The woman smiled. “We try, anyway. Nice to meet you, Devyn.”
As they all exchanged pleasantries, Devyn kept a surreptitious eye on the father-daughter duo. If she was lucky, they’d remain engrossed in their conversation.
Thankfully, Jeannette showed them to a table on the opposite side of the room, and Devyn claimed the seat that was tucked behind a potted palm, which put her back to the Steeles.
Lauren shook her head as she took the chair across from her. “You know you’re being silly about this, right? I doubt Aaron’s losing sleep over your kiss.”
“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” Because if so, it was an epic fail.
“It’s supposed to make you think.”
“That’s all I’vebeendoing since that night.”
“So what’s the verdict?”
“About what?”
“About your feelings for you know who.” Lauren waved a hand toward the opposite side of the tearoom.
“I like him. More than ever. The problem was logistics.”
Her sister’s eyes narrowed. “Was?”
Leave it to Lauren to tune in to nuances.
She gave the nearby patrons a quick scan.
Everyone appeared to be occupied with their tea companions, and her sister had already discerned that something was afoot. Why put off the conversation she’d intended to have today anyway? With ten days of research under her belt, she was as ready to talk about her plans as she’d ever be.
She moistened her lips. “As a matter of fact—”
“Ladies, let me give you the tea selection.” Jeannette stopped beside them and handed them each a menu penned in an elegant script. “I’ll be back to take your order, but if you have any questions, flag me down.”
As soon as Jeannette departed, Lauren set her menu aside and leaned forward. “As a matter of fact, what?”
Devyn skimmed the menu, made a quick selection, and laid it down. “You may have noticed I’ve been holed up in my room for hours on end at the house.”
“Yeah, I noticed. I figured you were either going through your usual ballet contortions in private or you were trying to avoid me.” Lauren’s mouth quirked up.
“Just the opposite. We could be seeing more of each other if—”
“Miss Devyn!”
At the familiar little girl’s voice, her pulse stuttered.
She’d been spotted.
Lauren smirked and leaned back, as if she was preparing to enjoy the show.
Bracing, Devyn called up a smile and angled sideways in her seat.
Isabel was towing Aaron their direction, his flustered expression suggesting he wasn’t any more comfortable with their impromptu meetup than she was.
“Hi, Isabel. This is a surprise.” She raised her gaze higher, to eyes the color of molten chocolate. “Hello, Aaron.”
“Hi.” He glanced at her sister. “Hello, Lauren.”
Devyn shifted her attention back to Isabel after Lauren greeted the duo. “Is today a special occasion?”
