Page 61 of Hope and Country

Riley cupped my face with his free hand. “There’s no rush, baby. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Devon. Nothing. And I didn’t remark on it sooner, but you went outside on your own this afternoon. It’s huge. I don’t think you realized how big this is.”

Yes, I did it. I was so caught up in my messy feelings that I didn’t celebrate this milestone in my recovery.

Riley was right. I could do this. We could do this. Us. Together.

Fog of tears rose in my eyes, clouding my vision and blurring the image of the man I was falling for, who was standing in front of me, offering me his heart. And everything he was. Without restraint. Or second thoughts.

I love you, I said in my head.

Riley Burns was all I’d ever yearned for. The only one able to send my heart into a happy frenzy.

His lips reached for mine, promising me everything his words did.

And a whole lot more.

24

DEVON

We were in the kitchen after dinner, barely dressed, eating chocolate mousse that I’d made from scratch when Riley had left home for an hour. I sat on the counter, watching the man I knew I loved fighting me for another spoonful.

“How’s work going?” he asked, sparks in his eyes. “Did you sign that new client earlier when I was gone?”

“I did,” I said, unable to tame the smile stretching my lips to my ears. “I’m lucky none of my clients canceled their work order after I went MIA for over a week. I’ve never been so productive before. Must be the idea of never having to look over my shoulder again,” I said with a shrug.

Riley nested himself between my legs, and I opened them wider to make room for him. “Your strength. And your talent, Devon. It’s all you. You’re incredible and hardworking. And people feel it when they talk to you. Your charisma is powerful. See, I’m the living proof. One smile my way and I was a goner.” His tone turned serious. “I’ve never been infatuated with any woman before. This relationship thing is new to me too. But as I know with conviction the sun will rise tomorrow, I know we’re supposed to be together.”

My fingers entangled in his hair.

His breathing accelerated. Yeah, he loved that.

Riley’s gaze locked on mine, the air going in and coming out of him in quick spurs.

“Devon. There’s something I need to say. It’s about time I come clean about how I—" His phone went off. He put a finger up. “Just a sec, let me turn it off.”

But when his eyes landed on the screen, his eyebrows bunched together, his face turning a shade paler.

“My lawyers,” was all he said.

“Ten at night? Must be serious.”

Riley laid a warm kiss on my forehead while all my cells heaved with anticipation. Trepidation anchored itself in my chest, its weight debilitating. I gasped for air, taking hardly any oxygen in. My heart rate thrummed so fast I dreaded it couldn’t be contained in my chest cavity much longer. I rubbed the column of my throat, trying to dissipate the tightness.

Riley’s hand clutched my thigh, his heat shooting through my bare skin.

“Hey, I’m gonna deal with this. Don’t worry. I have your back.”

I squeezed his hand while he stepped away, praying for good news. But knowing that, no matter what, this call could change my life forever.

In so many ways.

“Burns,” he answered. Now in business mode, Riley left the kitchen, his phone glued to his ear, and I missed his presence the moment our connection broke, even though he stood with just a wall between us.

I buried my face in my hands after placing my bowl on the counter.

Breathe, Devon. Just breathe. Trust life. For once, trust it can get better.

Riley’s voice made it to my ears from the other room.