Page 13 of Speak of the Devil

Swooned to death right here on the cold tile. All that will remain of me will be a white coat and an e-pad.

Bringing me back to life by pinching my arm, Maggie says, “When I talk about being inappropriate, this is the type of man I’m talking about.”

“I’ll take him from here . . . I meanit. . . him. You know what I mean. Have a great day, Maggie.”

“Have fun, you two.” She gives his arm a little squeeze as she leaves.

We both watch her walk away, a hint of silence leaving just enough room for me to grow nervous.

When Shane turns back, he says, “It’s been a while, huh?”

“It’s not beenthatlong. I mean, if I really think back to the last time—Oh, you mean since we’ve seen each other?” I nod, about to bob my head right off my neck. “Yes, so long. Anyway, she’s only four-eleven, but Maggie’s a total menace. You can’t believe everything she says.”

“How long has it been?” His voice is smooth like whiskey. It would be easy to get drunk off the tone alone.

“Well, we were eighteen at the—” I facepalm myself. “You mean since my last . . .” I shake my head. “Can we talk about something else?”

“Like how good it is to see you?”

“Yes, I approve of that topic.” Feeling every bit the schoolgirl talking to her crush, I look down at my shoes quickly but can’t stop myself from staring into his eyes again. “It’s good to see you, too, Shane.”

Standing so sure of himself in front of me, he seems to have his life together, unlike the mess I am in his presence. He says, “You haven’t changed.”

Oh great.I’ve always been like this? I lick my lips, but my throat goes dry. Trying to clear it, I briefly turn away also hoping to catch the breath that escaped. I clear my throat again.Why am I so nervous?

I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Michigan.

Scored a coveted position in gerontology while earning my master’s degree.

Worked my ass off to save a downpayment plus earnest money for a house all on my own.

So how is it that a guy I knew from high school, who also happens to be famous, has managed to turn me into my eighteen-year-old self, hoping to be kissed next to a bonfire in a matter of minutes in his presence?

I clasp my hands in front of me and raise my chin. I refuse to act like a fan in front of him, even if I am one. “What brings you to Parkdale?”

He looks behind him, then drags his chin over his shoulder when his eyes return to me. “I was in the area.”

Why does he have to be so attractive?Still.

“Yeah?” I feel my cheeks heating just looking at him. Wearing a T-shirt faded to gray with the sleeves hugging his biceps and a pair of jeans that have seen the wash more than a few times are hanging just right on him. I swear his jaw is modeled after the cliffs of La Jolla, with a dusting of scruff covering it. Even his hair is giving a rolled-out-of-bed sexy mess vibe. But I remember his eyes looking into mine like he could see the future.

Or maybe that’s just how he makes me feel inside.

“No.” He chuckles. “I was nowhere near, but I got your message, so I took a chance and drove over.”

“Ah.” I didn’t expect to feel different around him now that he’s a rock star, but I’m almost starstruck enough to have forgotten I called, that I’m married to this man, and will have to explain the mess we’re in when I don’t even fully understand the situation.

It’s disappointing we couldn’t carry on like old friends for a little longer. I’m not sure how he’ll take the news, but I think it probably won’t go well. Shaken from the fairy tale, the reality of our predicament kicks back in, and I say, “I’ll be off work soon. Do you want to wait?”

“I’ll wait for you.” Shoving his hands in his pockets, he says, “I’ll be in my car.”

“Alright. I’ll be done soon.”

He turns to leave, but I catch him looking back over his shoulder, giving me a smile with so much potential. Too bad I’m about to ruin this reunion for us both.

I find the next file and call, “Mrs. Louis?”

Looking pretty in yellow, she comes over and sits in the chair. “I heard Maggie is gossiping about me again.”

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