Page 86 of Cross the Line
Still, Dev herds me into another waiting SUV and nods goodbye to Mark and Chava before climbing in beside me. I try to wave to them in thanks, but I’m so exhausted my hand flops like a limp fish.
‘I don’t think I’m up for anything,’ I say wearily.
‘You’ll be up for this, I promise.’
I’m not sure about that. But he hasn’t let me down so far, and this is supposed to be the best date ever, so . . . I guess I’ll play along.
But the longer we drive, the more confused I get. We’re sticking close to the coast, heading into one of the fancier San Diego neighbourhoods. Maybe we’re going to a private access area of the beach. I wouldn’t mind napping in the sun, but we could do that any day. Not exactly ‘best date’ material.
So when we turn into the driveway of what’s easily a ten-million-dollar home, I frown and shoot Dev a curious look. ‘Don’t tell me you bought an entire house for this date.’
He snorts and undoes his seat belt, then mine. ‘Just a rental. Don’t worry. Not that I wouldn’t buy a house just to impress you. I’d pick a more exciting city though.’
That pulls a laugh out of me. ‘I’ll keep that in mind.’
He gets out of the SUV first, then helps me down, his warm hands wrapping around mine briefly before his arm finds my waist. We make our way up the flagstone path to the wide front porch. It’s decorated with wicker chairs and a swing, but it’s the paper grocery bags that catch my eye.
‘Did you order something?’
Dev’s grin is crooked, his eyes sparkling. ‘You’re really intent on ruining my surprise, aren’t you?’ He drops his arm from around me in favour of scooping up the bags, then he punches in a code on the door to unlock it. ‘Ladies first,’ he says, stepping off to the side.
Turning the knob, I obey, but only because I trust him enough not to lead me into a trap or into the awaiting machete of a murderer. Perks of knowing him my whole life, I guess.
Thankfully, there’s no horrific surprise or serial killer on the other side of the threshold. Just a stunning open-concept floor plan with warm cherry oak floors, cosy neutral-coloured furniture, and a chef’s dream kitchen. But the view is the real selling point of this place.
A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooks the ocean and the narrow, twisting stairway that leads down the rocky incline to the beach. There’s a patio tucked into the side of the cliff, complete with more wicker furniture and a firepit. Best of all, it’s hidden from anyone who might wander by on the narrow stretch of beach below.
I kick off my sneakers and pad toward the windows, taking in the view as Dev sets the bags on the kitchen island. ‘This is gorgeous,’ I exhale, staring out at the dark-blue waves that lap onto the shore. ‘And peaceful.’
His laugh carries across the space. ‘Exactly. We won’t be getting much peace once we’re home. I wanted one last escape before the wedding chaos begins.’
I can only imagine the riot Alisha’s wedding is going to be. I saw a few of her vision boards the last time I was home, and every aspect looked exciting, lavish, and expensive as hell. But as incredible as the three-day event is almost guaranteed to be, it’s going to be an exhausting time for everyone involved.
‘Come on. Let’s check out the upstairs,’ Dev says, sidling up beside me and extending a hand. He’s cradling a small white bag in his other arm, but I can’t make out what’s in it.
He leads me up the wide staircase, past all the lovely black-and-white nature photography lining the walls, to the second floor. The main bedroom practically hangs over the ocean, boasting even more stunning views. I’m immediately tempted to crash on the bed and let the dull roar of the waves lull me to sleep.
‘Almost there.’
He steps around the king-size mattress and tugs me toward another doorway, this one leading to an en suite bathroom done up in sleek marble. The focal point is the oversized clawfoot tub that sits by another expansive window.
‘Ta-da,’ Dev announces. He lets go of my hand and turns on the bathtub’s chrome tap. ‘Figured you could use a soak before we really start our date. Get undressed.’
‘Hey, buy a girl dinner first.’
He laughs. ‘That’s next. But first, you need a bath.’ He sets the bag on the counter. It’s lavender-scented Epsom salts. ‘Hopefully this will help your muscles. After last night and that flight, I know you’re hurting.’
My throat tightens, and I swear my heart skips a beat. No one has ever put so much thought into caring for me. No one has ever understood how I feel as innately as he does. ‘Thank you.’
He shoots me a wink as he pours a generous amount of the Epsom salts into the steaming water. Immediately, the soothing scent of lavender fills the room.
‘Come downstairs when you’re done,’ he instructs, dropping a kiss on my forehead before moving to the door. ‘I have more surprises.’
He steps out and then I’m alone, smiling goofily to myself as I blink away the tears that threaten to spill over my lashes. If my heart bursts from an overabundance of love, I know exactly who to blame.
I make quick work of getting out of my clothes and piling my curls on top of my head, then lower myself into the water, groaning as the heat slowly loosens all my knotted muscles. I stay submerged until my fingertips go wrinkly, and when I finally convince myself to get out, I find the world’s fluffiest towel waiting for me.
Once I’m dry, I move into the bedroom. My suitcase stands next to the bed, but on the mattress is a container of my favourite vanilla-scented body butter and a brand-new sundress. It’s white with the most delicate violets dotted across it, and it’s from a brand that carries a significant price tag. Even if this doesn’t turn out to be the best date of my life, it’s definitely the most expensive one I’ve ever been on.
