Page 170 of Love in Riverbend
Devan lifts her wine glass. “To less-erotic thoughts.”
Erotic.
We clink our glasses. “You’re killing me.”
“I’d rather have you around for a long time.”
Somehow, I manage to eat my meal, and Devan does the same. When the waiter asks if we’d like dessert, I’m not even polite enough to ask Devan if she does. My answer is that I do, but what I want isn’t served on the menu. I don’t say that. I simply say no and ask for the check.
Gripping Devan’s hand, I take her out into the parking lot. As I open my truck, I’m struck with the reality that we are two adults who live with our parents. Half of Riverbend may have lost their V card in the Gordons’ barn, but that was when they were teenagers.
Devan Dunn isn’t a teenager.
I don’t know the status of her V card; however, I know what she is or isn’t wearing under her dress. Now I’m wondering where we could go. Once I’m behind the wheel, I let out a long breath and lay my head against the seat. “For the first time in years, I’m upset I don’t have my own place.”
She reaches for me. “I don’t care where we go. I want to be with you.”
With me.
“That question I had…”
Devan grins. “Get me alone.” She looks around. “Not in a parking lot, and we can talk about it. If talking is what you want to do.”
The obvious answer is also not the best. Nevertheless, I can’t come up with any other options.
When I pull up to a hotel from a large chain, Devan’s eyes open too wide. “Justin, I-I need to go home tonight. My parents…”
“I’m not pressuring you. I just want to be alone where we can’t be interrupted. Fuck. We can only talk if you want.” I reach for her hand. “Trust me?”
“I do.”
Devan stands to my side as I pay for a room. This is new territory for me. I’ve never done something like this. Yes, I’ve had sex, but it was in the truck or barn or out under the stars. Or it was in the girl’s bedroom, but checking into a hotel room with a beautiful woman at my side and no luggage—that’s new.
She’s quiet as we ride the elevator to the seventh floor.
“I’m not wearing panties.” Her words are on a repeat track in my head. It takes all my willpower to not give that more thought. I could think about it less if she wasn’t so damn close, the warmth of her body leaning against my arm.
Following the numbered signs, we find room 715.
The card makes the lock turn green. Twisting the handle, I open the door.
The room is a standard-fare hotel room. A closet, bathroom, and bedroom.
A king-sized bed.
“Are you all right?” I ask as she follows me into the room.
“I trust you.”
Good. I’m not sure I can trust myself.
Chapter 26
Devan
Justin shakes his head. “We can have a seat at that crappy round table and talk all night long if that’s what you want.”
I scan the room.
