Page 50 of Love on the Line

He shook his head and said in a low voice, “No. They all died in a fire when I was twelve.”

Her heart caved for him. No wonder he looked so dejected. “Oh my God. That’s horrible. I’m so sorry.”

He met her gaze and half-smiled. “It was a long time ago. Just sometimes it’s still hard, you know, on days like this.”

“I’m really sorry.” She could only imagine what it would be like to not have her family around on the holidays and special occasions.

“I may not have blood relatives, but I’m thankful for my friends, and that’s what’s important.” He touched her arm and then waved a hand at her plate. “Eat while it’s hot. I hope you like it.”

Anne took a bite, but she couldn’t stop thinking about his loss. She closed her eyes for a second. When she opened them, Devon was smiling at her, his eyes warm.

“Delicious, right?” He ate a piece of ravioli.

She sipped her wine and Devon pointed to her glass. “Please don’t feel obligated to finish that.”

Thank goodness he understood. She seldom drank on weekdays, and certainly not with men she hardly knew. What would Wyatt think of this cozy dinner-for-two with wine? She let out a slow breath.

“Is something wrong?” Devon asked.

“No.” She’d keep the conversation light. “Does your art business require a lot of travel?”

He tilted his head. “Yes and no. I’ve been all around the world but not necessarily for the art. If I find a piece I really want, I’ll make a trip overseas or wherever it might be, but most of the traveling I do is for fun.”

He clearly had the money based on his car and clothing. “I’m sure you’ve been to a lot of exciting places.”

“I have.” He shrugged and looked up from his plate. “The truth is, I’d enjoy it more if I had someone special with me.”

Anne’s throat tightened. The way he was staring at her…was he hitting on her?

Sophia and three other servers came to the table, carrying a big piece of chocolate cake with a lit candle on the top. They started singing “Happy Birthday.”

Devon opened his mouth as if to protest, but then shut it and smiled.

“Sophia, you really shouldn’t have,” Devon said as the servers walked away.

“Toni insisted. I’ll be right back with a couple cappuccinos.”

“Hold on.” Devon turned to Anne. “Would you like to get those in to-go cups so I don’t keep you out too long?”

“Yes, please. I still have papers to grade tonight.” Phew. She had to be wrong about him hitting on her. He was being considerate of her time, and none of this was his fault.

Devon glanced at the cake, then waved to Toni across the room. Blowing out his cheeks, Devon picked up a fork and paused.

“I’m in a bind here. I can’t not eat this cake now after all that, but I’m full. Any chance you can help me with it?”

Her gaze darted back to Toni, who was still watching them.

“Sure.” She was stuffed, too, but the cake did look good. Not wanting anyone’s feelings hurt, she took a small bite.

Devon took a forkful of cake off the same side. He slid it into his mouth and gave the thumbs up to Toni, who finally walked back into the kitchen. “Thanks, I owe you.”

Why had he taken a bite from the same spot she had when the other side of the cake was untouched? Seemed like an intimate thing to do. Then again, she probably was reading too much into everything since the night had sort of imploded.

Sophia brought over the cappuccinos and the check. “Let me know if you need anything else. Happy Birthday.”

They both took another sizeable bite of cake, then Devon put his fork down and picked up the check.

“These guys are too much. This says, “Happy Birthday,” with no charge.”

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