Page 83 of Love on the Line

No denying Devon’s angry reaction. Paul fought the turmoil inside to keep his voice calm. “She wasn’t a bet; she was a person. Did you know she died?”

“No. I didn’t keep tabs on her.” Devon spun back around and punched some numbers into a calculator.

“You don’t seem surprised or upset.”

Devon looked up. “Why would I be upset? I barely knew the girl.”

The girl.The one bet I lost. Not Lynn. Not the sweetheart who’d stolen Paul’s heart. Not the woman who never had a chance to live out her life. Paul’s blood pounded in his ears.

“What’s your problem? I really don’t have time for games.” Devon stood.

Despite the fact that Devon towered over him, Paul met his gaze. “Why did you do it?”

For just a second, Devon’s eyes widened. If Paul hadn’t been looking for a reaction, he would have missed it.

“Do what?” Devon asked.

“Tell Lynn about the bet.”

“Oh, that.” Relief flickered in Devon’s eyes. Again, it was fast and subtle. He waved a hand. “I did it for you.”

“What do you mean, you did that for me?” Paul’s body quaked with pent-up anger. “You made her think I didn’t care about her. She left town and died not knowing the truth.”

“You didn’t see it then, and you’re blind to it now. She was all wrong for you.” Devon shook his head. “I tried to spare you from getting crushed when she dumped you. Someone had to save you from yourself.”

Paul balled his hands into fists. Devon couldn’t be serious. “You honestly thought you were doing me a favor?”

“Yes.” Devon nodded. “I don’t mean to be harsh, but take a look in the mirror. She was out of your league. The longer you dated her, the more it would hurt when she cut you lose.”

The truth kicked Paul in the gut, and his shoulders slumped. Devon was right. Lynn could have done a lot better. Guys asked her out all the time. But she’d turned them down for him and might be alive today if she hadn’t left town.

Devon grabbed his coat and shrugged it on. “Hey, sometimes people get what they deserve. I’m sorry she died that way, but you were her little puppet, and when she snipped the strings, you were gonna crash. I had your back the whole time.”

Paul couldn’t think, his brain so overloaded.

“I’m done here. Tell me if I missed anything.” Devon headed toward the entrance. “I may have a buyer for that glass lamp. I’ll let you know if it goes through so you can handle the sale.”

The door banged shut behind him.

Paul sucked in a sharp breath. Devon had said, “I’m sorry she died that way.”

But Paul never told Devon that Lynn had died in a fire. The tiny hairs under Paul’s collar raised. Come to think of it, Devon’s family had died the same way.

No. Had to be a coincidence.

Paul tried to shake the suspicion off, but a sick feeling twisted his gut.

Where there was smoke…there was fire…

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