After some time, Chloe got up and left the room. Devon gave Hailey another sip and then let her rest.
He found Chloe in the kitchen looking in the fridge. “If that stays down, I could make her some scrambled eggs and toast.”
“Um, yeah, maybe the next time she wakes up.” He could make eggs and toast, but he didn't say that.
She turned to face him as he stood in the archway. “Are you okay?”
He blinked a few times. “Me? Yes.”
She leaned casually against the countertop. “You seem different since we talked.”
“Do I?” He should have known she’d see right through him. She was astute.
“Hailey will be okay.”
“Yes.”
“So it’s me.”
He let her statement hang in the air for a moment. “I don't want to take advantage of you, and knowing you feel the need to serve penance through my daughter—”
“Whoa, when did I say that? Sure, at first, it was sort of like that. I never said I felt the need to continue atonements.”
“You kind of did.”
She put a hand up. “Look. If I didn't want to be here, I would have said no. You’re a smart guy; put two and two together, Devon.”
He watched Chloe walk out of the room. He felt the need to follow her, to occupy the same space. It wasn't the first time he’d felt that way in her presence. She wanted to be there, then. Frustrated, he scrubbed a hand through his hair and went after her.
“I’m sorry I suck at this so much.”
“We should talk about something else,” she responded.
They sat, picked up drinks gone mostly cold, and found they had more in common than they thought. From books, to movies, to music, they found plenty to discuss. Devon suddenly realized how late it had gotten, and how close Chloe sat to him, as their conversation lagged. They sat side by side with their feet propped on the ottoman. Chloe hadn't said anything in several moments, but he was afraid of disturbing her. He assumed she was asleep by the gentle way her chest rose and fell with each quiet breath. He risked shifting to look down at her face, and she shifted in response. He froze, arms raised and panic racing through him. She would either leave or slug him, he was positive.
Chloe did neither. Instead, she curled her hand and rested it on his chest, then crept over until her head was there, too. He tilted his head to look at her in utter confusion. She slept, he was sure of that. He didn't touch her, just stretched his arms out along the back of the couch.
He couldn't believe his heart pounding out of his chest didn't wake her. He felt . . . baffled. He’d thought she didn't want to be near him, only Hailey. She’d basically told him to get a clue, but he honestly hadn't thought she meant . . . this. This was more than what he’d expected or thought about in years. It was the feeling of comfort, contentment, a sense of belonging that frankly scared the shit out of him.
He lowered his arms to circle her back and decided it was nice. Apparently, he was getting a trial by fire.
