“Because…” His eyes slide over to mine for the barest moment., “I wasted all that time and energy worrying about whether something was wrong with me for being so different from them when I didn’t need to. If they’d just told me sooner, it would have saved me a lot of angst.”
Shame burns in my chest because a lot of things make sense with this new information. Like why being untruthful with Seth was so difficult for him. I forced him into a situation that must have eaten him up with guilt. It fundamentally went against what he believes in.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, hoping he’ll understand.
His tension doesn’t ease, but his expression relaxes into an almost-smile. “You’re worth it, and the deception didn’t last for long.”
I nod, wishing I could take it all back anyway. One thing is for sure: there’s a whole lot more to Devon Green than I initially gave him credit for.
When we arrive in Cedar Bend, it’s dark, so we decide to save the tour until tomorrow. I issue directions to Mom’s place, which is a large house made of white stone down by the river that divides the town in two. Seth had it built for her with his winnings back when he was a regular on the professional circuit. Devon pulls up the long drive and parks in a graveled area beside the house.
He whistles. “Nice place. How much of your childhood did you spend here?”
I study it for differences, but it looks much the same as it used to. “Most of my teenage years.”
“I bet all of your friends wanted to come over.”
“I didn’t really have any,” I admit, trying to be honest with him after his confession earlier.
Pushing the car door open, I hop out before he can reply. I don’t need pity. He comes around the front of the car and grabs my hand just as the outside light flickers on. The front door flies open and Mom races out, the wind shifting her blonde hair in a fluffy cloud around her face. Where Seth and I are both tall, she’s short, barely coming up to my nose as she wraps her arms around me. She squeezes me tight, rocking from side to side, then releases me and steps back, grinning broadly. While I didn’t get my height from her, I did get her coloring. The eyes beaming up at me, while narrower than mine, are the exact same shade.
“Honey!” she exclaims, scanning my face as if to catalog all the changes since I saw her last. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She hauls me into another hug. “Ugh, I can’t believe it’s been so long.” I return the embrace, smelling the welcome lavender scent of her. When she lets me go, she turns to Devon. “You must be Devon.” She extends a hand toward him. He takes it and pulls her into a hug, startling a laugh from her.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Ms. Isles.” He steps back and gives her a shy smile that has my heart flipping over in my chest. “Wow, you look just like Harley.”
Mom giggles, then claps a hand to her mouth. “I can see why my daughter likes you.” She gestures toward the entrance. “Come in. I’ll make us a hot drink. Do you prefer coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?”
“Whatever is easiest.” He opens the trunk and grabs our bags, slinging one over each shoulder.
“How about you, honey?” she asks.
“Tea, please.”
She leads us inside, through a foyer with a tiled floor, and down a long hall to one of the spare bedrooms. “Put your things in here and get settled. I’ll make those drinks.”
She leaves, and Devon drops the bags and rounds on me, caging me against the wall with his muscular arms. His forehead rests against mine, and our breath intermingles.
“I need to kiss you,” he murmurs.
I press my lips to his and arch into his body. His arms slide down the wall and loop around my lower back, drawing me close to him. His tongue delves into my mouth, tasting me, and my breath hitches when the ridge of his erection presses against my core. Sighing, I place a hand on his chest and ease him back.
“Whoa, cowboy. Better get things under control before we go back out.”
He nods, but holds me tight to his chest. “I love you, Harley. Thank you for this.”
“Thank you for coming.” For the first time since he originally said he loved me, I don’t feel like I have to reply in kind—but I want to. I force myself to keep the words inside until I have a chance to examine them and figure out what’s going on in my head. “Come on.”
Threading my fingers through his, I walk with him to the living room, where I sit on one of the massive couches and tuck my feet up beneath me. Devon takes an armchair, and I have to admit, I’m disappointed to lose his touch. It’s for the best though. I don’t want to make Mom uncomfortable. A few moments later, she emerges from the kitchen, carrying a tray with a teapot and three cups on it. She sets the tray on the coffee table and pours tea into each cup.
“It’s chamomile,” she says. “Didn’t want to caffeinate you right before bed.”
“Thanks, Ms. Isles.” Devon takes one of the teacups, which looks ridiculous in his large hand.
“Please, call me Mae.” She passes me one of the teacups and claims the last one for herself. “How long have you two been an item?”
“Not long.” I share a glance with Devon. “We’re still very new. Devon was actually a fighter at Crown MMA, but Seth said he had to leave when we told him about our relationship. He didn’t want us bringing any drama into the gym.”
Mom rolls her eyes. “Of course he did. That son of mine doesn’t know the meaning of compromise.” She smiles. “Don’t worry, he’ll get used to the idea eventually.”
