and I had clicked before he left us in Dr. Ash’s office. I was flattered and intrigued, and Craig was certainly a good-looking guy, but what about Dev? He was hurt. Would I be a terrible person if I left him alone?
“Is that a yes?”
“Well…” I hesitated. “We just ordered room service…”
“Ah, right. How about a drink? Maybe in a few hours?”
You are persistent, Craig. I like that.
“Sure, I mean, he’ll probably pass out soon anyway. He’s had a rough day and those meds are making him pretty happy. I doubt he’ll even notice I’m gone.”
“So how about ten? Down at the bar?”
“I’ll be there.”
I smiled as I closed the door, looking forward to getting to know Craig a little better.
“Lyra!” Dev called from inside, not sounding nearly as chipper as he did earlier. “Why don’t I smell food?”
“Because it’s not here yet.”
“Damn.”
I shook my head, grabbed him a protein bar, and walked into his room, tossing it on his bed. He was watching a rerun of The Office, a ridiculous smile on his face as he lounged in bed with one hand beneath his head.
“What is it with you and Peter and this show?”
“Um, you don’t like The Office?”
“I don’t dislike it. But you guys are obsessed.”
“Not true. I’m obsessed with Game of Thrones. I love The Office.”
“What the hell is the difference?”
“If you don’t get it, I can’t explain it to you.”
“Okay.” I shrugged.
“What is this?” Dev held the protein bar by the end of its wrapper as if disgusted that I would even suggest he consume it.
“Dinner won’t be here for a while. It’s to tide you over.”
He wrinkled his nose after peeling off the wrapper that crinkled in his fingers. He lifted it to his nose and sniffed it.
“C’mon, it’s the best flavor—double chocolate brownie.”
“Oh joy,” Dev said before taking a tiny bite. He wrinkled his nose again.
“Dude, it’s like you’re afraid of it. Take a real bite, for God’s sake.”
“Hey, I’ll eat this however I damn well please.”
“Fine,” I said, rolling my eyes. “You do you, but okay.”
He took another, slightly more substantial bite and grimaced. “Mmmm, puts the chalk in chocolate.”
“You’re too much,” I said with genuine amusement.
A few hours later, Dev’s belly was full, I’d given him his next dose of medication, and had just placed another ice pack on his bandaged ankle when I glanced at my watch.
Shit.
I’d completely forgotten about drinks with Craig. I had approximately twenty-two minutes to shower, dress, and get my ass downstairs. And since I didn’t yet have his phone number, there was no way to let him know I’d be late.
“Okay, so you’re good here, right?”
Dev tilted his head to the side, narrowing his eyes and looking all too curious about the sudden change in my behavior.
“Yeaaaah.” He drew it out, raising eyebrows. “What’s up with you?”
“I have to run…I, uh, I’m having drinks with that guy, Craig.”
He drew his head back slightly into the pillow, a wrinkle forming above his nose. “Craig?” He glanced down at his phone. “When did this happen?”
“He stopped by earlier. Right after I ordered the food.”
“Ahh,” he said before licking his lips, studying me. And for the first time ever, I was nervous around Dev. It was like I was worried about his judgment or something, or that he felt abandoned if I left. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but there was a stir in my belly that made me uncomfortable.
“I mean, that is, if you’re okay.”
I’m down to twenty-one minutes… Did I pack dry shampoo?
Dev pressed his lips together and shook his head slowly. “No, I’m fine. It’s just…never mind.”
“Don’t do that. If you have a problem, just say it.”
“I’m just surprised is all. Didn’t think he was your type.”
I crossed my arms and pushed out one hip as I raised one eyebrow. “And what did you think my type was?”
“Someone more…driven, I guess.”
“Not everything is about money, Dev.”
“That’s not what I mean. Look, I know the guy, okay?”
“And I’m going to get to know him.” I glanced down at my watch. “That is, if he doesn’t think I’m standing him up.”
“I mean, don’t let me keep you.”
“Dev, c’mon, it’s just a drink. I’ll check on you when I get back.”
Dev paused, took a shallow breath, and nodded before grabbing his remote. “You’re right. Have a good time. I’ll obviously be here.” He let out a small chuckle, and it eased my guilt.
And with that, I took the fastest shower of my life, leaving my hair