by Sandy Loyd
“I think so, but then I’m prejudiced.”
Knowing she was being nosy, yet unable to contain her curiosity, she said, “Must’ve been hard raising a child on your own.”
Maggie opened the oven. “I’ve had my ups and downs, the biggest down being Dev’s father.” The scent of pineapples and brown sugar floated out in a puff of steam, adding to the mouthwatering sight of a pan of ham and several yams she set on a trivet.
“I’ve never regretted marrying him, though. How can I regret something that produced my Dev? Such a wonderful son, a ray of sunshine brightening my darkest days, he’s more than made up for my ex’s faults.” She moved to place the food onto a serving tray. She sighed and her smile turned wistful. “I do regret my choice of men to love. He was such a lousy father and husband. But what did I know? I was young and stupid. All water under the bridge. Here, grab this and go sit down.”
With dish in hand, Judith obeyed the order. In the dining room, Dev, already at the table, first relieved her of her burden then Maggie’s, who’d barged through the door in exuberant efficiency.
“You might’ve been young, Mom, but you were never stupid.” He placed the dishes on the table, then helped both women sit. “Not from my vantage point.”
“Maybe.” Maggie scooted in her chair. “I know my time for marriage and love is past. You, on the other hand, are young, have your whole life ahead of you, yet you’re shutting yourself off from love.”
Dev shot her a warning glance. “This is not the time or place for this discussion.” He turned to Judith and grinned. “Told you she’s trying to marry me off. Now you see why I never bring women here.”
“Oh, hush.” Maggie waved dismissively. “You can’t tell me my choice of husbands hasn’t tainted your view of life and love.”
“Will you stop?” Dev laughed and shook his head. “You gave me a wonderful life and I’ve told you over and over I’m happy. So, drop it.”
“Humph. I’ll drop it. For now. But I’m telling you, life’s empty without love.”
Dev groaned and put his head in his hands.
Judith smiled, struck by their closeness, their easy and open relationship, and the definite bond that they shared. Suddenly, she felt a stab of envy. She loved her parents, and they loved her, but she didn’t have all that.
Such silly thoughts. She had everything anyone could want, great friends, a job she had passion for, money. While she and her parents weren’t close, they loved her and would stand by her if she needed them.
Yet throughout the meal, similar thoughts persisted. While Maggie chatted on about a cooking class she was taking, Judith reflected on their earlier conversation. She didn’t want regrets twenty years from now, and if she continued keeping herself from experiencing life, that in itself would be something to regret.
Instantly, she was glad Dev had brought her tonight. A simple dinner like this was one of those memory-making events she was thinking of earlier to bring more joy into her life. She felt the joy between Dev and Maggie, their connection. Maggie was right; life without love was empty and she was tired of an empty life. It was time to let joy inside.
Joyful! The word described exactly how she felt.
Something wonderful happened to her during that informal gathering around a table where thoughts and bread were shared. She consciously took the risk and opened herself completely to life.
All too soon the evening was over and the three made their way to the front door.
Dev bent to kiss Maggie. “I can’t remember an evening where I enjoyed the company and food so much. Thanks, Mom, I love you.”
Maggie grinned. “I love you too, son. Take care and don’t forget to call me.”
“Ha! As if you’d let me,” he teased, his voice full of love and laughter. He waited for Judith to go ahead of him.
“I had a wonderful time. Thanks, Maggie,” she said, finding herself engulfed in Maggie’s exuberant hug. “I’d love to reciprocate and have you to my house for dinner, except I don’t cook. Maybe we can meet at a restaurant sometime?”
“Anytime, just let me know. And social niceties aside, I mean it when I say I’d love to see you again, Judith.” All smiles, Maggie winked and added, “Maybe Dev’ll get smart and see what’s right in front of his face. Good night.”
~
The door shut behind them and Dev sighed, rolling his eyes. Judith laughed.
They walked to his car in silence. In no time, she was tucked into his Lexus with him in the driver’s seat. He shifted into reverse.
“I meant what I said, too,” he said, as he backed out. “I can’t remember an evening where I’ve enjoyed myself more.”
He glanced at her after long seconds passed with no response, and smiled at her reclined position and closed eyes. “Judith, you are starting to concern me.”
“Umm hmmm.” She offered a serene smile. “It was a nice evening. I like your mom. You’re lucky to have her. And face it, Dev.” She paused. “I’ve caused you concern ever since we met all those years ago. You’ve just never admitted it to yourself before.” Another pause. “You know what you need to do?”
“And what would that be, Ms. Reid?” he asked, her confidence completely throwing him off balance.
“Enjoy. Simply enjoy!”
When her soft snore hit his ears, Dev realized she’d fallen asleep. He drove across the Bay Bridge with his thoughts centered on his sleeping beauty.
Enjoy? What did she mean by enjoy?
His mind spun, replaying several scenes. Her calm, cool smile, her laughing taunts, her heated kisses, every detail that led them to this point.
And what point is that? Where are we? What game are we playing?
What the hell was happening to him?
During dinner, Dev’s instincts had picked up on a slight change in Judith. Before his eyes, she’d somehow become more vibrant as if she’d shed an invisible outer skin to reveal what was underneath. The memory left him raw and shaken.
While the old Judith fascinated and attracted, this new Judith terrified.
He needed to retreat.
This quest for revenge was taking a path he’d never anticipated. Uncertain wasn’t a word that portrayed him. He’d always had an absolutely clear picture of his goals and method of achievement. Yet, for the first time in memory, he wasn’t quite sure how to proceed or even if he was doing the right thing.
Dev felt like didn’t know anything anymore. His thoughts were all jumbled and confused. He should get as far away from her as he could and stay away. The moment the thought was out, he discarded it. He had no desire to be rid of her, and there was the rub. She’d been an obsession for so long. He was starting to think he would never get her out from under his skin.
What to do? What to do? What…to…do?
Good question, one he still hadn’t answered when he turned onto Judith’s street and pulled into her driveway. Leaving the motor running, he went around to the other side, opened her door, and bending himself into the car, he woke Judith with a soft kiss.
“Come on, sweet thing, it’s time to get you into bed,” he whispered, running the back of his hand down her cheek.
Judith woke gradually and smiled. Then stretched.
“Oh, Dev, promises, promises,” she murmured in a silky voice hard to ignore.
He chuckled. “Someday, Judith, those words will be your undoing, but not tonight. Come on, out you go.” He straightened, grabbed her arm, and helped her out of the car. He then placed his arm around her waist and together they walked to her door.
“Key?” he asked.
Judith dug into her purse, pulled it out, and placed it in his outstretched hand.
Dev opened her door before handing the key back. He then placed his thumb and forefinger under her chin, raising it so she had to look into his eyes. His stare held hers while his lips moved lower in a gentle, soul-searing kiss that left him wanting.
“Sleep well, Judith,” he murmured. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow night
at seven. Dress casually. We’ll do pizza, okay?”
“Okay, Dev. I’m only agreeing because I’m too sleepy to argue.”
“I know.” He grinned. “Why do you think I’m pressing now? I need the added advantage.”
He placed his hands on her shoulders, turned her, and gently pushed her inside. Resisting an urge to yank her to him, he walked slowly to his car, marveling over how easily he let her go. His entire world had tilted on its axis. All because of one sexy, intriguing woman. He needed a break from her to regroup and decide how to handle this new revelation.
Chapter 9
The next morning Judith woke with a smile and stretched. Her dreams had been of Dev.
Her ear-to-ear grin never faded as she hurriedly showered and dressed. She was in love with Dev McAllister. Nothing could take away from her joy, not even the hectic day ahead.
The staccato tap of her shoes echoed on her way down the hall. She entered her kitchen for breakfast in a different state of mind, despite an insurmountable task. Dev protected his heart. Let few in.
She now thought in terms of ‘before yesterday’ and ‘after yesterday.’ Yesterday, she expected the worst. That once Dev got what he wanted, he’d leave and she’d accept. Today, however, she realized she could have his love, something she wanted desperately. She was willing to risk everything to get it.
Rejection and ridicule no longer mattered. If the worst happened, she’d survive.
Her excitement built as she wolfed down a bowl of store-brand raisin bran.
Now energized, she grabbed her travel cup of coffee, purse, and briefcase and practically skipped to the bus stop.
“I heard you’ve been seeing James,” Kate said, drawing Judith’s attention later that day at her favorite restaurant. The waiter approached with their salads. The second he was out of earshot, she added, “So what’s up with that?”
“What?” Confused, Judith’s forehead furrowed.
“Paul let it slip that you and James had a dinner date,” Kate said.
Judith cleared her throat and hesitated. “We went out.”
“I heard there’s more.” Kate let out a disgusted snort and rolled her eyes. “I’m your best friend and I’m the last to know the latest scoop.”
“Outside of a few lunches and a friendly dinner, there is no more. Translation? No scoop. We’re friends.” She shrugged. “Period.”
“Am I missing something? Paul seems to think James is pursuing you.”
“It’s complicated.” Judith twisted her paper napkin, not meeting Kate’s gaze. “Since I’ve gotten to know James, I realize he’s not the jerk I thought he was all those years he made you miserable. I do like him, but only as a friend.”
“Okay, now I am curious.” Kate grinned and pierced her with a stare that didn’t miss much. “Long before my heart picked Paul, I’d have given anything to have James chase after me wanting more. He’s not a fish women usually throw back, at least not without taking a bite first. What gives?”
“Devon McAllister.” She cleared her throat, and tucked blonde strands behind her ear. Not quite sure of how to drop her bombshell, she just blurted out, “I’m seeing him now. I had dinner with him last night, and will again tonight. And he’s kissed me, so I guess that constitutes seeing someone, but I’m not sure, since I’m not up on my dating etiquette.”
“Are you sure that’s wise?” Kate asked, after too many seconds of dead silence. “I thought you were avoiding him. Man, I’ve really been out of the loop. First James and now Dev? Come on! Fess up. What the hell is going on?”
Judith’s feelings were too new. She wanted to savor them without outside interference for a while longer, so she gave Kate a brief update on what had happened in the last twenty-four hours, leaving out the part about her newfound love for Dev.
“I don’t know, Judith, the man has ice water for blood.” Kate swigged half her wine, then sighed. “Are you sure you can handle him?”
“Probably not.” She smiled. “But I can’t ignore the attraction between us anymore.”
“He’s always intimidated me, not an easy feat, as you know.” Kate’s silence lengthened before she advised cautiously, “I hope you don’t have any grand illusions about reeling him in. I’ve watched the best try and fail. When James and I dated, eons ago, we’d sometimes get together with Dev and the flavor of the month, an apt term, given the variety. So sad how the woman he was with always seemed more interested in him than he in her. Of course, he traveled a lot back then. Never had time for much of anything, but even if he had, I doubt he grasped the concept of a long-term relationship. He’s worse than James. At least James tried.”
Nodding, Judith remembered James’ lack of commitment had given Kate years of grief. She should probably take her own advice and steer clear of Dev like she’d cautioned Kate to steer clear of James when he’d disappear into his job. Her opinion had always caused conflict between the two friends, and Kate kept her distance when she and James were doing well because of Judith’s negative feelings toward him.
“I might get hurt.” The picture of what her life could be seemed bleak if Dev didn’t return her love. “I need to see where this leads. Until then, no one else will do, including James.” She smiled too brightly and asked, “Are you going to Alicia Morrison’s charity ball?”
“Need you ask? Paul’s helping his mom with the planning,” Kate said, taking her hint. The subject was closed. “James’ll be there too. She usually guilts Dev and his mom into attending. What about you? I know that’s not your thing, but now that you and Dev are an item, is he taking you?”
“He hasn’t asked. I was thinking of going alone, but I was hoping to sit with you and Paul.”
“I can’t see why not. It may prove a little awkward.” She paused. “You know, with both James and Dev there. We usually all sit at the same table with Paul’s parents.”
“Maybe.” Judith shrugged. “I’ve been pretty up front with James. If Dev and I are together, even for a little while, I’m going to have to face the two of them together sometime. They’re best friends, after all.”
“Yeah! But I’m glad it’s not me. I’ve had my share of riding the emotional roller coaster.” Kate’s grin grew. “Do you remember when you were dating Paul and I was still dating James? All four of us were just plodding along…for years with the wrong person. It’s amazing we came out of it unscathed and still friends.”
“How could I forget?” Judith smiled. It boggled the mind how her two best friends, sworn enemies for years, had somehow found each other. And now they were married. “Paul and I were never meant to be. Neither were you and James.” She toyed with a bite of Caesar salad before spearing a mouthful. She chewed, then swallowed. “It’s just a pity we wasted so much energy and time figuring it out. We were all coasting.” She took a deep breath and said with conviction, stabbing another bite, “I’m done coasting through life. I want more.”
“Oh, Jude.” Kate reached for her hand and squeezed. “I hope you get it.”
The conversation turned to other topics. It wasn’t long before Judith looked up the see their waiter coming their way.
“Would you like anything else?” he asked.
“No, just the check please.” Kate aimed her gaze on Judith. “Before I forget, are we still on for your birthday bash?”
“Don’t call it that. It’s merely a simple dinner with friends. Not a big deal, got it? And yes, I have it marked…the Sunday after the ball, right?”
“I meant dinner.” Kate grinned. “So I guess this means I can’t invite the forty people on my list?”
“I’m not laughing. I mean it! I don’t want a big affair.” Judith looked at her watch. “Oh, darn. Gotta run. I’m meeting a contractor in ten minutes. Can you get the check? Next time’s on me.”
At Kate’s, “No problem,” she jumped up to give Kate a quick kiss on the cheek. She tossed over her shoulder, “See ya! Love ya! Bye!” then hustled out the door.
With three blocks to go
, she hit the street running.
Thankfully, the afternoon sped by and it was time to head for home.
The bus ride took forever. At her stop, she charged off the bus, impatient to see Dev again. She practically ran down the street while dodging tourists, and took the porch steps two at a time.
She unlocked the front door. Glancing at the clock, she kicked off her shoes.
“Okay, five fifty-five. One hour and five minutes till Mr. Wonderful arrives,” she murmured, rushing through the house to start a bath.
The buzzer sounded an hour later and Judith, dressed in jeans and a sweater, was ready for pizza. She opened the door, her apprehensions from lunch, as well as Kate’s warning, all but forgotten. Kate and James weren’t meant to be. She and Dev had a different relationship from theirs. She did have a relationship…of sorts. What kind, she had no clue, but she prayed it would be lasting.
“Hey, handsome.” She noted Dev’s casual, too-attractive-for-his-own-good appearance. His jeans weren’t old, only slightly faded, and fit him well enough to show off his assets. The leather jacket gave him a rugged look. Imagine. All that masculinity. Hers for the taking.
She grinned. “You look prepared for a fun evening.”
“Hello, beautiful.” He tugged her into his arms. “And you look good enough to eat.”
Dev bent to kiss her. She tasted peppermint when his tongue slid into her mouth, then caught a whiff of spicy aftershave. His hands slid the length of her arms. Goose bumps formed, adding to the thrill of his mouth moving across her neck as he nipped little kisses to her ear. “You definitely taste good enough to eat,” he whispered, the sexy sound traveling in waves straight to her core along with the other sensations.
When his hands grazed her breasts, she flinched. Dev pulled away and grabbed her hand, as if nothing had happened. “Come on before I lose what little self-control I have.”
Judith could tell he’d noticed her reaction. She locked fingers with his and let him lead her out into the night, wishing she wasn’t so inexperienced and jumpy.
He took her to Pier 39 and they played tourist. They ate in a restaurant overlooking the bay. It was one of the most romantic nights of her life because Dev’s attention was riveted to her. Even as they walked off dinner, he acted as if everything she said held importance.
