Page 28 of Saving the CEO

Devin moved in front of her before she could take a step. Reaching out, he brushed a lock of hair from her forehead and let his hand linger on her warm cheek. The sadness in her eyes tore him up, especially when she tried so hard to smile through it. He couldn’t let her go on believing that she wasn’t good enough. “You shouldn’t compare yourself to anyone else. You’re perfect, just the way you are.”

“Nice job. I know you’re practicing rule number five, but I’m not your real date.” She gave his chest a pat. “Save your compliments for later, Devin.”

He grabbed her hand and held it tight in his. “I may be good at many things, but keeping my opinions to myself isn’t one of them. I’m not practicing, Scarlett.”

Confusion flickered in her eyes as she swallowed hard. “What are you doing then?”

His gaze lowered to her lips as he realized exactly what he wanted to do. He wanted to kiss his matchmaker.

CHAPTER14

Scarlett

Was Devin going to kiss her?

The thought crossed Scarlett’s mind like a ray of sunshine breaking through a dark sky. She felt the warmth of his words like a balm to her soul. She knew she was perfect the way she was—perfectly loved and accepted by God. This was a truth she reminded herself of every day, but to have it spoken out loud made it all the more tangible. And to imagine that this wonderful man would think so much of her—she was about ready to kiss him first herself!

If only that didn’t go against everything she stood for as a matchmaker.

Scarlett didn’t even want to imagine what her Nanna would think about her now! She was inches away from crossing a line she’d never be able to come back from. Where was her head, and why couldn’t her heartbeat stop racing? This was the man who had frustrated her with his big ego and snarky comments just a few days ago. Yet all she could feel for him in this moment was a deep affection.

What did all this mean?

“If you’re not practicing, Devin,” she asked again, “what are you doing?”

“I—”

“Red?” a man called out from behind them, “is that you?”

A chill ran down Scarlett’s spine to hear that familiar voice from her past. She spun around and came face to face with a raven-haired man dressed in designer clothes. His brown eyes looked her up and down, making her insides twist with discomfort. What was her ex doing here? “Conrad, hi! Long time no see.”

“It has been a long time, but I remembered that dress of yours. You haven’t changed at all, Red. You’re still as gorgeous as ever.”

Scarlett squirmed under his attentive gaze. Her ex had always been a charmer, and even more so after he got into politics. But charisma and authenticity had a hard time coexisting in his world. She honestly didn’t know how she had managed to stay in his life for as long as she had either. Everything about Conrad, from his boisterous voice to his flashy jewelry, called out for attention. He was all about putting on a show, one that seemed to have Devin intrigued by the intense look in his eyes.

Stepping in between her and Conrad, Devin offered his hand. “I’m Devin. Who might you be?”

“I’m Congressman Conrad Gray, proud representative of the 14th district of California. Also known as Red’s ex-fiancé. She and I go way back. Don’t we, darling?”

“Way, way back, thank the Lord,” Scarlett agreed under her breath. In response to Conrad, she squeezed out a tense smile. “It feels like a lifetime ago. What brings you here? Miniature golf was never your thing.”

“I’m here with the wife and kids.” He pointed to a fashionably dressed woman with two small children who were lined up to play the beginner’s course. “Vicky’s just made partner at her law firm and our twin boys are at the top of their preschool class. What about you? Have you made something of yourself yet?”

The condescension coating his words reminded her so much of his mother’s last statement to her.You’re not the girl our Conny needs. Why don’t you go make something of yourself first?Scarlett took a shaky breath, determined not to give in to self-pity. She knew her worth in the Lord, but sometimes fear and doubt still crept into the corners of her mind. This chance meeting, however, could be the perfect opportunity to look her insecurity in the eye and finally stand up for herself.

Or at least go down trying.

“I’m doing well, and I’m content with where I am in life. That’s all that matters to me.”

Conrad snickered as he puffed out his chest. “In other words, you never made it as an actress and you’re still single. If you had stayed with me, you would’ve gotten somewhere by now.”

Scarlett winced. His words made her more sad than hurt. This wasn’t the man she’d known a decade ago. Any pity she’d felt for herself was now directed at Conrad. Relief filled her to know she had made the right decision when she’d ended their relationship. She could confidently tell him that now.

Before she could open her mouth to reply, she felt Devin’s arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Too surprised to speak, she could only focus on the warmth and security his embrace offered. He smelled amazing, too—fresh and musky with a hint of spice. When she glanced up into his blue eyes, she saw the steadiness and strength she felt in his arms. The look he gave her said one thing—trust me. And for some unknown reason, she did.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Congressman,” Devin boldly remarked. “If Scarlett had stayed with you, she would never have known true happiness, the kind that she’s found with me. Not because she needs to make something of herself to be loved, but because I’m smart enough to see her worth and to know how to treat her as the amazing woman that she is and always has been. I’m very glad you and I met, so I now know what kind of man you are and whom I won’t be voting for in the next election.”

Conrad raised his chin in defiance. “As if I need your measly little vote to win. Who do you think you are?”

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