Page 51 of Love on the Line

“That’s awfully sweet of them.” But it posed a problem for her. She couldn’t pay half of nothing. Reaching for her shoulder bag, she said, “I’ll leave the tip.”

Devon tossed some bills down on the table and stood up. “No, but thanks.”

Another generous act. She couldn’t help but notice he’d left enough money to pay for the entire meal.

When they got outside, Devon turned to her. “I had no idea they were doing all this tonight. I’m sorry if it made you feel uncomfortable.”

It had, but it’s not like he’d asked for it. “It’s okay. I’m glad you weren’t alone on your birthday, and I enjoyed the food.”

After they reached her car, he waited until she opened the door and got in. Since he was still standing there, she rolled down the window. He leaned over, placing his arms on the ledge. “So, next week do you want to try this again?”

Hell no. They needed to get back on solid, safe ground with no cake sharing or wine. Nerves bounced in her stomach, but she couldn’t agree to another dinner. “I think it might be better if we met at the hospital.”

He nodded. “That’s fine.”

She started the car, but he didn’t move from the door.

“Thanks for tonight,” he said in a soft tone.

“No problem.”

“I really mean it.” Devon’s sad half-smile appeared again. “You know, this was probably the nicest birthday I’ve had in years.”

Now she felt like a jerk. All she’d done the whole night was analyze his intentions. Meanwhile, he’d spent his best birthday with a stranger doing charity work. A piece of her heart melted. “Well, happy birthday, again.”

“See you next week.” He patted her shoulder, and took a step back.

Anne frowned as she drove. Devon was full of surprises. With his stunning good looks and charm, he had to have women falling all over him. Yet he’d commented on wishing he had someone special to take on trips. As generous and kind as he was, the right woman would come along. He deserved as much for buying a cappuccino machine to help out a man struggling with medical debts. Who did that?

She had to be wrong about him flirting with her. He was a stand-up guy who cared about people. Next week they’d meet at the hospital, and everything would be fine.

* * *

Wyatt pulled out of the away-game parking lot, his brain still frozen since last night when Anne had told him she wanted to spend the whole weekend together. Even during the lacrosse match tonight, his mind had wandered. Tomorrow, unless he fucked something up, they’d have sex. He’d fantasized about it for over a month. Hell, pretty much from the first time he’d laid eyes on her.

But now that he’d gotten to know her, he wanted her even more, if that were possible. It went beyond lust or attraction. They’d really connected after the whole spaghetti fight, and even though he knew she was scared of taking this next step, she was doing it.

It meant a lot that she didn’t care about his money or his fame, only about him. But that complicated things, too. In the past, women had drifted in and out of his life. There was something to be said for having a good time and moving on. No sticky conversations or discussions of feelings. His lungs pressed against his ribs. He’d never committed to anyone before and could be offered that USC job, which meant he’d leave.

He hit the brakes for a stop light. This whole thing could turn into a big, ugly mess with Anne getting hurt. That would kill him. But he had to look out for his future and hadn’t even known her for very long or made any promises.

Still, they’d been getting closer, and she stirred up all kinds of new emotions. She might not be the only one who got hurt in the end. He wouldn’t back out now, but he needed to protect himself as well.

He hit the accelerator and called, using the speaker phone. On the fourth ring, she finally answered.

“Hey, Wyatt. How’d the match go?”

“We won, but it was close. I’m headed home now. Everything okay with the fundraiser meeting?”

“Umm…yeah. Devon is really pumped about having a poster contest and came up with some other great ideas.”

So, the mysterious person was Devon. First time she’d mentioned his name. “Good. You get your papers graded?”

“Not yet. I…uh…just left Toni’s.”

Wyatt’s eyes cut to the time display on the radio. “Wasn’t your meeting at five?”

“Yeah, but dinner took longer because of some weird stuff. Doesn’t matter, I’m headed home now.”

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