* * *
I have a job.
The day after I’d applied at the library, I’d received a notification that my application had been accepted and they wanted me to stop by for an interview. Keagan had helped me pick a blouse to match the black pants I’d bought, and then we’d taken the subway to the library at the designated interview time. While I’d been taken to a private room for the interview, Keagan had roamed the library.
The interviewer, Mrs. Clark, an older woman with gray hair pulled up into a bun and glasses perched on her nose, had been incredibly kind and understanding. Thankfully, I’d had my phone and had been able to text my responses to her questions. I tried to express confidence that I could handle the position and was willing to work whatever hours they scheduled me. My deafness didn’t seem to be an issue, and that was evident when I was notified the following evening that the job was mine.
Today is my first day as an employee, and Mrs. Clark is having me shadow Anna, a part-time shelver. Then later, when Anna leaves at one for her college courses, I’ll be on my own. She’s nice, and my deafness doesn’t seem to faze her. She’s also patient as she gives me a tour of the library, which is large with separate rooms all over the building.
After the tour, we clear out the book drop and bring the books to check-in. We then spend a while scanning books, and once they’re sorted, we make our way through the library with a cart full of returns. She assures me that I’ll learn my way around in no time, but until then, she suggests I keep the manual on hand. The manual has a map of the library and where everything is located.
When I share with her that I’m worried patrons might ask me questions, she tells me that’s likely to happen but just to reply with a text message. It’s a library, most people aren’t in a hurry to get from point A to point B.
We take our lunch break together, and during that time, Anna chatters away about her classes and boyfriend. I smile and read her lips, content that she’s comfortable doing all the conversing.
After she leaves for the day, I find myself on my own, and I focus on returning books to their designated slots and smiling politely when I pass by someone. When I’m not shelving books, I’m dusting and trying to keep each room organized. Books are misplaced on tables hourly, or chairs are left out where people can trip over them. It’s a time-consuming job since the building is enormous and busy, but I find it satisfying.
It’s early evening when my shift ends. The sun is still in the sky, though darkness will be chasing it away in a few hours. It’s not as humid as it had been earlier, so the walk to the subway station should be more comfortable than it had been this morning.
As I make my way down the steps leading to the sidewalk, a smile stretches across my features even as my feet ache. If this is to become my daily routine, I’m thrilled.
My smile quickly fades when I find Devlin waiting for me at the bottom of the steps. He’s wearing an immaculate, charcoal gray business suit, his hands casually slipped into his pants pockets. As I approach, I find myself once again admiring the contours of his handsome face. He’s allowed a day or two’s growth to darken his jaw, and somehow, it makes him look sexier.
I look around with confusion. Where’s Keagan? He was the one who was supposed to meet me. I have yet to win the subway argument. It’s the one thing he’s standing firm on since he doesn’t think it’s safe for me to ride it alone.
“Evening, Charli,” Devlin says as his steel gray eyes roam over my black pants and mauve blouse before his gaze locks on mine.
I bring my hands up to ask why he’s here, but then I remind myself that he doesn’t understand ASL. I dig out my phone from the purse I’d brought and quickly text, Why are you here??
Devlin pulls his phone from his suit jacket and scans my text. His eyes lift to mine. “The limo is waiting. I’ll take you home and we can talk on the way.”
I peer over his broad shoulder, and sure enough, a gleaming black limo is waiting at the curb. I send, No thank you, and begin walking away. He can’t just show up and whisk me away as if he has a right to make that decision.
From the corner of my eye, I see him quickly fall into step beside me as we merge with the passersby. It’s evening, and the sidewalks are busy. My phone vibrates in my hand, and I reluctantly look at the newest text. Stop walking for Christ’s sake.
Wait a minute. For once, I have the advantage. We’re in public, so he can’t control me or physically force me to do his bidding. I stop in the middle of the sidewalk, and a woman glares when she nearly runs me over. I turn to face Devlin, looking at him expectantly.
His eyes narrow on me suspiciously, no doubt trying to figure out why I’ve decided to let him have his say. I could have kept walking for several blocks and he wouldn’t have been able to do much about it.
I arch an eyebrow, waiting.
His brow furrows. “I’m not kidnapping you. I’m kindly offering to take you home.”
My eyes drop to my phone, and I text, Okay. I am politely declining.
As he drops his eyes to look at the new text message, a look of frustration flits across his features. Apparently, he doesn’t have the patience to converse through text messaging when I’m standing directly in front of him. Welcome to my world, I can’t help but think without remorse. If this is frustrating for him, he can’t possibly imagine how much it is for me.
His lips tighten when he reads my text, and his eyes lift back to mine. “I don’t want to carry on a conversation in the middle of the sidewalk, Charli.”
A devious idea begins to form as my eyes scan his sophisticated attire. He’d probably came straight from a business-related function. Maybe it’s time for Devlin Kade to step out of his comfort zone. I quickly text, Fine. I am on my way to eat before going back to the apartment. You can join me if you want, but I’m going to continue my daily routine, with or without you. I wait for his reaction.
He gives me a curt nod and tucks his phone back into his suit jacket. “Lead the way,” he says, but the hard glint in his eye lets me know that he’s aware I’m playing games. However, I’ve thrown him a challenge, and he’s refusing to back down from it.
I begin down the sidewalk once more, and Devlin falls into step beside me. There are plenty of storefronts and eateries to pass by on the way to the subway, and I know exactly which eatery I want to stop in at. It’s the greasiest place I’ve ever seen, and the atmosphere isn’t overly friendly, but the burgers are amazing. Keagan and I had dropped by for lunch yesterday, and we’d made note of it so that we could drop by more often.
As we walk, Devlin draws interest from every female that walks past us, young and old. He has such a charismatic presence. Toss in his masculine features and the confidence of his walk—naturally, he’s going to draw the eye. He’s an arrogant prick, but he’s also a man that exudes controlled power.
After a few blocks, I lead him to the fast food joint that I’d had in mind, and I watch as his expression turns appalled. This is going to be the most fun I’ve had in a very long time. I give him a sweet smile and step inside, immediately finding myself assaulted with the scents of grease and cooking meat. Devlin’s going to walk out of here smelling like he’d been dipped in a fryer.
People are waiting in line near the door we’d just stepped through, and to the far right of the small room, are rows of cheap tables lining the wall where windows overlook the sidewalk. I step into the line and pull out my phone, typing my order for the cashier. As I’m typing, my phone vibrates. I hold back a smile, already knowing what the text message will say. I scan it anyway. You’ve got to be fucking kidding.
I press my lips tightly together to keep from laughing out loud. I don’t think the man has ever stepped foot in anything other than five-star restaurants. I send back, I’m hungry, and the food here is great. Figure out what you want to order, because if you take too long, they move on to the next person.
The line moves forward, and in the corner of my eye, I see Devlin reading my text. His shoulders are tense as he stands beside me, and I can imagine how out of place he’s feeling. Most of the people in the crowded eatery are wearing jeans, tees, and scuffed shoes. Seeing a suit in here is probably a rarity.
When my phone doesn’t vibrate with a response, I know I’ve won the battle. The line moves forward quickly, and when it’s my turn, I show the bored looking young man my order. I open my purse to pull out my wallet, but Devlin drops a twenty on the counter, causing me to scowl.
He refuses to order anything, so once I have my burger, fries, and soda balanced on my tray, we make our way through the throng of people. A small table opens, and I manage to nab it before anyone else can move in on it. I drop down into the hard, plastic chair and watch as Devlin grimaces before reluctantly settling into the opposite chair. The table is chipped in places, and someone had left a crude drawing of a penis in the corner. Devlin’s eyes are fastened on it with revulsion.
I turn my attention to my meal and unwrap my burger. I am absolutely starving. After taking a large bite of the dripping burger, I open my ketchup packets and make a large gob on the wrapper so I can dip my fries in it.
Devlin just sits there, watching me with an unreadable expression on his face. His body language is tense, and over his shoulder, it appears that two teenagers are slinging slurs about him. If he can hear them, he’s ignoring them.
I let him stew in his disgruntlement as I concentrate on my food. It’s been a good day, and even his dour presence can’t ruin my mood. A week ago, I hadn’t had a hope of securing a job. Today, is the first day of my new life. As soon as I pay back Devlin and figure a way out of this mess with the apartment, I’ll be on the path of financial independence.
I don’t care if I never make it past being a shelver. At least I’m making money, and I can always share an apartment with someone if the option arises. I’ve never had delusions of being rich or wealthy. If I’m scraping by month to month, so be it. At least I’m still living and making my own decisions.
While I eat, I find myself amused as other patrons either glare at Devlin—who probably represents all the assholes that’ve rejected every person in here—or they look at him with a hint of envy. Either way, Devlin’s the source of attention, and judging by his set jaw, he’s hating every minute of it.
Good.
I’m nearly finished with my burger and fries when Devlin snags my attention and asks, “Why would you get a job?”
I’d known that he’d eventually bring up the reason he’d sought me out, but I am surprised he’d politely waited this long. I dip a few fries into the quickly disappearing blob of ketchup, and I pop them into my mouth before wiping my hands on a crumpled napkin. Then, I pick up the phone resting on my thigh and send, Why wouldn’t I?
He waits until I’m looking at him before saying, “You don’t need one. You have a monthly allowance for a reason.”
His response has my teeth grinding. He looks genuinely bewildered, and I take a moment to study him. He lives in a completely different world than me, and evidently, those he surrounds himself with are happy to live off other financial offerings. Not me. I text, I want to make my own way. With my own funds. After I send it, I set the phone on my thigh and continue eating while watching Devlin.
His brows crease as he scans the phone in his hand. He has nice, long fingers. I don’t know why I notice this, but I do. His hands are masculine but well-manicured. I wonder if he visits a salon, and it’s weird to think that there are men out there that expect others to take care of their personal grooming.
“I didn’t save your ass so you can work yourself ragged,” Devlin says when my eyes meet his once more.
He’s not accustomed to others making him wait, and I’m more than happy to be the first. I ignore him as I take a sip of my soda. He can sit there for a bit since this is about my job—a job that I want and will continue to keep regardless of his approval.
Five minutes later, after sensing how dark his mood is becoming, I push aside my tray and pick up my phone. I type, I am living in the apartment you leased, living with the babysitter YOU hired. If I want to work, I’m going to work. Deal with it. It’s non-negotiable. I send it and watch his reaction.
He reads the text and stares at it for a full minute as he processes my response. His eyes lift to mine, but instead of seeing anger in their gray depths, I see exasperation. “Have you always been this obstinate?” Before I can respond, he shakes his head. “Fine, keep the job. But if it becomes a nuisance, we’ll revisit the topic.”
Like hell.
“Are you done?” he asks, motioning to my empty tray.
I nod, and we both stand and exit the eatery, stepping out onto the sidewalk. The limo is waiting at the curb, and Devlin looks at me expectantly. I give him a cheeky little wave and begin walking away, but I don’t get far before my arm is caught as he brings me to a halt.
He towers over me, scowling. “Why can’t you just get in the damn limo?”
I yank my arm from his grasp and pull out my phone. I reply, A limo isn’t part of my routine. I take the subway.
As he yanks his phone from his pocket, annoyance flickers across his face. He quickly scans the text, and a muscle begins to tic in his jaw. His eyes flash to mine as his expression turns severe. “You are not riding the subway by yourself.”
He’s walked right into the rest of my plan. I drop my eyes and text, I am unless you’re coming with. Or are you going to physically drag me to the limo? If so, I hope you have a good explanation because there are a LOT of people around.
Devlin reads my reply, and if looks could kill, I’d be dead ten times over. “You manipulative little hellion.”
I shrug. If I have to deal with his demands, he can handle a few manipulations on my end. I text, I didn’t ask you to see me home, I remind.
Devlin scans the new text, and then his lips move as he releases a long stream of curses. I have him backed into a corner, and he knows it. He either lets me go alone, which I know he won’t, or he comes along.
Either way, I win.
His eyes warn me that I’ll pay for this before he motions with an exaggerated flourish to lead the way. I give him an obnoxious smile with a salute before beginning down the sidewalk once more. I probably shouldn’t tweak the tiger’s tail, so to speak, but damn, someone has to. Doesn’t anyone ever tell the man no?
He doesn’t bother trying to speak with me again, and once we reach the subway and pay our fare, we make our way to the platform. There are people all around us, some dressed in business attire, and others barely dressed.
Someone bumps into me, and Devlin steps closer as if shielding me with his body. His cologne subtly surrounds me, and it’s a distinctive masculine scent that I’m beginning to associate with him. If he were in a crowd, I’d be able to single him out easily. The man is also an enigma. Even after I’d thoroughly pissed him off, his natural inclination is to protect me.
Thankfully, we’re one of the first few to enter the subway car, so we’re able to snag two seats for ourselves. There’s a lot of shuffling, and many people have to stand as they grasp the hand loops dangling from the ceiling. The seat I’m sitting on has duct tape sealing a rip, and it’s poking me through the thin fabric of my pants, but I ignore it. As we pull away from the platform, the seat beneath me begins to shake. The scents of perfume, men’s cologne, and body odor intermix, and I begin to breathe through my mouth.
A glance at Devlin shows me that he has his phone out and his fingers are flawlessly moving across the small keyboard on the screen. My purse is on my lap, clutched tightly in my hands so no one can grab it. I feel the phone’s vibrations through it. I’m sure the subway car is loud, and I can understand why he wouldn’t want to carry on a conversation with so many people surrounding us. I open the purse and pull out my phone. Keagan rides the subway with you, correct?
I sigh inwardly. The man just doesn’t let up. I reply, Yes, he does. You’re being ridiculous. I used to ride the subway on my own all the time back in Philly.
You’re from Philly? he promptly responds.
Yes. I don’t bother including anything further.
What is your real name?
It doesn’t matter. You already gave me a new one, remember?
He doesn’t text anything further, and in the corner of my eye, I watch as he slips the phone back into his suit pocket. I don’t bother putting mine away, I’m sure I’ll be needing it again before we part ways.
When it’s our stop, we exit onto the platform and make our way up to street level. I tell myself that it’s just a few blocks walk to the apartment, and then this little excursion can come to an end.
The moment we approach the apartment building with its awning, I send him a quick text. See, made it safe and sound. Goodbye.
He pulls out his phone and glances at it before giving me a look. “You’re an ungrateful brat.”
I probably do seem ungrateful, and to be honest, if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have a job. The thing is, he’s the type that if you give him just an inch, he’ll take a mile. I need to tread carefully around him, which means keeping my distance. I send, I didn’t ask you for your help, and you’re the one who insisted on escorting me home. Had you not told Keagan to stay home this evening, you wouldn’t have had to suffer through the last hour.
After he reads my text, his eyes lock on mine, and something lurks deep within his gaze that I can’t begin to decipher.
I think we’re done here. I turn and walk away, entering the building and leaving him standing there on the sidewalk.