Page 75 of Love on the Line

About fucking time. “Yeah, that was lucky.”

“Way more than lucky.” The corner of her mouth turned down. “What you did…how did you do that?”

That was more like it. Finally, some admiration. He took the bowl of soup from the microwave and set it in front of her. “I’ve had training. And please, have this soup.”

“Okay, thanks.” She picked up a spoon, shook her head, and winced. “But there were four of them, and they were big. I mean, Wyatt couldn’t even handle them, and he’s huge.”

Vindication uncurled in Devon’s belly. Perfect. He’d shown up Pearson all right. “In martial arts size doesn’t matter. It’s all in the technique.”

“Are you a black belt or something?” She sipped a spoonful of the broth.

“I earned my fifth degree a while back.”

Her eyebrows shot up, and she winced again. “Fifth degree? No wonder.”

Going for humble, he shrugged. “Just glad to help.”

“Why were you there?” she asked between spoonfuls.

He’d expected the question and had set up Paul as an excuse. “I was supposed to meet a friend at a nearby bar but had to park on the street and walk a few blocks because the lot was full.”

“That was a good thing for us.” She finished the soup and closed her eyes, pressing her fingers to her forehead.

“Why don’t you come sit on the couch for a bit? You have to be exhausted, and I’ll keep an eye on you for a while.”

She nodded. “Okay. I’ll admit my head is a bit fuzzy.”

He came around the counter and helped her from the chair to the sofa. A fire blazed to life when he hit the remote. Clutching her phone, she sat and fell asleep within minutes. He took a seat beside her, placing his arm around her.

With a small whimper, she shifted and leaned against him, her head on his shoulder. Drawing her in, he took the phone from her limp hand and stuffed it down between the cushions. Now she wouldn’t hear if it rang and would stay the night.

The tables had turned. Heat from the fire and her body warmed him. He gloated over the success of his scheme. Not only had he impressed her, she was sleeping in his arms and wearing his clothes.

Without a doubt, this should lead to more trouble for her and Pearson tomorrow.

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