“I’d better go. Lots of stuff to get together, preparing for the move.”
“Don’t forget the cobbler and cinnamon buns. Hold on while I make them ready for you.”
She bustled about the kitchen, putting them in a bag for me. She gave me the parcel, I took her hand. “Are you happy? Theo’s treatin’ you okay?”
“I know he’s not your daddy and he’s rough around the edges, but he’s been there for me. In the beginning he tried too hard with you, I think, but he’s mellowed. We’re good.”
“I’m glad. I guess I was wrong about him.”
She held me close. “You were, and maybe one day you’ll sit down with him and tell him that.” She kissed my cheek. “Now go on home to Dev and enjoy yourself. Maybe come by tomorrow, and we’ll have dinner. I got a nice rack of ribs.”
“Mmm. You know you don’t have to ask twice.” I hugged her again. “Love you, Momma.”
“I love you too, Brody.”
In a much better mood now that I’d gotten everything out in the open, I couldn’t wait to get home to Dev and tell him how well the conversation had gone. I parked, and carrying the desserts, entered the house, calling for him.
“Dev. Momma made us cinnamon buns and cobbler, and if you don’t get your butt out here, I might eat the whole thing.”
No answering shout and, in fact, the house remained eerily quiet. My footsteps quickened as I walked through the rooms, reaching the bedroom last. Maybe he was in the bathroom.
“Dev?”
That was when I noticed his stuff was gone. I about-faced and went to the dresser. All his drawers were empty. I sank to the bed.
“What the fuck?” My phone buzzed, and it was him. “Dev. What the hell is goin’ on? Where are you?”
“At the airport. Waiting for my plane home.”
“What? You just left me? Why? What’s wrong?”
“I spent a lot of time this afternoon thinking about what your mother said. You know I love you.”
“I-I love you too. But it’s gonna be okay. I told Momma, and it’s all right. She said she knew.”
Dev blew out a big sigh. “I’m so glad for you, baby. But I’m not surprised. Ms. Faith is a smart lady. But see, I’m trying not to be selfish. I want you to have these last few weeks with your mother. I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d try and make me stay, but in my heart, I know this is right for you. Ms. Faith needs this time with you. And after, I’m gonna have you all to myself up here, and I promise we will find a way to be together.”
There was nothing sexier in the world than a possessive, growling Devil Summers. It never failed to set my blood on fire, but now he wasn’t here to quench my thirst. Frustrated, I hit the pillow with my fist. Twice.
“I dunno whether to punch you in the face for makin’ me think you left for good, or hug you for bein’ so thoughtful. Dev,” I groaned. “I hate being here without you. It don’t seem right anymore.”
“I’ll never leave you. I miss you too, baby. So damn much. But soon we’ll be together. On the field and off.”
I lay on the bed, cuddled up to Dev’s pillow that still smelled like him.
“Yeah. Together.”
**
I stood in my brand-new apartment overlooking the river. Dev and I had checked out places the real estate agent had sent me, and knowing I wouldn’t want to be in a people-filled area like SoHo or Tribeca, she’d suggested West Chelsea. The moment I stepped into the sun-filled apartment, with floor-to-ceiling views of the water, I knew it was the right one. It boasted a huge terrace—for New York City standards—and I could see myself and Dev sitting out there watching the sunset.
Having viewed close to ten apartments, I told my agent to put in an offer on the condo, and it was accepted. I was now an owner of a tiny piece of Manhattan. And I took a slew of pictures and sent them to Momma.
Dev came from behind me and slipped his arms around my waist. “Welcome home.”
I set the phone on the kitchen island and cupped his face between my hands. “They’re bringin’ the bed later today.” I kissed him, and his lips curved under mine.
“Yeah? You think not having a bed is gonna stop me from taking what I want?”
