The pair continued their trek along the shore, watching the waves and enjoying the warmth of the sunny day. They chatted about the upcoming possibilities and how life could drastically change in the very near future. But Elle’s thoughts kept returning to her imminent trip to Miami—and the potential of seeing Devon again.
Perhaps it was the schoolgirl crush she’d had on him since the day she’d met him driving her need to contact him. Maybe Beth was right in her assessment, especially since Elle didn’t have anyone else to compare to him. She still believed the impression she’d formed as a child.
No one compared to Devon Kane.
By the time the wheels touched down in Miami, her excitement couldn’t be contained. As much as she couldn’t wait to start a new venture in modeling, her thoughts were tied to Devon. The first second she had alone, she planned to call him. She’d managed to wrangle his cell number from Jeff, despite his protests and questions.
“Okay, ladies. You have today to rest and hydrate before we start shooting the swimsuit shots tomorrow morning. Call me if you need anything. Otherwise, I’ll see you bright and early.” Leslie, the photographer, and his crew left the dozen models assigned to the shoot to find their own way to the hotel.
Elle grabbed her suitcase off the conveyor belt and hit send on her phone before she changed her mind or lost her nerve. After two rings, the sexiest masculine voice answered.
“Kane.”
“Hi, Devon. This is Elle Sin— Elle Moore. How have you been?”
“Is thistheElle Sinclair, model extraordinaire, calling me?” Devon teased, though his tone revealed he was thrilled to hear her voice. “I must’ve died and gone to heaven.”
“Knock it off,” she laughed. “I’m in Miami for the next few weeks. I just landed, actually. Jeff mentioned you’re in town too. It’s been a long time, but I’d hoped we could have dinner one night and catch up.”
“I’d love to. I can’t wait to see you. Do you have to work today?”
“No, there’s nothing planned for today at all.”
“I’m coming to pick you up right now, then. You need to get out and have some fun while you’re here. Where are you staying?”
She gave him the name of her hotel, with the caveat to give her enough time to get out of the airport first. With his signature laugh, he agreed to wait a couple of hours before meeting her in the lobby. With the time set, she kept reminding herself to stop thinking of it as a date. They were simply two old friends who had a chance to become reacquainted as adults.
Of course, that didn’t stop her from rushing to her room, showering, and dressing as if she had a date. It didn’t stop the butterflies that danced in her stomach or her heart from racing with excitement. It didn’t calm her jittery nerves from wondering what he looked like after all these years apart, or if she’d even recognize him when she went down to the lobby.
When she stepped out of the elevator, she saw heads turn and heard whispers as people recognized her. But his eyes were the only ones she felt. His stare was the only one she couldn’t tear her eyes away from. His face was the only one that registered out of all the people milling about. Any concern of not knowing him faded into nothing when his dark blue eyes connected with hers.
The years apart had done nothing to diminish her feelings for Devon. Seeing him again after all the years made her heart turn flips in her chest. He'd always been an athletic, muscular young man, but the fully-grown man in front of her was even more impressive. Cut, defined muscles bulged under his shirt. From his wide, thick shoulders down to his tapered waist, the man was a specimen to behold. His jeans sat low on his hips. The snug-fitting denim gave a tantalizing hint at the muscular legs underneath.
“Elle, you’re even more beautiful in person than on all those magazine covers,” Devon said when he pulled her into his arms.
She slid her arms around his neck and returned his embrace. “You don’t look so bad yourself, Devon. It’s so good to see you again.”
He kissed her cheek and flashed his dazzling smile. “I’ll be the envy of every man in the world today. I get you all to myself. Are you ready for a day away from all the bright lights of the camera flashes?”
“You have no idea. In fact, you can even get us completely lost for a while, and you won’t hear a single complaint from me.”
“No chance of getting lost, but you’ll feel like you’re in another world. Let’s blow this joint.”
Devon extended his arm, and Elle wrapped her hand around it. The young, handsome boy she remembered had grown into a head-turning, gorgeous man with rippling muscles everywhere. He could give any male model a run for his money. The strength he naturally projected made her feel protected and safe. Even at her model height, he still stood taller than her. Their conversation flowed with a natural ease while they waited for the valet to bring his car around.
When a shiny red convertible Corvette stopped in front of them, Elle cut her eyes to him. “This is how you’re whisking me away to anonymity? In a convertible Corvette that screams ‘Look at me’?”
“Yep,” he confirmed. “They can’t snap pictures of you if you’re flying by them in a blur.”
Devon opened the passenger door and helped her into the car before his confident swagger carried him to the driver’s side. On the interstate heading south with the top down, she felt carefree for the first time in what seemed like forever.
“Where are you taking me?”
“To a small but nice place in the Keys a friend owns. He rarely uses the house, and it’s set on a private beach. It’s a good place to go and not be seen or recognized by anyone. There are small, family-owned restaurants nearby.”
“Sounds great. I should’ve brought my bathing suit, though, if we’re going to the beach.”
“Clothing is completely optional, so you don’t even need one.”
