Page 16 of Saving the CEO

“I really do. I finally feel like I know what I want to do with my life. I can’t wait to graduate next June and become a full-fledged physical therapist.”

“You’re gonna be awesome at it, Dr. Kendall.”

“Dr. Kendall—that has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”

“It sure does.” Knowing how hard Bekah had been working to achieve her goal made Scarlett feel like a proud older sister. “We should have a toast to your success so far. You know what would go well with this cinnamon roll?”

“Something bubbly?”

“Hot chocolate! My sisters and I always made hot chocolate when we had movie nights growing up.”

“I love how your family had all these traditions.” Bekah’s tone grew wistful. “Growing up with brothers is such a different experience.”

“I can only imagine. But don’t worry, I’m here to help remedy that.” She reached over and squeezed Bekah’s arm. “Why don’t you pick out a movie and I’ll make the hot chocolate?”

“I can help. You don’t know where everything is in the kitchen.”

Scarlett handed her the remote as she stood up. “Your toenails are still wet. You stay put and relax. I’ve got this.”

“Okay, thanks, Scar!”

With slow steps, Scarlett padded on her bare feet out of the living room, careful not to ruin her own fresh coat of toenail polish. When she passed a large oval mirror in the hallway, she happened to catch a glimpse of her reflection. With her hair held back in two braids and frog-print pajamas on, she looked about ready for bed. It was a good thing Bekah had asked her to sleep over tonight, so she could turn in as soon as the movie was over. She’d had a long week of work, but not only due to her day job.

Unknown to her family and friends, she did book narration on the side. Once upon a time, she’d wanted to become an actress, but she’d neither had the confidence nor her parents’ support to pursue it beyond small roles in school productions. She’d prayed however for a way to use her skills and God had opened the door for her to narrate audiobooks. After some online research, she’d learned how to set up a makeshift studio in her bedroom closet and began offering her services online. She now had narrated more than a dozen books under a pseudonym and had more projects lined up. It was a dream come true for her to be doing something she loved, but it came with a price. She had to sacrifice sleep and cut out dairy products and sweets, the latter of which were not good for her throat. But she was gladly taking a break tonight and making an exception.

Scarlett picked up her pace as she entered the kitchen, eager to start making the hot chocolate. She stopped in her tracks at the sight of a man with damp hair, standing at the counter with his back to her. An impressive-looking back wearing a fitted short-sleeve shirt that showed off his broad shoulders and toned biceps. Muscles she didn’t know existed rippled as he reached into a cabinet for a glass. His movements were swift and purposeful as he took a carton of milk from the fridge and poured some for himself.

She stood rooted in place, unable to tear her gaze away. Seeing Devin wearing something other than his suit and tie sparked a curiosity in her. Maybe it was the idea that he had a life outside of the office. It could also be the fact that he looked good, too good. He’d been telling the truth about exercising every day. A body like that didn’t appear out of thin air. Especially that backside. Whoever invented the form-fitting shorts he wore should have attached a warning label to them: May cause unwarranted heart palpitations.

Scarlett quickly forced her gaze away. What was she doing?She shouldn’t be checking out her client! Moreover, her cheeks shouldn’t be flushed as ifshewere the one who’d been working out!

Get a grip, Scarlett. You might be physically attracted to Devin, but that’s all this is. She repeated these words to herself as she fanned her burning cheeks. Work—that’s what she needed to focus on! And what better time to talk to Devin about his potential matches than now?

“Hey, Devin,” she called out as she walked over. “Fancy meeting you here.”

Devin turned around, the lower half of his face hidden by his milk. His brows shot up as he finished taking a gulp. He set the half-empty glass on the counter. “What are you doing here?”

“Bekah and I are having a girls’ night in. She didn’t tell you?”

“She failed to mention it at dinner.” His blue eyes gave her a quick once-over. “Is there something you need?”

She smiled brightly. “Your three choices for your dates? Not that you have to give them to me right this minute, but sometime this evening would be nice.”

“I was going to email them to you after my workout,” he replied, his expression stoic. “That’s not the only reason why you’re in the kitchen, is it, to make sure I followed through on your request?”

She chewed her lower lip, not appreciating his bristling energy one bit. Bekah hadn’t been joking about him being offended, but she was still put off by his attitude. Or did he not like to be surprised? She could understand the latter reason, but it wasn’t like she’d come uninvited. Hopefully he was just caught off guard. On second thought, the way he was acting was pretty much how he behaved all the time. This wasn’t anything new, but Scarlett had hoped they were on better terms after their meeting at her office.

Only a few days ago, they’d laughed and traded personal stories about their pasts. She’d even accidentally called him hot! That should’ve earned her some brownie points. But no, here they were back at square one again.

Sighing, she prayed for patience and self-control. She realized she’d been praying for the fruit of the Spirit a lot lately. That was without a doubt the only good thing to come about from meeting this infuriating man.

“No, I didn’t know you’d be here,” she replied. “I came to make hot chocolate for Bekah and myself.”

“Hot chocolate? That’s cute and rather appropriate.” He stepped aside and nodded toward the milk sitting on the counter. “Help yourself.”

“I will, thank you.”

He grunted in response and returned to drinking.

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