Excerpt: Chapter Three: Devon’s POV
As I finish washing the dishes and put the last plate on the draining rack, Quinn and Pearce walk past my window. I smile and wave at them. Quinn gestures for me to open the door. He smiles broadly and then glances down at my bare feet. “Get your shoes on, I’m taking you out for the evening.”
I stare at him, then shake my head. “Thanks, but like I explained yesterday, I’ve got no one to take care of Luke.”
“You’ve got a volunteer babysitter right here.” Quinn slaps Pearce on the back. “It’s his night off.”
I sigh. “I’m sure Pearce doesn’t want to spend his night off taking care of a three year old.”
“I’m not three, I’m three and a half.” I look down to see Luke staring up at me indignantly.
Pearce smiles at him. “How about it Luke? Do you want to spend some time with me so your mum can have a night out? We can play my Wii.”
“Can we go out for ice cream as well?” Luke asks.
“Sure we can,” Pearce says.
“Okay. Have a nice time Mummy,” Luke calls out as he runs to get his shoes.
Quinn points down at my feet. “Shoes.”
I shake my head. “I’ve got nothing to wear. I’ve got no make-up on.”
“We’re only going to the pub. You look beautiful.” He raises his eyebrows. “Shoes.”
I slip on my sandals and run my fingers through my hair. I look a mess but it’s Tuesday night, hopefully the pub will be empty. As we walk along Beach Road Quinn hooks his arm through mine. “Behave yourself while we’re in public, I don’t want people thinking I’m straight.”
I can’t help but laugh. “You’re safe. You’re not my type.”
Quinn pulls open the door to the pub. I take a deep breath before I walk inside. It’s a large room; an old pop song is playing, so they must have a jukebox somewhere. It’s busier than I’d hoped but I relax as no one seems to be taking any notice of me. Quinn points to a seat not far from the bar. “Sit down. What do you want to drink?” he asks.
I smile at him. “White wine would be good. Thanks.” I glance around. Two guys are playing pool over in the corner. There is a slot machine, and a quiz machine which no one is using. There are several groups of older people and a few couples about my age. There’s a constant hum of chatter.
Quinn returns with my white wine and a glass of red wine for himself. He sits down next to me on the padded bench seat and throws his arm around my shoulder. “Are you okay?” he asks.
I grin at him. “I am.” I tap his arm that is around my shoulder and bat my eyelashes at him. “But darling, I thought you didn’t want anyone thinking you’re straight.”
He laughs and tugs me closer. “I knew it. Inside that timid woman is a spirited one waiting to get out.”
We chat about jewelry designs, music, parents and pets. Quinn has a tank of tropical fish. I sip my second glass of wine. I’m having fun. I look up as I hear the pub door open, and freeze, with my glass of wine held at my lips. Panty melting doesn’t even begin to describe the guy who has just walked in. He’s got to be over six foot. My gaze trails from his dark hair to the silver bar piercing his eyebrow, across his broad shoulders, and down his muscled arms that are covered with colorful tattoos. I think Quinn may be talking to me but I can’t hear what he’s saying, as everything but this guy has faded to gray. I watch as he strides over to the bar. I love the way his jeans hug his perfect butt.
“Earth to Devon.” Quinn taps me on the arm and I slosh wine over myself as I snap out of my daydream. I blink a few times. “Are you okay?” he asks.
I put down my drink and turn to face him. “I’m fine. What were you saying?”
He sweeps my hair out of my eyes. “I’m working at the fun slides tomorrow morning. You should come along with Luke. I’ll let him use them for free.”
“We’ll be there, but I’m happy to pay.” I glance at the bar but the guy has gone. My gaze sweeps the room, seeking him out. I spot him over by the quiz machine and I study him some more. He looks younger than me, I’m guessing eighteen or nineteen. And then I notice the girl stood next to him. Their heads are close and they are laughing about something. He has a girlfriend. Of course he does. She’s pretty, smaller than me and has short copper colored hair. I turn back towards Quinn.
“Seen something you like.” He smirks. “He’s not my type, too rough around the edges for me.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m a day late and a dollar short.” I take a gulp of my wine and change the subject. “I’m officially inviting you guys over for a meal one night this week. My way of saying thank you.”
“Pearce will be working during the week, but Sunday will be good for us.”
“Sunday it is then.”
He frowns. “Pearce is a vegetarian.”
“No problem. I’ll look up some vegetarian recipes.”
Quinn drains his glass of wine. “I need to take a leak.” He gestures towards my glass. “Do you want another?”
I shake my head. “No I’m good. I want to be able to walk home.”
As Quinn heads towards the men’s room, I can’t help sneaking another look at the gorgeous guy. I plan to burn him into my memory for later use. As I watch, a man approaches him from behind and slaps his hand on his shoulder. He looks about the same age, a friend probably. The gorgeous guy whirls around, his handsome face screwed up in fury. I suck in a breath as he draws back his arm and slams his fist into the man’s face. The man’s feet leave the floor as his body flies backwards. He crashes into a table before landing on his butt on the floor. He puts his hand to his face as blood sprays from his nose. The gorgeous guy yells, “Don’t ever fucking touch me.”
I can’t breathe. I’ve got to get out of here, I need air. As I leap to my feet, my leg knocks the table, spilling my drink. I run towards the door, push it open and stumble out into the street. I run a few feet but my legs are wobbly. I glance back, no one is following, so I sit down on one of the benches that line the street and wrap my arms around myself. I feel cold. I rock back and forth. I’m okay, I’m safe, I need to get a grip and pull myself together.
“Dev.” I jump at the sound of my name. “Are you okay?” Quinn asks. I shake my head. He sits down next to me and places his arm around my shoulder. “What happened? You’re trembling.”
“There was a fight.”
“Yes, I noticed.” He rubs his hand over my arm. “You’ve got goosebumps. Are you cold?” I nod my head. He stands and tugs me to my feet. “Come on, lets get you home.”
I slip my arm around his waist and rest my head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry I ruined the evening.”
“You didn’t.” He laughs softly. “It’s probably a good thing we left. If I had any more to drink you’d have to carry me home.”
I sigh. He’s only saying that to make me feel better. “I must stop being so neurotic.”
Quinn squeezes my shoulder. “It’s not neurotic to want to leave a pub when a fight starts.”
I let out a breath. “No. But there’s something wrong when you think that every man is going to attack you. I was even afraid of you when I first saw you. How neurotic is that?”
Quinn laughs. “Hey, I can be tough and dangerous too you know. Don’t let my cute face fool you.”
I smile and start to relax. “Thanks Quinn.”
“No worries. Do you want to talk about it?”
I shake my head. “Another time maybe.”
After saying goodbye to Quinn and Pearce I tiptoe into Luke’s bedroom. He’s asleep, cuddled up to his teddy bear. I kiss him on the forehead. I’m too on edge to sleep yet, maybe some warm milk will help. I heat the milk and pour it into my favorite mug. I prop up the pillows on my bed and cover myself with my duvet. I reach across, turn on my clock/radio and pick up the photo of me and Jem. “I made a fool of myself today Jem, and I ruined my friend’s evening.” I sigh. “I wish I could be brave like you were. You were so strong. I saw the most gorgeous guy tonight, and then he hit someone and I had a panic attack.”
Crying for No Reason by Katy B begins to play on the radio. As I listen to the lyrics tears pool in my eyes. “I’m messed up, and you…” A tear rolls down my check and lands on the photo. I wipe away the damp spot with my thumb. “I’ll never know. I promised you I wouldn’t tell. I broke my promise. Did I mess you up too?” I drop the photo onto my mattress, bury my face in my hands and sob. “I’m sorry Jem, so sorry.”
Luke has a smile on his face as he looks up at the large red and yellow slide. Kids whoop as they sit on straw mats and slide down the bumps from top to the bottom. Quinn hands a straw mat to Luke. “Do you want to go on your own, or shall Mummy come with you?” I ask.
He frowns at me. “I can go on my own. I’m nearly four, I’m not a baby.”
I watch as he lines up behind the other kids to climb the steps to the top. “You look rough,” Quinn says.
I manage to smile. “Thanks Quinn. I didn’t get much sleep last night.” I rub my fingers across my forehead. “These squealing kids are not helping my headache.” I search for Luke, he’s almost at the top of the steps.
“I’ll keep an eye on Luke for a while, if you want to go get some rest,” he says.
Luke doesn’t squeal as he comes down the slide, but he has a huge smile on his face. He clutches his mat as he lines up to climb the steps for the second time. I give Quinn a peck on the cheek. “If you’re sure it’s okay, I’ll go for a walk along the beach to clear my head. I’ll be back within half an hour.”
“Take your time. Luke won’t even notice you’re gone.”
The minute I reach the beach I begin to feel better. It’s wide and there are sand dunes. It’s quiet and peaceful, probably because there is a chill in the air today. At the other end of the beach I can make out the figure of a guy and his dog. I breathe in the scent of the salty air and focus on the sound of the waves. I’ll buy a bucket and spade later, so Luke can build a sandcastle. I stare at the gray clouds overhead; I hope it isn’t going to rain.
I hear someone yell, “Rex,” and turn my head in time to see a Golden Retriever bounding across the sand towards me. “Rex.” The dog stops and wags his tail. I bend down and stroke him. “Sorry if he scared you, looks like he’s made a new friend.” My gaze trails up long legs clad in navy blue sweatpants and lingers over the most defined abs I’ve ever seen, before moving upwards to a bare chest that has ‘If you’re fucking with me, you’re fucking with the best’ tattooed across the left pec. Finally my gaze meets the hazel eyes of the dog’s owner. The violent guy I saw at the pub yesterday. I freeze. My stomach lurches and my chest feels tight. I want to run but my legs have forgotten how to move. His eyes widen. “Angel,” he says.
I shake my head and force sounds to come out of my throat. My voice wobbles. “No, sorry, you’re mistaking me for someone else. My name isn’t Angel.”
His eyebrows lower and he stares at me. I swallow. I want to look away but my body is in melt down. Then, without saying another word he turns and strides away. His dog follows him.
Available here:
Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U65KU22
Amazon.co.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00U65KU22
As I finish washing the dishes and put the last plate on the draining rack, Quinn and Pearce walk past my window. I smile and wave at them. Quinn gestures for me to open the door. He smiles broadly and then glances down at my bare feet. “Get your shoes on, I’m taking you out for the evening.”
I stare at him, then shake my head. “Thanks, but like I explained yesterday, I’ve got no one to take care of Luke.”
“You’ve got a volunteer babysitter right here.” Quinn slaps Pearce on the back. “It’s his night off.”
I sigh. “I’m sure Pearce doesn’t want to spend his night off taking care of a three year old.”
“I’m not three, I’m three and a half.” I look down to see Luke staring up at me indignantly.
Pearce smiles at him. “How about it Luke? Do you want to spend some time with me so your mum can have a night out? We can play my Wii.”
“Can we go out for ice cream as well?” Luke asks.
“Sure we can,” Pearce says.
“Okay. Have a nice time Mummy,” Luke calls out as he runs to get his shoes.
Quinn points down at my feet. “Shoes.”
I shake my head. “I’ve got nothing to wear. I’ve got no make-up on.”
“We’re only going to the pub. You look beautiful.” He raises his eyebrows. “Shoes.”
I slip on my sandals and run my fingers through my hair. I look a mess but it’s Tuesday night, hopefully the pub will be empty. As we walk along Beach Road Quinn hooks his arm through mine. “Behave yourself while we’re in public, I don’t want people thinking I’m straight.”
I can’t help but laugh. “You’re safe. You’re not my type.”
Quinn pulls open the door to the pub. I take a deep breath before I walk inside. It’s a large room; an old pop song is playing, so they must have a jukebox somewhere. It’s busier than I’d hoped but I relax as no one seems to be taking any notice of me. Quinn points to a seat not far from the bar. “Sit down. What do you want to drink?” he asks.
I smile at him. “White wine would be good. Thanks.” I glance around. Two guys are playing pool over in the corner. There is a slot machine, and a quiz machine which no one is using. There are several groups of older people and a few couples about my age. There’s a constant hum of chatter.
Quinn returns with my white wine and a glass of red wine for himself. He sits down next to me on the padded bench seat and throws his arm around my shoulder. “Are you okay?” he asks.
I grin at him. “I am.” I tap his arm that is around my shoulder and bat my eyelashes at him. “But darling, I thought you didn’t want anyone thinking you’re straight.”
He laughs and tugs me closer. “I knew it. Inside that timid woman is a spirited one waiting to get out.”
We chat about jewelry designs, music, parents and pets. Quinn has a tank of tropical fish. I sip my second glass of wine. I’m having fun. I look up as I hear the pub door open, and freeze, with my glass of wine held at my lips. Panty melting doesn’t even begin to describe the guy who has just walked in. He’s got to be over six foot. My gaze trails from his dark hair to the silver bar piercing his eyebrow, across his broad shoulders, and down his muscled arms that are covered with colorful tattoos. I think Quinn may be talking to me but I can’t hear what he’s saying, as everything but this guy has faded to gray. I watch as he strides over to the bar. I love the way his jeans hug his perfect butt.
“Earth to Devon.” Quinn taps me on the arm and I slosh wine over myself as I snap out of my daydream. I blink a few times. “Are you okay?” he asks.
I put down my drink and turn to face him. “I’m fine. What were you saying?”
He sweeps my hair out of my eyes. “I’m working at the fun slides tomorrow morning. You should come along with Luke. I’ll let him use them for free.”
“We’ll be there, but I’m happy to pay.” I glance at the bar but the guy has gone. My gaze sweeps the room, seeking him out. I spot him over by the quiz machine and I study him some more. He looks younger than me, I’m guessing eighteen or nineteen. And then I notice the girl stood next to him. Their heads are close and they are laughing about something. He has a girlfriend. Of course he does. She’s pretty, smaller than me and has short copper colored hair. I turn back towards Quinn.
“Seen something you like.” He smirks. “He’s not my type, too rough around the edges for me.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m a day late and a dollar short.” I take a gulp of my wine and change the subject. “I’m officially inviting you guys over for a meal one night this week. My way of saying thank you.”
“Pearce will be working during the week, but Sunday will be good for us.”
“Sunday it is then.”
He frowns. “Pearce is a vegetarian.”
“No problem. I’ll look up some vegetarian recipes.”
Quinn drains his glass of wine. “I need to take a leak.” He gestures towards my glass. “Do you want another?”
I shake my head. “No I’m good. I want to be able to walk home.”
As Quinn heads towards the men’s room, I can’t help sneaking another look at the gorgeous guy. I plan to burn him into my memory for later use. As I watch, a man approaches him from behind and slaps his hand on his shoulder. He looks about the same age, a friend probably. The gorgeous guy whirls around, his handsome face screwed up in fury. I suck in a breath as he draws back his arm and slams his fist into the man’s face. The man’s feet leave the floor as his body flies backwards. He crashes into a table before landing on his butt on the floor. He puts his hand to his face as blood sprays from his nose. The gorgeous guy yells, “Don’t ever fucking touch me.”
I can’t breathe. I’ve got to get out of here, I need air. As I leap to my feet, my leg knocks the table, spilling my drink. I run towards the door, push it open and stumble out into the street. I run a few feet but my legs are wobbly. I glance back, no one is following, so I sit down on one of the benches that line the street and wrap my arms around myself. I feel cold. I rock back and forth. I’m okay, I’m safe, I need to get a grip and pull myself together.
“Dev.” I jump at the sound of my name. “Are you okay?” Quinn asks. I shake my head. He sits down next to me and places his arm around my shoulder. “What happened? You’re trembling.”
“There was a fight.”
“Yes, I noticed.” He rubs his hand over my arm. “You’ve got goosebumps. Are you cold?” I nod my head. He stands and tugs me to my feet. “Come on, lets get you home.”
I slip my arm around his waist and rest my head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry I ruined the evening.”
“You didn’t.” He laughs softly. “It’s probably a good thing we left. If I had any more to drink you’d have to carry me home.”
I sigh. He’s only saying that to make me feel better. “I must stop being so neurotic.”
Quinn squeezes my shoulder. “It’s not neurotic to want to leave a pub when a fight starts.”
I let out a breath. “No. But there’s something wrong when you think that every man is going to attack you. I was even afraid of you when I first saw you. How neurotic is that?”
Quinn laughs. “Hey, I can be tough and dangerous too you know. Don’t let my cute face fool you.”
I smile and start to relax. “Thanks Quinn.”
“No worries. Do you want to talk about it?”
I shake my head. “Another time maybe.”
After saying goodbye to Quinn and Pearce I tiptoe into Luke’s bedroom. He’s asleep, cuddled up to his teddy bear. I kiss him on the forehead. I’m too on edge to sleep yet, maybe some warm milk will help. I heat the milk and pour it into my favorite mug. I prop up the pillows on my bed and cover myself with my duvet. I reach across, turn on my clock/radio and pick up the photo of me and Jem. “I made a fool of myself today Jem, and I ruined my friend’s evening.” I sigh. “I wish I could be brave like you were. You were so strong. I saw the most gorgeous guy tonight, and then he hit someone and I had a panic attack.”
Crying for No Reason by Katy B begins to play on the radio. As I listen to the lyrics tears pool in my eyes. “I’m messed up, and you…” A tear rolls down my check and lands on the photo. I wipe away the damp spot with my thumb. “I’ll never know. I promised you I wouldn’t tell. I broke my promise. Did I mess you up too?” I drop the photo onto my mattress, bury my face in my hands and sob. “I’m sorry Jem, so sorry.”
Luke has a smile on his face as he looks up at the large red and yellow slide. Kids whoop as they sit on straw mats and slide down the bumps from top to the bottom. Quinn hands a straw mat to Luke. “Do you want to go on your own, or shall Mummy come with you?” I ask.
He frowns at me. “I can go on my own. I’m nearly four, I’m not a baby.”
I watch as he lines up behind the other kids to climb the steps to the top. “You look rough,” Quinn says.
I manage to smile. “Thanks Quinn. I didn’t get much sleep last night.” I rub my fingers across my forehead. “These squealing kids are not helping my headache.” I search for Luke, he’s almost at the top of the steps.
“I’ll keep an eye on Luke for a while, if you want to go get some rest,” he says.
Luke doesn’t squeal as he comes down the slide, but he has a huge smile on his face. He clutches his mat as he lines up to climb the steps for the second time. I give Quinn a peck on the cheek. “If you’re sure it’s okay, I’ll go for a walk along the beach to clear my head. I’ll be back within half an hour.”
“Take your time. Luke won’t even notice you’re gone.”
The minute I reach the beach I begin to feel better. It’s wide and there are sand dunes. It’s quiet and peaceful, probably because there is a chill in the air today. At the other end of the beach I can make out the figure of a guy and his dog. I breathe in the scent of the salty air and focus on the sound of the waves. I’ll buy a bucket and spade later, so Luke can build a sandcastle. I stare at the gray clouds overhead; I hope it isn’t going to rain.
I hear someone yell, “Rex,” and turn my head in time to see a Golden Retriever bounding across the sand towards me. “Rex.” The dog stops and wags his tail. I bend down and stroke him. “Sorry if he scared you, looks like he’s made a new friend.” My gaze trails up long legs clad in navy blue sweatpants and lingers over the most defined abs I’ve ever seen, before moving upwards to a bare chest that has ‘If you’re fucking with me, you’re fucking with the best’ tattooed across the left pec. Finally my gaze meets the hazel eyes of the dog’s owner. The violent guy I saw at the pub yesterday. I freeze. My stomach lurches and my chest feels tight. I want to run but my legs have forgotten how to move. His eyes widen. “Angel,” he says.
I shake my head and force sounds to come out of my throat. My voice wobbles. “No, sorry, you’re mistaking me for someone else. My name isn’t Angel.”
His eyebrows lower and he stares at me. I swallow. I want to look away but my body is in melt down. Then, without saying another word he turns and strides away. His dog follows him.
Available here:
Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U65KU22
Amazon.co.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00U65KU22
