Chapter 3
I almost dropped the book in my hand.
Devin and I only known each other for less than ten minutes and he was getting ahead of himself already, even imagining us marrying.
I pretended to glance up casually, and our eyes met.
He instantly looked away, like a kid caught red-handed. His ears turned bright red in a flash.
Devin's thoughts sounded panicked in my mind. 'Busted! Does she think I'm some kind of creep?
'No, I'm not! I swear, I'm just... Okay, maybe I was checking her out, but really, I'm just admiring her beauty.
'What do I do? This is so awkward!'
I watched him, clearly nervous but still forcing that ice-cold, aloof look, like he was above it all. I couldn't help but let a smile tug at my lips.
Devin was kind of interesting.
Ever since I realized I could hear Devin's thoughts, getting back at Josh suddenly became way more fun.
*****
The next morning, I got up super early and grabbed the best sandwiches and coffee from the place downstairs from Devin's dorm.
I timed it perfectly, showing up at his dorm's entrance as he was coming back from his morning workout.
Sure enough, as soon as the elevator doors slid open, there he was, fresh out of the gym.
He was rocking a black sports tank and matching shorts, showing off those sculpted arms and long, lean legs.
His hair was still damp, and a few beads of sweat trickled down his chiseled jawline, over his prominent Adam's apple, and disappeared into his tight chest muscles.
Those eight-pack abs and killer V-lines could make anyone drool.
Charles's intel was spot on.
I waved the sandwich and coffee in my hand, grinning like a cat that stole the cream. "Morning, Devin. What a coincidence, huh?"
Devin stopped in his tracks when he saw me. There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes, but his face stayed perfectly blank. He just gave a quiet "Yeah."
Inwardly, he was exclaiming, 'Laura! What is she doing here?
'What's she holding? Is that breakfast for me?
'It has to be. She must've come here for me.
'Oh my god, I'm literally dying of happiness right now.
'Chill, Devin, turn on your domineering CEO mode. Don't let her see how freaking happy you are.'
Even though he was celebrating inwardly, he was still acted all aloof, like he didn't even know me. I almost lost it.
"I just happened to be passing by and picked up an extra breakfast," I said, holding out the bag. "If you don't mind, it's yours."
Devin's eyes lingered on the breakfast bag for a couple of seconds.
'She got me breakfast!' Devin's mind was exploding. 'It's from that super popular Atwood Coffee downstairs. The line is always crazy long.
'She actually got up early and waited in line for me.
'She's totally into me.'
I was speechless.
He was overthinking this.
Devin reached out and took the breakfast.
Our fingers brushed against each other by accident.
His hand was still radiating heat from his workout, while mine was cool to the touch.
The moment we touched, it felt like a tiny spark zapped right through me.
'We touched,' Devin screamed inwardly. 'Her hand is so soft and silky.
'I wanna hold her hand. I wanna scoop her up and hold her close.
'No, that'd totally freak her out. Devin, get a grip!'
He yanked his hand back like it had been burned, his ears turning red again.
"Thanks," he muttered, his voice carrying a hint of huskiness.
Just then, the dorm doors opened.
Josh stepped out, yawning, and immediately spotted me and Devin.
His expression soured in an instant.
"Laura? What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice accusatory, like he still thought he owned me.
Then his eyes zeroed in on the breakfast in Devin's hand, and he looked at it with obvious disdain.
"Devin, wow, you really couldn't wait, huh? I just broke up with Laura and you're already picking up my leftovers?" Josh sneered.
That was nasty.
The smile on my face disappeared instantly.
Josh could say whatever he wanted about me, but talking about Devin? No way.
I was about to speak up, but Devin stepped forward, quietly putting himself between me and Josh.
He shot Josh an icy glare, his eyes sharp and cold as steel.
"Watch your mouth," Devin said, his voice icy.
'How dare you call my sweetheart trash?' Devin fumed inwardly. 'Josh, you asshole, your whole family is trash!
'If I wasn't keeping up my "normal guy" act, I'd bankrupt your family's company right now.
'Try messing with Laura again, and just wait. I've got a hundred ways to make your life hell at school.'
Hiding behind Devin's broad back, I could feel his storm of anger and his fierce, boss-level protectiveness raging inside. I felt a rush of warmth inside.
Devin never said it, but deep down, he already got me locked down, protecting me like I was his whole world.
Josh flinched under Devin's icy stare, but he quickly put on that arrogant look again.
Josh sneered, "What, did I hit a nerve? Devin, don't forget who you are. You're just some broke loser who has to work for his living. What makes you think you can be with Laura? Can you even afford her?"
Then he turned to me, pretending to care, acting like he was giving me some heartfelt advice.
He said, "Laura, I know you're mad at me. Quit messing around and come to my side. A broke guy like him can't give you what you want. I'm the only one who can give you what you deserve."
I almost burst out laughing at how ridiculously full of himself Josh was.
I stepped out from behind Devin and slipped my arm through his.
Devin instantly went stiff.
'She's linking arms with me,' Devin screamed inwardly. 'Her hand is so soft. Her arm is pressed right up against mine. I'm gonna die of happiness!'