“I’d say I am too, but that would require actually dating.” At his questioning look, I clarify. “In law school there wasn’t anyone after Ben, and then I had the accident. Kind of hard to date when you’re in recovery. Plus, I’ve learned along the way that most men don’t actually want to date smart women. They say they do, but when it comes down to it, more often than not they’re secretly intimidated.”
“Because they’re insecure.”
“And you’re not,” I say.
“Nope. When I think of the future, I picture a wife and kids.” He adds, “One day,” with a wry smile. “I’d love to move up in my dad’s company and spearhead development projects that enhance communities and help revitalize the entire Northeast Ohio region. I want a partner who can stand side by side with me, not a step behind, so we can forge the best future possible together.”
I take an overly large bite of my taco to cover my bemusement… because it sounds like Devin might want someone like me.
“Speaking of partners, how’s work going?” he asks. “Have they given you a corner office with a gold nameplate on the door yet?”
I snort. “As if. I’m still just a lowly summer associate.”
“But have they said anything about the fall? Whether your permanent job offer still stands?”
“No, but it’s early days yet. Plus, there’s this other summer associate gunning for my position.”
“That scoundrel. Who is he?”
“She is another law school graduate, and she’s hands-down the most cutthroat person I’ve ever met. She totally has it out for me.”
“Don’t let her get the best of you. If I were you, I’d do anything it takes to land the job. Be the first to arrive every day and the last to leave. Volunteer for extra work. Show them how badly you want it.”
My shoulders stiffen. I’ve already been working such long hours I can’t fathom putting in any more time than I already have. Perry’s words from earlier float back to me.
You deserve to be happy, Cass.
Would working more make me happy? No, a little voice answers. Having fun with Brie, spending time with my Mom and brothers, and picking up a paintbrush every now and again would make me happy—not slaving away at a desk around the clock. I nibble my lip. But if it’s only temporary—a push to help me secure the job of my dreams—the sacrifices would be worth it… right? I stuff another bite of taco into my mouth. “You might be onto something,” I say thickly.
“Of course I am. There are hundreds of attorneys who would kill for a job offer from a firm like Smith & Boone. I’m proud they want to hire you.” With a grin, he chucks me under the chin.
“Thanks, Devin.”
* * *
Devin’s car rumbles as he pulls in front of my house and cuts the engine.
“Thank you for the ride home,” I say.
“Of course.” Unbuckling his seat belt, he swivels to face me. “So hey, what are you doing for the Fourth?”
“The Fourth?” Right, I forgot the Fourth of July is this weekend. “Brie and I are going to the parade downtown, and then we’re watching the fireworks from the rooftop of Marcus’s bar.”
“I see.” His fingers play along my forearm, sending shivers down my spine. “My dad’s throwing his big, annual Fourth of July party. He’s good friends with the owner of a concrete plant downtown, so we get special access to a lakefront facility to gather and watch the fireworks. I’d love for you to come and meet my dad… if you’re willing to change your plans, that is.”
Devin’s dark eyes contain a measure of vulnerability I haven’t seen before. He’s nervous. “You can bring Brie and Marcus too, if you—”
Before I can think twice, I unbuckle my seat belt, lean over the center console, and kiss him. He sucks in a surprised breath through his nose, but responds in earnest, his lips moving against mine. One hand tangles in my hair while the other runs down length of my back. Blood pounds in my ears at the swell of sensation. His lips are soft yet urgent as his tongue dips into my mouth, tasting me. Bright lights burn orange behind my eyelids and I pull back just as a car passes by where we’re parked, its headlights cascading over us like a passing rainstorm.
“Is that a yes?” Devin asks, breathless.
My lips tingle. “A tentative yes. I have to talk to Brie first, but if she and Marcus are down, then we’re in.”