No! His mind screamed. We are not going through this again.
Right. Lessons learned. Mistakes made. Devin was only meant to be a friend, etc. Even though he knew all of this already, he wasn’t very good at listening.
“Yes, we do.” Kelly turned her head to gaze at him and her lips anchored into an undeniable frown. “We went to school together.”
“And that’s...bad?” He glanced back and forth between them.
“It’s not really bad.” She hugged one arm around her chest and then shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “He just doesn’t remember it.”
“How does he not remember it?” Nick almost choked on a cookie as he crammed it into his mouth. Quickly reaching for his glass of wine, he washed it down. “As much as I’d like to forget most of the people I graduated with, it’s hard to do.”
Kelly’s eyes grew big and she looked to Devin again. “You haven’t told him?”
Devin hung his head in shame and Nick’s curiosity got the best of him. “Told me what?”
“Oh, my.” Her small hand rested against her chest and Kelly sighed. “You may want to sit down for this.”
“Okay, but can I at least get another cookie first? These are delicious.”
That earned him a smile and he’d happily take it. Making Kelly smile gave him incredible happiness.
Maybe she would let him make her happy, too. Someday.
Maybe they both will.
But not before he learned the reasoning behind Devin’s inability to remember going to school with Kelly. That just didn’t make sense; no man could possibly forget going to school with such a gorgeous specimen.
So he pulled out a seat for Kelly—manners: he had them—and then sat down across from her, patiently waiting for Devin to start his story.
But it was the shortest story in history.
“I was in an accident about eleven months ago and I lost all my memories.” The blue-eyed male pursed his lips together and looked down at his lap, his nervous mannerisms now completely understandable. “I don’t remember anything.”
“Well, I didn’t see that coming.” Nick’s chin rested against his fist as he peered from one beautiful creature to the other, and then he clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “Is that it? You don’t remember how you lost your memories?”
“I don’t. They had to tell me my name. I don’t recognize my family, I don’t remember what it was like growing up with my brothers,”—that earned a roll of Kelly’s eyes—“and I really hate it.”
“You’re not missing out on much,” Kelly mumbled, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Interesting.” Nick stroked his chin and smiled in hopes of easing the sudden tension that blanketed them. “Why do you say that, Kelly? I mean it’s obvious you’re familiar with this strapping young lad—why not help him remember?”
“It’s not my place to say.” Her response was short and a little cold. He hadn’t expected that.
“It’s okay, Kelly. I know I was a terrible person before that accident. It’s something people like to remind me of often—like your friend Jeb.”
“Jeb?” Just like a damn cat, Nick had to keep asking questions.
“Jeb is one of my friends from childhood.” Kelly’s smile was nowhere to be seen as she rested an elbow against the table and ran her fingers through her hair. Perhaps it was only a nervous habit. “You can’t really blame him for how he’s treating you right now, Devin. I probably would react in the same way if it was my sister.”
“Sister? What sister?” His eyes darted back and forth between them; he was too curious and even more anxious about the answer he’d receive. What if he’d just signed a contract with the devil?
All devils are easy on the eyes.
“Laney. She’s talking about Laney.” Devin’s shoulders slumped and he slowly lifted his gaze to meet Nick’s. Now, he didn’t know the kid from Adam, but it was easy to see the guilt eating at him as he squirmed in his chair. It was obvious he didn’t like talking about what little information he did have about his past.
Nick felt bad for him.
“Apparently, I was a huge, sadistic asshole and I got it in my head I could pull off a ransom. I don’t...I don’t feel I’d ever do such a thing, but those are the facts. Along with a psychotic girl named Mia—”
“Your girlfriend,” Kelly corrected.
“Right, my girlfriend. We kidnapped Laney and her boyfriend and held them for ransom. It’s unforgivable, I know. I’m downright despicable and I deserve to be hated. It still happened though and I can’t change that. I’m sorry, Kelly, but that doesn’t seem to matter now. I don’t think it will ever matter.”
It became so quiet that they could have heard a pin drop from three doors down. The tension, something Nick despised, loomed in the air, heavy and uncomfortable.
Maybe he was just being really stupid or his mind just wasn’t registering what was said, but he didn’t feel any resentment towards Devin for his confession.
He lost his memories. He doesn’t remember being that person. Maybe he’s changed for the better.
His eyes landed on Kelly and he watched her. She was struggling with something. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but something told him she wasn’t sure she hated the guy for what happened nearly a year ago. Had she forgiven him? Had her friends forgiven him?
Not Jeb, whoever he is.
But Jeb wasn’t his concern. Hell, Devin wasn’t even supposed to be his concern, but low and behold, he was concerned anyway.
“You know, I’m no psychiatrist or anything, but I’m pretty sure a downright despicable person wouldn’t feel an ounce of remorse for the bad things they do. Given the fact you’re sorry and you don’t even remember doing it—I think that means there’s hope for you, Devin. I don’t think you’re as bad as you think you are.”
Devin murmured a quiet ‘thank you’ while Kelly toyed with her hair. She twirled a strand of golden thread around her finger and released it, her eyes remaining on Devin the entire time.
If Nick only had the ability to read thoughts; he would have loved knowing what was going through her mind.
“So, would you like to join us for some cookies and wine, beautiful?” He asked as he leaned back to grab the bottle, holding it up as if it were on display. “We’ve got another glass with your name on it. Just say the magic words.”
Kelly’s head snapped in his direction, caught off guard.
Good. That’s what he wanted. He always aimed to do what people least expected, and what better way to diffuse a situation like this? The element of surprise was always on his side.
“Oh, no. No, thank you. I wish I could, but I should probably get back to my kids. Jamie has been having an awful time with her two-year molars.”
“Molars. Yikes.” He hissed through his teeth and frowned. “Poor baby. I’m not good with that sort of pain either. I remember having my wisdom teeth taken out. It’s the worst.”
“I agree. But thank you, truly.” She stood from the table and glanced back and forth between the two of them. “I’m sure you two have roommate things to get to anyway.” Her attention returned to Nick. “If you can’t come over tonight to fix the pipes I’ll understand completely.”
“Nonsense.” He spoke against the rim of his glass, his eyes remaining on her. “Devin can help me. Isn’t that right, Dev-o?”
“Um. Sure. Yeah, I’d love to help.” His tone wasn’t convincing. “That wouldn’t be a problem, Kelly. If it’s okay with you.”
Please don’t say no. Please don’t say no.
As much as his mind may have been against it, fate was at work. If he could get Kelly and Devin to reconcile, they would be one step closer to achieving—
“That’s fine,” she said abruptly. “Nick,”—her attention quickly turned away from Devin and a look of uneasiness was back on her face. “I was wondering if you’d like to have that dinner next Friday night?”
“Sure thing. That sounds l
ike a great time for dinner.” And then his mind, the damned thing, came up with the most wicked idea. “Do you mind if Devin comes, too?”
Her mouth fell open and he knew she wanted to say no, but a part of him hoped she wouldn’t. It was the perfect opportunity to get to know both of them, and maybe even start something beautiful.
“D-dinner?” Devin stared at him quizzically. “I...no. No, I wasn’t invited for that. That would be terribly rude. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“Don’t be silly.” Kelly’s tone softened and she smiled at him. It was a forced smile—Nick was sure of it—but it was a smile nonetheless. “You wouldn’t be intruding at all. I’d really like it if you would join us, Devin.”
That’s my girl. Nick thought with a grin as he stood from the table and offered his arm to her.
“Okay then. I’d love to join you for dinner next Friday, Kelly. Thank you.” Devin stayed where he was, still as a stone.
We’ll have to work on that. Nick determined as Kelly’s arm slipped through his and he guided her towards the door.
“Thanks for the cookies.” He stopped a few feet away from the door and gazed down at her, admiring the perfection of her face. She was like a nymph. Her hair framed her heart-shaped face perfectly, and those eyes? Those lips? Damn.
“It’s my pleasure.” There was that smile again. “And I really meant it, you know. He can join us for dinner. I know he’s had a hard time and what kind of person would I be to make things worse for him?”
“You’re the terrific kind of person, Kelly Spencer. Don’t forget that.” He almost leaned in to kiss her forehead. Almost. But then reality kicked in and he remembered they had only known each other for a little less than 24-hours. He didn’t want to end up on her creeper list.
“Thank you for thinking so. And,”—she lowered her voice—“It’s really kind of you to offer him a place to stay. His family is, well, they’re not exactly the people you want to live with, even in your right mind. This is probably the best place he can be right now.”
After she said goodbye and disappeared down the sidewalk, Nick remained on the steps with his hands shoved in his back pockets, allowing her words to echo in his mind.
“They’re not exactly the people you want to live with, even in your right mind.”
What had she meant by that? Were Devin’s parents sadistic bastards? Was that why he’d grown up to do the things he claimed to have done? What about his brothers?
The apple usually doesn’t fall too far from the tree.
No. That was bullshit. He was not his father. Sure he liked to enjoy a cup of wine every now and then, or maybe a cold beer while grilling out, but he would never let alcohol control his life, and he sure as hell wouldn’t choose it over his own flesh and blood.
Devin deserved a second chance.
Closing the door and returning to the kitchen, he found Devin standing in front of one of his paintings—yes, his. He’d painted it when he was in the eleventh grade and it was his best work to date.
“So, that was interesting, huh?”
Devin turned to stare at him and the guilt once again dimmed his gorgeous ocean-blue hues. “I’m really sorry about that. I...I didn’t know how to tell you. I’ll understand if you don’t want me to move in now.”
“Who said anything about that?” He grabbed for their glasses and extended Devin’s towards him. “Everybody makes mistakes, Dev-o. Do you mind if I call you Dev-o?”
“It’s a little corny.” He snickered and rolled his eyes. It was the cutest thing Nick had ever seen. “But I don’t mind at all.”
“Good.” He clinked his glass against Devin’s and then lifted it to his lips. “Here’s to new beginnings.”
“To new beginnings.” Devin echoed.
And maybe to new love, Nick thought as he sipped at his wine with a smile.
Chapter 5
Devin
As he moved his stuff into an empty room upstairs, he couldn’t help but get the feeling that moving into a stranger’s home was highly uncharacteristic of himself.
He had gone home with the hopes of finding a warm and embracing family, but he honestly should have known better after what he’d encountered during visitation hours with his parents and siblings.
His mother was actually a very kind person. She was just as any mother should have been: loving, caring, willing to give hugs on a whim, and always smiling. But there was a sadness behind her smile, and he learned why a lot sooner than he wanted.
The men in his family were not good people.
His father was very cold and distant. His actions screamed hateful, and after being in a room with him for an hour and feeling the hair on his arms stand on end, he knew living with him wasn’t going to work out.
Though his mind may have forgotten what happened in their home, his body seemed to remember just fine. He didn’t like the sudden onset of fear he felt every time they were around one another.
His brothers were just the icing on the cake. Charlie and Lucas joked about his time at the institute and actually had the audacity to say he’d been faking all along.
Oh, if only that were the case.
But it wasn’t.
And they were jerks.
While lying in his supposed bedroom, he’d had since he was a kid, he thought long and hard about what steps he needed to take to put himself in a better environment. Being around people like his brothers and father would not be beneficial. In fact, Doctor Thompson’s voice boomed in his mind as he tossed and turned.
“This is your chance to prove yourself, Devin. Show the world you’re a better person now.”
And God, he wanted to. He felt like a completely different person, and definitely not the man who had kidnapped an innocent girl and her boyfriend.
But where could he go? What could he do? He barely had his social security number memorized; he wasn’t ready to be on his own, was he?
He’d pulled out his laptop at 3 o’clock in the morning and thanked his lucky stars he hadn’t password-protected the damn thing. It was one less worry he’d have.
Browsing the local classifieds, he came across a few different requests for roommates, but one stood out more than the others.
WANTED – ROOMMATE
27-year-old male seeks awesome individual to divvy rent, alcohol, and good times.
He’d immediately been interested in the ad, but he wasn’t sure he could wait for morning to arrive to call. If Devin had learned anything about himself over the last eleven months, he knew he was an impatient person. Waiting didn’t suit him at all.
So that’s how he’d ended up on Nick’s doorstep a little after ten that morning, and now, here he was, unpacking his clothes and feeling a weight lifted from his shoulders.
He was away from the bad people.
He could be his own person.
He could keep being kind and good and warm.
Did he feel bad for leaving his mother there? Of course he did, but he got the feeling she wouldn’t have left with him even if he’d begged her to.
As weird as it was, he got the feeling maybe he’d asked her to leave with him before, but he could never know for certain. At least not unless his brain decided to cooperate—the chances of that were slim to none.
“Hey, Dev-o.” Nick appeared in the open doorway and stood there with a lopsided grin on his face. “You ready for some lunch?”
At least Nick is nice.
As much as he wanted to believe Kelly’s invitation to dinner had been sincere, he was afraid she’d only done it as a favor to Nick. He had no idea what their connection was to one another—aside from living on the same street—but she sure as hell wasn’t inviting him over to eat because she liked him.
After spending so much time in the institute, he’d really gotten a knack for knowing if people liked him or not. So far, the record wasn’t good.
But Nick seems to like me.
If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have let him stay, right?
&nb
sp; “I’m starving,” he admitted with a pat to his tummy. “What’s on the menu?”
“Grilled chicken salad today, but worry not; tonight we’ll eat like kings. And I’m really looking forward to next Friday; we’ll get to sample some of Kelly’s cooking, which I’m sure is fantastic.”
“That’s nice.” His gaze drifted to the window, and he peered out at the gray sky. Rain. Perfect.
“It is nice, but something tells me you’re not as enthused about it as I am.” Nick made himself at home—as he should have because it was his house—and plopped down on the futon. The springs groaned beneath his weight. He frowned and hopped up and down a few more times. “This probably isn’t going to be very comfortable for you. Do you need help getting a real bed?”
“I’m sure I can afford one.” Or at least he hoped he could. He wasn’t sure if he had that much money saved up, but his mother had mentioned something about bringing over all of his financial stuff later. Hopefully, he had been smart enough to save some money.
Or maybe I was a complete idiot and lost all my money, so that’s why I tried to hold somebody for ransom like a freaking moron.
“Well, I don’t mind helping you out if you need it. I bet it’s strange trying to start all over again in a place that should be familiar to you.” Nick gazed at him thoughtfully and tilted his head to the side. “So you don’t remember your birthday?”
“Not right off, no.”
“Your middle name?”
“Jackson.”
“That’s a good middle name. At least it’s not Eugene.”
“Eugene? What’s wrong with Eugene?”
“What’s not wrong with Eugene? I despise my middle name. Consider yourself lucky.” Nick fell back against the futon and rested his hands over his stomach, staring at the ceiling. “It’s really boring in here. Do you want to put up posters or anything? I wouldn’t mind.”
“I don’t have any posters to put up. My room back home is pretty bland. Something tells me I didn’t really stay there very much at all.”
The Lost Days (Prairie Town Book 3) Page 6
