Page 48 of Love on the Line

Chapter 16

Anne pulledinto Toni’s lot, but her mind was on the upcoming weekend. She didn’t have all the answers for the future, and logic said she shouldn’t go away with Wyatt, but for once she wanted to color outside the lines. Live a little. Take a chance.

After the marinara mess, they’d ended up ordering a pizza, having some wine, and watching a movie. Wyatt had been right. The night wasn’t what they’d planned, but also not a total failure. And he’d actually taught her something. Maybe she was too quick to jump in sometimes and help people, especially her students. She’d keep that in mind and pay more attention in the future.

Anne spotted Devon’s BMW parked well away from the other cars in the restaurant lot. He probably didn’t want a ding, and she couldn’t blame him. The car gleamed under the overhead lights like it had been polished by hand. She grabbed her shoulder bag, got out, and headed toward the entrance.

Devon, standing by the door, waved to her as she approached.

“I hope you haven’t been waiting long,” Anne said.

“Nope. Just got here. I was about to go in when I saw you.” He opened the door for her, and like before, placed his hand on the small of her back as she entered.

The restaurant was busy with people waiting to pick up carryout orders. Patrons took boxes with aluminum-foiled containers and salads from atop a glass case filled with cannoli that made her mouth water.

“Hey, Devon, good to see you,” an older man, wearing an apron blotched with tomato sauce, called from behind the counter.

The hostess walked over. “Hi, I have your usual table ready.”

Anne followed the hostess as they snaked through the restaurant, squeezing past bussers, servers, and customers. The scent of garlic and tomatoes wafted through the place. Huge plates of steaming pasta and baskets loaded with crusty loaves of bread crowded the small tables.

The hostess led them to the far corner of the restaurant. Devon pulled out a chair for Anne. His gold cufflinks winked under the light of the jar candle on the table. He took the seat next to her instead of across. Strange, but what could she say?

Dressed like a James Bond double in a suit and tie, he drew his share of attention, but Anne couldn’t stop thinking about Wyatt’s cocky grin and the way his biceps bulged when he squeezed a football. Or the mischievous twinkle in his green eyes when he threw Goober’s tug-toy halfway across the park and then kissed Anne senseless until the dog came trotting back with it.

“I doubt you even need this.” The hostess gave Devon a menu and turned to Anne, handing her one. “The special tonight is lobster ravioli.”

“Thank you.” She’d better keep her mind on business and not Wyatt.

The man in the tomato-stained apron came to their table. He clapped Devon on his back. “I see you have a friend here tonight?”

“Yes, Toni. It’s a business meeting.” Devon introduced Anne.

Toni wiped his hand on his apron and shook hers.

“Nice to meet you.” He turned back to Devon. “I gotta tell you, our cappuccino sales are up almost a third since you got us that new machine.”

“See? I told you pump was better than steam. How’s Donna doing this week?”

“Each chemo is a little harder, but she’s hanging in there, and the docs still say she’s on track.”

“That’s encouraging. Tell her I was asking about her.”

“Will do. I gotta get back to the kitchen.” Toni pointed to Devon and faced Anne. “Maybe if this guy plays his cards right it will be more than business, eh?”

Anne swallowed as the tips of her ears burned. Talk about awkward.

When Toni walked away, Devon shook his head and rested his hand on Anne’s, giving it a small squeeze before quickly letting go. “I’m sorry. He can be pushy, but he’s a softy and means well.”

Now, more than ever, she wished Devon had sat across from her. He hadn’t done anything outrageously wrong, but the little intimacies were a bit much for someone she barely knew. A bead of sweat trickled down her back.

“Toni’s had it tough. His wife Donna has breast cancer and has been coming to the hospital for treatments. I ran into her a couple of times. Sounds like she’s going to be a survivor.” Devon’s mouth turned up, and he glanced at the kitchen where Toni had disappeared.

“That’s really good news.” Too many people had to deal with the life-changing diagnosis and side effects of the chemo. “What was he talking about with the cappuccino machine?”

Devon waved a hand and glanced at the specials sheet. “Eh, nothing. Their old one kept breaking. Toni apologized when it wasn’t working and said he was going to buy a new one as soon as he paid off the medical bills.”

Anne waited, but he didn’t say anymore. Curiosity got the best of her. “So, he mentioned that you bought him one?”

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