A Friendly Engagement (24 page)

She reached up and pressed her mouth to his in a soft kiss. “You are my superhero.”

Chapter Fourteen

“I’m okay, Omar. Relax.” Devi tried to laugh off his attentions as he tucked her into bed and brought her a mug of hot cocoa. He’d stuck to her side like glue ever since the incident with Brian earlier, even though they’d both witnessed him being escorted off the premises, with a forgiving Pam at his side and a confused little boy in tears. He was the one Devi felt for the most.

She would never understand why a woman would put up with that type of behavior. Nobody needed a man that badly. Did they? Of course, from the sounds of things, this wasn’t the first and probably wouldn’t be the last time she’d caught him in action and looked the other way after he sweet-talked her.

“You relax. I told you that I’m taking care of you tonight.” He turned his back and riffled through the Blu-rays.

“Whether I like it or not, hmm?”

Her gaze traveled the length of his back. She could look at him all day. His shoulder muscles rippled as he reached to the shelf above to skim the movies, and she followed the line of his lean waist down to his backside and a surge of pleasure warmed her as his butt flexed. If he wasn’t so obsessed with spoiling her tonight, she’d put the moves on him. But he’d already brushed her off once, telling her she needed a night off to relax.

As if sex wasn’t relaxing enough.

If she weren’t so emotionally drained, she might read more into his words than she should. Part of her feared he used the incident with Brian as an excuse to put a little distance between them. But then her other half told her he really did just want to look out for her tonight. Baby her. Spoil her.

And being spoiled and looked after had its benefits. From the moment they came upstairs after dinner and he’d ordered her to change into her shorts and tank pajama set, and then tucked her into bed, she’d felt cared for.

Warmth filled her chest. Omar had always been compassionate, but to have him take care of her, and really mean it… She tasted tears and swallowed. Not a good time to get emotional. Omar would think it was for all the wrong reasons.

When in reality, the reason was…

Damn. You’re already halfway in love with him.

Her hand shook at the realization and hot cocoa spilled over the edge of her mug and onto her fingers. With shaky hands she placed the mug on the bedside table before she made a bigger mess.

He was so caring, so comforting. How could a man like Omar not want love? Or at least some type of cozy relationship.

With you?

Devi brushed her fingers through her hair and pressed her eyes closed. She shouldn’t be thinking these thoughts. Was she already becoming a needy woman in less than a week?

She licked her lips. “I feel guilty making you do all the work.”

He smiled at her over his shoulder. “I want to. It’ll keep my mind off hopping in my car and driving to Price’s to finish what we started.”

She both hated and loved his protection. After all the years of looking out for herself, she got all warm and fuzzy at having someone else take the reins. Once in a while was nice.

“Here we go. How about
The Avengers
?” He waved it in the air like he’d found the golden ticket.

“Robert Downey Jr. Yum.”
He’s no Omar Esterly, but I’ll take the diversion.
“Plug that puppy in.”

“Don’t tell me you have a secret superhero fantasy for him, too?” He inserted the disc into the player.

“I already told you, O. You’re my superhero. And you proved that again today.”

He cupped the side of her face and leaned in to give her a tender kiss. Her belly swooped with desire.

“Every time I think of that asswipe’s hands on you, I want to punch him.”

She grabbed the collar of his shirt and tugged him to within a millimeter of her face. Their breaths mingled and heat danced around them. “Forget about it. It’s over and done, and we’re all good.”

“I know, but—”

“No buts.” She locked her mouth over his, running her tongue along the seam of his lips until he let her in.

“Just because it’s shark week doesn’t mean you have to be all tough around me.” He smiled into their kiss.

She playfully bit his lower lip, and he claimed her in a hungry kiss until she gasped.

After they came apart for air, Omar pulled the covers back and took her in his arms, folding her against his length as he settled in beside her, and then tucked the blanket in tight. He pressed play, and the movie began.

“You’re so warm. I might fall asleep before we get to any of the good parts.”

“The good part is holding you in my arms, Dev. Go ahead and fall asleep. You’re going to need your rest. Don’t forget, we’re supposed to play tennis with William and some of the others in the morning.”

“That’ll be nice.” She closed her eyes and enjoyed the luxury of being snuggled in his arms, his broad chest rising and falling beneath her cheek, and the way his fingers drew lazy circles on her upper arm.

She liked that instead of hot sex, they could enjoy a show cuddled together for a change. She fantasized for a moment they were an actual, everyday couple.

And she liked it.

…

Long after the movie ended, Omar held Devi in his arms. She slept peacefully, and he hated to get up and disturb her. He rubbed the stiffness from his neck and slid away from her side, lowering her softly to the mattress. She rolled over and curled onto her side. He brushed a tendril of hair off her cheek, letting his fingers linger on her soft skin.

He turned off the television and moved to the patio overlooking the pool. The temperature outside was perfect, and he dragged in a lungful of clean air, tasting the ocean salt on his lips. Or was that the salt from Devi’s skin?

When he’d walked into the kitchen and seen Brian holding Devi, and her struggling to get away, he’d almost lost his shit.

He couldn’t stand another man touching her. Hell, he didn’t want another man even thinking he had the right. The only man who should hold those rights was him.

Hell, Esterly. You’re in too deep.

But the thought didn’t scare him as much as it had the first time he ran the idea through his brain.

He could really care about Devi. Hell, he already did, and it felt good. More than good.

Mixing work with pleasure wouldn’t be that impossible. Maybe his father had been wrong. Or bitter from his own failed marriage.

Just because his parents hadn’t been able to make a relationship work didn’t mean he couldn’t.

But his biggest fear was letting her have his heart.

Could he take the risk?

Only one way to find out.

Thanks to Devi, he’d go with the flow. Live his life. And see where the journey took him.

He leaned against the railing and let the quiet surround him. This week had been good for him for so many reasons. He’d loosened up, uncovered a few of his own demons to conquer, was on track to get the contract, and had made love to the most beautiful person in his life. Life felt pretty damn awesome.

Deep down to his bones, he knew everything happening between him and Devi was right. He just couldn’t dwell on it too much and spoil things. No overanalyzing.

Follow Devi’s lead and live in the moment. See where they landed.

He stretched and smiled up at the moon. As he reentered their room, he left the French doors ajar to enjoy the ocean breeze. Within seconds he’d stripped down to his briefs, slipped between the covers, and pulled Devi into his arms.

Yep. I could definitely get used to this.

Devi and William exchanged high fives and then bumped hips.

“We rock the world as tennis double champions.” Devi shared another high five with Gwen and then Wayne.

Omar would never hear the end of it. Devi and William had teamed up and systematically wiped the courts with every other person who dared take them on, including him and Paul. They’d been the only two besides William who’d smacked the ball around from time to time.

“Don’t let it go to your head.” He hugged Devi to his side as they moved off the clay. She slid the rose-shaped locket on her chain back and forth, and he could feel the excitement rolling off her.

“Why not? It’s not every day I can brag about being a tennis master. Maybe I should rethink basketball and head straight to Wimbledon.” She poked him in the ribs. “You’re not jealous, are you, Bossman?”

“Never.”

Seeing her so happy, so carefree, made him happy. He wanted to kiss her. But then, he always wanted to kiss her.

“Now that Devi and I have decided on a new career path”—William chuckled—“I have another surprise. And this one includes the kids. We’ll give Chef a break from pancake lessons and all head out to the racetrack.”

“Racetrack?” Wayne’s eyes widened.

“Oh, no. You don’t know what you’ve done, William.” Cindy sighed and crossed her arms in mock annoyance.

“Don’t listen to her, William. You’ve just made my day, and the day for several others.” He turned to Cindy. “You might not be into the cars, hon, but you might see some bad boy eye candy.” He took her into his arms and planted a wet kiss on her mouth. She wiped her arm across her lips and laughed.

Omar liked how they played and teased each other. After all the years they’d been married they still had a playful spark.

He and Devi could have the same. Maybe even better. Good relationships were possible.

Maybe, like William, he’d discovered the secret late in life, but at least he’d discovered it. Life shouldn’t be about all work and no play. You had to have a balance. And if that included a special someone—
even a family for some—
then so be it.

“Oh, I think you’re right on the money, Wayne,” William teased. “From what I hear, this guy was voted one of the best-looking bachelors in North Carolina.”

“And here I thought that was you,” Devi whispered into Omar’s ear.

Bachelor? He didn’t feel like a bachelor any longer. Was he off the market? He smiled to himself at the idea.

All the ladies started spewing out names, and William and some of the others laughed.

“Come on, William, spill the beans,” Sue joked.

William shook his head. “I’m not telling. You’ll see when we get there. Anyway, we have about an hour before we need to leave. Let’s all meet in the foyer. Sound good?”

Everyone agreed, and as they entered the back entrance they broke off and went their separate ways. Some headed toward the kitchen to collect their kids, some upstairs to their rooms, and a few stayed behind to talk with William.

Omar took Devi’s hand and squeezed. “William pulled me aside between one of the games.”

Her face lit up, and they stopped in the middle of the staircase. “And?”

“And he wants to meet with me one on one tomorrow.”

Devi hugged him and squeezed. “That’s awesome, O. I knew he’d like you. I know he’ll love your plan.”

He rubbed her shoulders and then kissed her forehead. “Don’t get too excited. I’m not the only one he arranged to meet with. But it’s a good sign.”

“It’s all you. You’re going to get this contract. I can feel it.”

…

Jimmy jumped out from the passenger seat of the race car. “Holy sh—”

“Jimmy Jones, don’t even think about saying it,” Sue’s stern voice carried over the group that had gathered around the race car as soon as it’d stopped.

“Sorry, Mom. But that was amazing.” He slapped his brother on the back. “You’re going to love this. And thanks for letting me go first, man.”

“No prob, bro.” Joey slugged his twin in the arm and dove into the passenger seat before Jimmy could strike him back.

Sue rolled her eyes and smiled at Omar and Devi. “Thanks again, you two, for handing over your three-legged race win to the boys. Letting them go first made their week. Probably their year.”

“Glad to do it. Excuse me.” Omar walked around to the front of the car to lean through the window to talk to the driver.

“And seeing Josue Rigueiro in person made
my
year.” Cindy joined Devi and Sue and nudged Sue in the shoulder.

“He’s better looking in person than on the cover of any magazine,” Sue cooed.

“You two are horrible.” Devi laughed. “He’s definite eye candy, but Omar outranks him by far.”

“Spoken like a newly engaged woman,” Sue groaned.

Cindy tossed her arm around Devi’s shoulder. “All I know is that I can’t wait for my turn.”

“You can have my turn then, too. I have no plans to get into that car.” Devi had enjoyed everything they’d done this week—and loved these women as if they’d been friends for years—but zooming around a racetrack wasn’t a memory she needed to make.

“Are you crazy? How many average folk like us get the chance to ride in a real race car? With a hottie driver to boot?” Sue eyed her as if she’d lost her head.

Devi shrugged. “Then you take my turn. Or both of you arm wrestle over it. I’m out. Speed isn’t my thing. I’m guaranteed to need another pair of panties if I take a spin in that car.”

The other two women laughed, and Devi smiled.

She had no desire to get into a vehicle built for speed. Highway driving at 55 was enough, anything over that and she’d pee her pants, or lose her breakfast. Although she should be well over her little mishap with Gramps from all those years back, the moment any engine revved, every feeling and sensation slammed into her as if it’d all happened yesterday.

The car screeched to a halt a few moments later and Joey jumped from the seat with the same reaction as his brother, but instead of voicing his thoughts, he mouthed the words to his brother, and they bumped fists.

Josue stepped from the vehicle, eyeing Devi with a mischievous smile. He crooked his finger toward her. “You’re next, Devi Boss,” he said with a thick, Spanish accent.

Sue and Cindy sighed, and when Devi peeked at them their cheeks were stained red and Cindy kept fluffing her hair and running her hands down the side seam of her shorts. Devi bit her cheek to stop from laughing. They looked like two teenagers who’d just spotted their idol.