Page 127 of Make Me Yours
Keep dreaming.
Steele:
Only about you.
I inhale as my heart rate kicks up. His words arealways half a joke, half a dare, but there’s something about them that slides under my skin and stays there.
Steele:
Anyway. Repeat of last night is still on the table. And maybe dinner too.
Me:
Free food?
Steele:
The way to your heart, I know. That’s my girl.
I swallow.
Hard.
Hisgirl.
Is that what I am now?
The barista slides my latte and croissant onto the counter with a smile. “Chocolate’s still warm. Want a bag?”
“That would be great. Thanks.”
“That’ll be thirteen dollars,” she says.
I slip my phone into my purse and start digging for my wallet when a voice cuts through the air, familiar enough to stop me cold.
“I’ve got it.”
My entire body locks up as I lift my head and turn to find Devon behind me. He looks the same as ever. Polished. Perfect. Not a hair out of place. What strikes me most is how relaxed he seems. Lighter. The lines that used to crease his forehead have eased, and there’s a glow to his skin along with a glint in his eyes.
He looks… happy.
And for some reason, that lands like a sucker punch straight to my gut.
I clutch the strap of my bag. “That’s not necessary.”
“Come on, Lilah. Let me buy you a cup of coffee.”
Before I can argue, he passes a twenty across the counter.
The barista smiles as she rings it up. “You two were always one of my favorite couples. Nice to see you’re still going strong.”
I force a tight smile as Devon mirrors it.
Neither of us correct her.
I take a step back, coffee in hand, hoping to escape the awkwardness. “Well. Thanks again.”
“I assume Ashley reached out to you?”
