Page 39 of Love on the Line

“Sounds like a good start. I appreciate your help.” He held out a business card, his fingers brushing hers as she took it. “I wrote my cell number on the back in case you need to contact me outside of the hospital.”

She couldn’t imagine a fundraiser “emergency” that would require personal calls, but she didn’t trust any of her crazy thoughts at the moment.

Devon rubbed his hands together. “There’s not much else to do right now. I just wanted to meet you and get things rolling. Why don’t we plan on getting back together in about a week? Next Thursday at the same time?”

“That’s fine. It should be long enough for people to get back to me. At least the teachers anyway, and we can go from there.” She wrote the date and time in her notebook, entered it in her phone calendar, and returned both to her bag.

“Perfect.” He stood and shut his briefcase. “I’ll walk you out. I’m done here for the day.”

He placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her out of the room. She didn’t like him touching her, but he dropped it before they passed the children in the open area, where two nurses were handing out ice cream and cookies to the excited crowd.

Devon pressed the down button, and Anne’s gaze went to a huge plaque on the wall next to the elevator with “Distinguished Donors” engraved at the top. The first name under it was Devon Blackwood.

Guilt for questioning his every move squeezed her lungs. He must have donated a significant amount to be listed first.

The doors slid open, and Anne entered the elevator. She hit the button for the first floor. Devon stood beside her. Not crowding her, but also not on the other side the way people usually spaced themselves in elevators. Maybe the guy didn’t have the same personal bubble that others did.

“You were so good with the children earlier,” Anne said.

“I enjoy them. Since I’m on the board here, I see them quite a bit. I like to cheer them up, if I can.”

“That’s really nice of you, and they sure were happy for the treats.”

He smiled. “Some things never change, do they?”

She couldn’t argue that. Ice cream was her go-to favorite dessert.

They walked out to the parking lot. Five o-clock and already dark. She’d be so happy when they moved the clocks forward.

“Where did you park?” he asked.

“A country mile off in that direction.” She pointed to the far side of the lot.

“I’m right up front here if you’d like a ride to your car.”

She glanced at the reserved spaces and spotted his BMW. Being a board member and distinguished donor must merit parking privileges. She’d feel funny getting in his car, though, and would just as soon be done and on her way. “Thanks, but it’s not too cold tonight.”

“The fresh air feels good. I need to stretch my legs anyway, so I’ll come with you. Who knows, you may have another unexpected flat tire, and I’ve already proven my worth in that situation.” He gestured with his hand. “Please, after you.”

She didn’t want to argue with him, so she started walking. Sheesh. What was it with guys insisting on escorting her to her car? And…right back to Wyatt. Damn it all.

“I really can’t thank you enough for helping out with this, especially as busy as you must be,” Devon said.

“We’re all busy. What do you do?” He clearly had money. Maybe he’d inherited it.

“I’m in the art business and am a collector of sorts.”

“That sounds interesting. Do you paint?”

“Not at all. The kids can color better than I do.” He laughed. “I’m on the business end of things. I match up buyers and sellers for rare artwork and antiques, mostly overseas. I have a shop just outside of town.”

“It sounds fascinating. You must get to see a lot of different things.”

“I do from time to time.” They reached her car, and she glanced up at him. His dark eyes intensified, and he said in a low tone, “I enjoy finding rare items.”

Was he flirting with her? No. Surely not. With his striking good looks and money, he’d have no interest in someone like her. And even if he did, she apparently fell for the green-eyed, athletic type with calloused hands and an arm that could toss a dog toy a mile.

Not sure what to say, she fumbled around in her purse until she found her keys. “I better get going.”

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