Page 70 of Love on the Line

Chapter 24

Slipping on a pair of earrings,Anne pondered the conversations she’d had with Devon yesterday. He’d caught her completely off guard when he’d asked her out. As far as she knew, she hadn’t said or done anything to encourage him. And she didn’t want him waiting around for her. Despite his good looks, she had no chemistry with him and no desire to have a relationship outside of the walk-a-thon event.

Wyatt was the only one who’d ever brought her senses to life. His touch, his scent, the way his eyes twinkled when he teased her. She loved him and hated the awkwardness between them since the media blowup.

A knock sounded, and she hurried to the door because she couldn’t wait to see him. The tiny peephole did nothing to dwarf his frame or stop her breath from catching. It had only been a few days since the beach, but she’d missed the hell out of him.

She opened the door and inhaled the fragrance of his cologne blown in by the crisp, cool night air.

He thrust a box out to her. “I hope you’re not allergic to these.”

She took the white carton with a cellophane cut out, containing humongous chocolate-covered strawberries. Her mouth watered. “Oh my.”

“You like it?”

She glanced up, her gaze traveling from his sexy-as-sin leather jacket to his deep-green eyes. A wave of pure lust rocked her body.

Double yum. “What’s not to like?”

She swallowed, and he waved a hand at that box. “I feel bad about everything and figured with my lousy flower selection skills, I’d try something different.”

Her body choked with emotion. Actions spoke louder than words. Words they’d both struggled with the last few days.

“I’ve missed you,” they both blurted out.

She stepped back and placed the box on the table. When she turned, he wrapped his arms around her, bringing his mouth to hers in a crushing kiss that sucked the air from her lungs. She came away breathless.

He framed her face with his hands. “Are you okay? I know this all has been a lot to deal with.”

She took a deep breath. “I’m managing.”

“I haven’t been able to think about anything but you.” He stroked her cheek. “I wish I could make the media go away.”

Regret reflected in the depths of his eyes. Yeah, this was her Wyatt. He might suck at phone conversations, but in person he launched her into another orbit. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“Doesn’t matter. I never want to see you hurt.” He pressed his lips to hers, then pulled back, keeping his arms around her. “I talked to the Ravens coach today.”

Her stomach dropped. “And?”

“It’s a decent offer. One worth considering.”

“I see.” She couldn’t keep the disappointment out of her voice even though she’d expected as much.

“Hey.” He ran a hand through her hair. “I didn’t say yes. It’s just on the table for now.”

“Okay.” Handling change and uncertainty weren’t her long suits, but she had no choice in this matter except to break up with him or wait it out.

“You sure you’re still up for going to Baltimore?” he asked.

“Yes. I’m not going to hide from the world. Besides, since we’re catching a late dinner before the movie, the restaurant shouldn’t be crowded.” She snatched her purse and locked the door on the way out.

They managed to find a quiet booth at their favorite Italian place, and the waitress who’d served them several times before didn’t mention social media. Anne relaxed, finishing off her glass of chianti as Wyatt paid the check.

“Do you want to walk to the theater like we planned, or would you rather drive?” He slid out of the booth and stood.

“It’s not super cold, and I have my coat. Let’s walk.”

He took her hand as they strolled along the sidewalk lined with groups of small, older townhouses separated by alleys. She frowned at an unlit lamppost they had to pass. Cloudy skies hid the moon and any light it might shine. She picked up the pace a little, her heart beating faster.

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