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“I didn’t mean—”
I held up a hand. “It’s fine. I can take a hint.”
I scooped up my toolbox, and Devyn followed me to the door. But I stopped after I opened it. “Can I ask you something?”
“What?”
“You said your relationship with the actor guy is casual, right?”
“Yes.”
“So is it just me, then? Was our night together not good for you?”
Devyn’s face fell. “Oh gosh, no. Our night together was great. It’s not you at all, Owen. It’s just that my life is complicated enough without getting involved with someone while I’m out here. I’m only in town for a short time.”
I nodded. She had a lot going on. “Okay. I get it.”
“Do you really?”
“Sure.” I leaned in to kiss her cheek and winked. “But it won’t stop me from trying.”
CHAPTER 6
Devyn
A week had gone by, and I hadn’t run into Owen again, nor had he reached out. That brought me mixed feelings, but mostly relief. Because every time I was around him, I second-guessed pushing him away. His eyes, his smell, the way he looked at me, and the memories of our night together were difficult to contend with when he was right in front of me.
The window by the small desk in the living room of the apartment provided a perfect view of the street in front of the building. Heath and Hannah had just left for school, and it was quiet. I couldn’t help looking out occasionally to see if I might spot Owen. I wasn’t sure what time he normally went to work, but I was pretty sure he’d be gone by now since it was past 9 AM. But that didn’t stop me from glancing out anyway, in the hopes of shamelessly observing the guy without him knowing.
I did manage to spot Billie walking back toward the building with a coffee in hand. Her long, black hair swayed in the breeze. She hadn’t reached out to me since the day we met, even though she’d mentioned us going to lunch. I suppose it hadn’t been that long, but I wondered if I should make the first move. That was very unlike me. And my gut told me not to push starting a friendship that would have to be short-lived anyway. This temporary stay was about business, not pleasure—despite thepleasure-filledway I’d kicked it off with Owen.
My phone rang, putting a halt to my window watching. Robert’s name flashed on the screen. I took a deep breath in and answered. “You’re up early…”
“Hey, babe. I actually haven’t gone to sleep yet.”
“Ah. I should’ve known.”
“How’s it going over there?” he asked.
“It’s…been busy.”
“Yeah? Why?”
Why?“Well, for one, my brother and sister are a handful and—”
“You need to come back, Devyn,” he interrupted. “They upped the start date for shooting in Italy. I’m leaving in less than three weeks, and I’m not gonna be back in the States for four months.”
Is he serious?“Why can’t you come to New York?”
“I have press here in L.A. almost every day. Let me buy your ticket. You don’t have to stay long.”
This was yet another example of how self-absorbed Robert was. “I can’t just leave Heath and Hannah alone to go screw you for three days.”
“Your mother can leave them permanently, but you can’t leave them for a few days?”
My mouth dropped. “Is that supposed to be funny?”
“Okay, I’m sorry. That wasn’t funny. I get it.” He paused. “Why don’t you just bring them with you? I’ll pay for their tickets, too.”
