Page 35 of Saving the CEO

Her teasing smile made him chuckle. “My point is, God knew exactly what He was doing when He made you. You’re not supposed to be like anyone else; you’re you. That’s something my grandad used to tell me whenever I compared myself to Jace. You’re not your sisters, Scarlett. You just need to be you. Because that’s exactly who I fell in love with.”

Her green eyes sparkled like emeralds. “Did I hear you say you’re in love with me?”

“I am,” Devin declared proudly. “Do you have a problem with that?”

“Not at all because I might be in love with you, too.”

“Might?”

“I most definitely might.”

Those were the words Devin needed to hear to get a plan falling into place. He had begun this matchmaking journey looking for a wife to fulfill a clause, but he had found so much more. Scarlett was more than a solution to a problem; she was the answer to questions he didn’t even know he had. His life made sense with her in it. She was his equal match in every possible way and the woman he would gladly lose everything to because with her by his side, he had already won.

It was time to make Scarlett his wife, and he planned on doing so that night.

CHAPTER18

Scarlett

An evening at the ice-skating rink? Scarlett couldn’t think of a more perfect way to spend her first official date with Devin.

“What made you decide to come here?” She gestured at the large white-and-teal building they stood in front of with a sign that read Sharks Ice at Fremont. “I thought you didn’t know how to ice-skate.”

“I don’t,” Devin replied as he laced his fingers with hers. “But you made such a big deal about me giving it a try, so I thought, why not?”

“You surprise me, Devin. I didn’t think you were that easy to convince. Or maybe my powers of persuasion are really that good.”

“Maybe.” He shot her a playful wink. “Come on, let’s go inside before I change my mind.”

Scarlett gladly followed his lead, marveling at how lucky she was to have Devin in her life. Well, luck had nothing to do with it. She was sure this was all part of God’s plan, even the mess she’d gotten herself into. Not that God had meant for her to mess up, but He had known all along what would happen and was still gracious and faithful to work everything together for her good. She still didn’t know what to do about her job, but she’d decided to set aside the uncertainty for the time being and enjoy her night. For once, her love life was in better shape than her professional life, and she didn’t mind it one bit.

She was with the sweetest hunk of a man who was stepping out of his comfort zone for her, and he also truly liked her. No, he loved her. Devin Kendall loved her for who she was. There was no greater feeling than being loved unconditionally.

As they walked through the double doors, a blast of cold air enveloped them, but all Scarlett felt was the warmth of Devin’s arm around her shoulders. She snuggled into his side as they headed over to the rental counter. They were the only customers, so it took just a handful of minutes for them to get their skates on and laced. Soon, they were ready for the ice in their matching navy knit hats and scarves that Devin had provided.

“Are you warm enough?” he asked as he pulled the brim of her hat over her ears.

“Very. You thought of everything, Devin. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” He gestured to the empty rink before them. “Ladies first.”

As soon as Scarlett stepped onto the ice, she gasped. There in the center of the rink was the outline of a large heart made with pink and red rose petals. White candles decorated its perimeter, their flames flickering like fireflies. Whoever had arranged this had gone all out. It looked like a scene from a movie.

“Do you think it’s okay for us to be here?” she called out as she skated a few feet closer for a better look. “It’s so beautiful!”

“Of course, it’s okay. I reserved the whole place for us.”

She spun around, her mouth agape. “You did what? That must have cost a small fortune!”

“Like I said before, money is not an issue for me.”

“I guess it isn’t.” She blinked, still surprised by his gesture. “Did you plan the rose petals and candles, too?”

A flicker of uncertainty passed over his features. “Do you not like it?”

“No, I love it!” She skated back to Devin’s side. “It’s so sweet and romantic. I’m just surprised. Is this some kind of CEO move that you’re trying to impress me with?”

That smirk of his that she had grown to adore made an appearance. “Are you impressed?”

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