but with Nova and our families at my side, I feel good about the decision to do the interviews.

“Oh, that was my favorite part.” Nova lifts her legs, fluttering her feet. “When you talked about Dad’s support.” Nova sighs. “You look so handsome on TV, Hotshot. You should consider broadcasting.”

I know what I’m considering. I chew on my bottom lip while watching her lean calves and hamstrings flex and relax. “I think I’ll stick to baseball for now.” I stand, eager for the interview to be done so we can move on to more interesting things. “Is that about over?” My fingertips trail over her backside.

With a smile, Nova drops her cell, flips to her back, and stares up at me. “A little impatient, are we?”

“To take my girl for a sunset swim? Yeah, I am.”

“Just a swim?” Her hand slides around the back of my leg, teasing beneath my swim trunks.

I cock my head, grinning. “Woah, Dimples. We’re out in the open.” I check up and down the exclusive resort’s private beach. An hour ago, there were people here. Now, it’s empty save for us.

“Don’t pretend you’re so innocent. You were trying to untie my top five minutes ago, Hawthorne.”

Offering my hand, I step back. “Come swim with me?”

Watching Nova stretch and stand in her tiny black bikini draws R-rated thoughts to my mind. Her graceful movements, glistening skin, beachy blonde waves… I’d be content watching her sunbathe all day, and I have been, but the sun is disappearing, and I have big plans tonight.

When she’s on her feet, she steps into my body and slips her hands around my back, kissing my chin. “I’m so proud of you, Dev.”

I clasp her closer, eliminating every inch between us. “It was okay?”

“It was more than okay. It was perfect. Your composure as you answered her questions, the way you advocated for victims, and shared your ideas for working with abused youth.” Her baby blues read my face. “You know I love these perks you keep throwing my way—the fancy getaways, beautiful home, and presents I don’t need—but if you gave baseball up tomorrow and we were the same Nova and Dev who met in a cathedral in South Bend, I’d be more than proud to spend my life with you.”

“I know the next few weeks are uncertain and scary—”

“They aren’t anymore.” Nova shrugs. “Suzy added what Rossy said to you to the end of her commentary. If she reported what your GM said, it must be pretty set.”

There were few people in our house while the interview took place. The necessary production crew for ESBN, Suzy, Nova, Brad, and Roman Rossy. Everyone else—hair, make-up, assistants—was made to remain outside to keep my story contained for as long as possible. When we wrapped, Rossy was there at my side, patting my back in support and reminding me to keep my butt in shape for spring training because he intends to name me to the Opening Day roster. The spot, my dream, is mine to win or lose.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to miss the heck out of you while you’re up in Jupiter, but don’t get too used to that bachelor life with Freddie and Jevan. It’s six weeks, then you’re coming back to me.”

“Always.” I brush her nose with mine before swinging her into my arms, bridal style, and heading for the water.

fifty-five | devin

“Welcome home, fiancée.”I cut Snowball’s engine as the garage door lowers behind us, and Nova unbuckles.

She rolls her head against the headrest, flashing me the most gorgeous of smiles. “I’m a fiancée.” She breathes, her baby blues twinkling with wonder.

“You’remyfiancée.” I reach across and cradle her cheek in my palm. “I love you, Spitfire.”

Nova props her elbows on the console. “I love you more.” She puckers like a little fish, waiting.

“Impossible.” I smile, my fingers wrapping around her hair and anchoring her in place while I get my fill of her delectable mouth. We kiss until the automatic light on the garage door flicks off, then we kiss some more. I’ll never tire of this woman.

Dragging my mouth across her cheek, I kiss her ear and whisper, “You know, I’ve had this fantasy.”

“Mmm, what’s that?”

“Climb in the backseat and I’ll show you.”

Nova finds my hungry stare. “In the car, really?”

My hand is beneath her cropped sweater, skating her ribcage. “Since the day we left Chicago en route to a silly museum, baby. I have dreamed of taking you in the backseat of this car every which way imaginable.” My thumb brushes her ribs below the edge of her lace-covered breast.

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