Series: The Laws of Opposite Attract Series by Vi Keeland
Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 105253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
I scratched my chin. “Yeah, that’s an idea.”
“If she’s not engaged to Paul Rudd by then.” Brayden winked.
After the guys left, I was no closer to understanding what was happening between Devyn and me, but I stopped myself from calling her. She’d indirectly made it clear she was looking for a breather.
I’d barely eaten today, so I decided to get some takeout from the Chinese restaurant down the street. I headed out, but froze when I got to the window of the place and saw her inside. Devyn stood at the busy counter, waiting for her order. She wiped her eyes as if she’d been crying. I stopped to watch her for a moment, while she didn’t know I was there. But with each second that passed, I became more confused.
I had two choices: turn around and give her space, abandoning the spare ribs and fried rice I’d ordered—or face her, which would force her to admit what was going on.
Ultimately, I couldn’t walk away. “Devyn,” I called as I stepped inside the takeout joint.
She jumped, placing her hand over her heart, seeming shocked to see me. “Owen...”
“I’m sorry if I startled you.”
“What are you doing here?”
“Likely the same thing you’re doing. Getting Chinese?”
“Yeah, um…” She swallowed. “The kids were invited for pizza over at Heath’s friend’s house. Didn’t feel like cooking dinner for just me, so…”
“Devyn, what’s going on?” I shook my head. “I don’t know what happened after I left your place that night, but you can’t tell me you haven’t been avoiding me. Was it the tattoo? Did it freak you out?”
She shook her head. “No, of course not. That was so sweet. I loved it.”
“Are you sick? Because sickness doesn’t make you cry like you are right now.”
Her voice was barely audible. “I’m not sick, Owen.”
My blood was pumping. “Are you gonna tell me what’s going on?”
She looked into my eyes. “I can’t. At least not right now. But please know it’s nothing you did, nothing you said. I’m just going through something I need to work out on my own.” She sniffled. “That’s all.”
I glanced over at the counter, where a paper bag with my name on it was ready. “My order is right there on the counter. I’m taking it back to my apartment. Clearly you had no intention of running into me tonight, and since you’ve made it clear that you want to be alone, I’m not gonna disturb you any further.” I grabbed the bag. “You can call me when you’re ready to be honest. But I won’t accept anything less.” I nodded once. “Have a good dinner, and I truly hope you feel better, Devyn. Because it hurts me to see you sad.” As painful as it was, I turned around and didn’t look back.
Walking out of there went against everything that felt natural. But I couldn’t push her. I had to trust that she’d open up to me when she was ready.
A passing shower pummeled me during the walk home, and by the time I got back to my apartment, I had no appetite. I changed into some dry clothes and opened the ribs and rice. I took a couple bites, then just stared at the food.
The rain was coming down harder now. I wondered if Devyn had made it home safely. I kept seeing her crying in my head. Fuck it. I didn’t care if it made her mad. I needed to make sure she was okay.
I opened the door to head up to her apartment, but stopped short at the sight of her standing in the hallway. Devyn was completely drenched.
“How long have you been outside my door?”
“A few minutes.”
I looked down at her empty hands. “Where’s your food?”
“My bag was so wet that the container broke through. Lo mein went everywhere—all over the sidewalk.” Her voice trembled.
I pulled her close for a moment, my heart racing. Then I stepped back to let her in. “Come inside. I have plenty of food and currently no appetite for it.”
I went to my room and grabbed a T-shirt from the closet. “Here’s a dry shirt if you want to get changed,” I said. “It’s long enough to cover your legs.”
“Thank you.” She forced a smile before disappearing into the bathroom.
When she emerged, she carried her wet clothes out and placed them on the floor by the door. I loved seeing her in my shirt, but I could tell something was still very wrong.
“I know I upset you,” she said. “And I’m sorry for not being honest.”
“Well, I’m not gonna lie and say I’m having a great night—or a great week, for that matter—but I can take it, Devyn. I just wish you’d tell me whatever’s going on, whether it has to do with Robert or otherwise.” Expelling a long breath, I looked up at the ceiling. “Something happened after we slept together. I just don’t know what.” I examined her face—it looked sunken. “Have you eaten at all today?”