Page 49 of Love on the Line

Devon glanced up from the menu. “It wasn’t a big deal. It actually was a tad self-serving because if there’s one thing I enjoy, it’s a properly made cappuccino, and I eat here a lot.”

Wow. His generosity went beyond caring. He might just be one of those really touchy-feely guys and she’d been reading too much into things.

“It was nothing.” He reached for his briefcase. “I don’t want to keep you too long, so should we get down to business?”

Relief eased the tension binding her shoulder blades together. A quick bite and she’d be out of there. She nodded and pulled a notebook out of her bag. “I think we’re off to a great start with the walk-a-thon. A lot of the teachers want to help.”

“That’s wonderful.” Devon smiled.

A waitress stopped at their table. She placed two wine glasses down and poured from a bottle of red. “Hey Devon, how’s it going?”

Oh, no. Anne didn’t want dinner with drinks. She glanced at Devon as he held up a hand. “Doing well, but you’re too quick, Sophia. We’re here for business tonight.”

Anne’s stomach unclenched. At least she and Devon were on the same page. Just business.

Sophia’s saucer-sized earrings swung as she shook her head. “You’re not gonna have a glass of wine on your birthday?”

His birthday? Anne’s gaze dashed to him.

He wagged a finger back and forth in front of Sophia. “I never should have let that slip when we were talking last week.”

Anne eyed the wine. “We could have done this another day, Devon. I didn’t know it was your birthday.” She gestured to his glass. “You don’t have to pass on my account.”

Devon frowned. “No, I would feel rude, unless you would join me in one?”

Crap. Now what? It was still early, and she was going to have something to eat. Maybe one glass. “Okay, since you were nice enough to meet with me on your birthday.”

Sophia asked, “Did you want the special or some time to decide?”

“I can vouch for the lobster ravioli being really good.” Devon tapped the menu.

The sooner they ordered, the sooner they’d be served. Anne nodded. “I’ll try it.”

“Make it two.” Devon handed the menus to Sophia, who took them and left.

Devon picked up his wine glass and held it out for a toast. “To the start of a successful fundraiser.”

“Yes, and…happy birthday.” Anne clicked her glass to his.

After taking a sip, Devon pulled out some paperwork from his briefcase. “Tell me how the staff meeting went and what ideas the other teachers came up with.”

With the focus back on business, Anne heaved a mental sigh of relief.

He took some notes as she rattled off the marketing ideas and thoughts the teachers had passed along.

“The one I like best is to have the kids draw some pictures that we can turn into posters to advertise for the walk-a-thon.” Anne drew a star next to the line in her notebook.

“I love it.” Devon leaned in and rested an arm near hers on the table. “Maybe make it into a contest or something?”

“That’s a great idea.” More sweat trailed down her back. Whether he meant to or not, he was invading her personal space. She took a sip of her wine, eased back, and picked up her pen. Keeping her head down, she avoided eye contact and wrote down his comment.

To be fair, he improved upon every idea she suggested. Creative and inventive, no wonder he was so successful.

Sophia brought their dinners, which smelled amazing, and Anne put away her notebook. She glanced at Devon. “I’ve only been here a few times. You mentioned you come here a lot?”

“Yeah, because it’s on my way home from the hospital and the food is so good.” A sad frown formed on his face. “They treat me like family.”

“That’s really nice. Does yours live far away?”

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