Chapter Eight

Kylie

 

Humiliation washed over Kylie like waves crashing onto the shore, knocking her over and pulling her down. She could hardly breathe; her chest was so tight. Bumping into Devon had been a nightmare come true. Except the shock and confusion on his face had been all too real. Her secret was exposed, and Devon now knew how little she was worth.

Kylie wished she had a minute to compose herself, but Mrs. Jones soon entered the conference room where she and the children were. One look at her employer made her skin grow cold.

Mrs. Jones gestured with one curved index finger for Kylie to approach, her expression as grim as ever. “Ms. Martin, I continue to find your work ethic less than acceptable. My children require discipline and structure, both of which you are not able to provide. Instead, you allow them to run around like wild animals! I cannot have you exerting your bad influence on them. I regret to inform you that we shall no longer be needing your services.”

“What? No, please!” Kylie’s eyes burned hot with tears. “I need this job. I can’t pay for my mom’s rent without it.”

Without a care, the older woman continued her spiel, “Please pack up your belongings immediately. You will need to find your own way home.”

Mrs. Jones might as well have punched her in the stomach. Kylie doubled over, clutching at her chest in desperation. “I have no money to fly back to California. At least let me finish up this assignment, Mrs. Jones. Please.”

“I can’t in good conscience pay you for a job you are not fulfilling.” With a flick of her wrist, she checked her diamond and gold watch. “I’m afraid you’re on your own.” With a firm nod, she rounded up her daughters, who had finally calmed down enough to stand in one place, and left the room.

A sob escaped Kylie’s lips, but she quickly covered her mouth. She would not give into her tears. Not now. She’d done enough crying last night after her and Devon’s date. Right now, she had to think and act quickly.

She swiped at her eyes and took a deep breath. First things first, she had to find a way from the clubhouse to the resort where she was staying. She needed to pack up her bags before Mrs. Jones threw out the few possessions she owned. Maybe with Tabby’s help, she could scrounge up some money to buy a plane ticket. Short of swimming home, she’d find a way back. She had no choice but to try.

With this plan in mind, she picked up her feet and rushed out into the hall, toward the lobby. She moved with purpose and desperation, her jaw clenched tight, not realizing a man stood between her and the front doors of the clubhouse. Before she could stop herself, she walked smack into his firm chest. She lost her footing and would have fallen over were it not for the strong, muscular arms that caught her and pulled her close.

A familiar musky scent filled her senses, making her head spin. Devon! She glanced up and saw his hazel eyes trained on her, trying to look into her soul. She should’ve known she wouldn’t be able to keep a secret from him for long. He’d always had a way of seeing past the smile she faked.

For a second, her resolve crumbled. She considered what it would be like to lean on him again, to trust him. But shame cut through her thoughts, forcing her to step back and out of his embrace. Devon had fallen for her when she was wealthy and popular. He’d never want her like this. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.”

“Kylie, what’s going on? Talk to me.” Devon reached for her hand and held it tight. “Why are you working as a nanny?”

The concern in his voice tipped her over the edge. Her words poured out faster than spilled milk. “My dad gambled all our money away. This job is my only means of keeping a roof over my mom’s head and food on the table. Or it was,” she sighed deeply, “until I got fired.”

“Fired? Katrina Jones fired you? Was it over the incident with her daughter? I told her I didn’t mind what happened. Let me go talk—”

“Dev, it’s okay,” she cut in. Several heads had turned their way when Devon began raising his voice. “It’s probably better this way. I’m not cut out to be a nanny. I’d be better off doing office work or anything that doesn’t require interacting with people half my size. The only way I could ever get them to listen was by bribing them with sweets. But all the sugar had them bouncing off the walls, which is what happened earlier.” Kylie groaned and shook her head. Why was she blabbing like a fool to him? He couldn’t care less about her troubles. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to hold you up. I’m sure you have somewhere important you have to be.”

Devon grew quiet, his expression sober. Small creases formed between his brows as he pinned her in place with an intense look. His eyes never left her face as he spoke in a husky voice. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be than here. In case you didn’t notice, I’m the one holding on to your hand.” He paused and released a heavy breath. “I know we were just kids when we were together, but when I fell for you, I fell hard. Seeing you after all these years, it’s like nothing’s changed. I still feel the same way about you that I did then.”

Kylie’s breath hitched. Devon was gently caressing her hand with the pad of his thumb, spreading warmth along her skin and sending tingles up her arm. Her body seemed to believe his words, but her mind warred within her. Didn’t he realize who she’d become? She had no choice but to voice her concerns out loud. “Look at me. I’m one paycheck away from being homeless. I have nothing to my name. Not only that, I treated you horribly in the past. I don’t deserve a second of your time.” She tried to pull her hand from his, but her attempt only served to make him hold on tighter. “You deserve better, Devon.”

He brought her hand to his mouth and placed a soft kiss on her palm. “I am looking at you, and all I see is the girl I had a crush on who grew up to be the woman I’ve been longing for. I see you, Kylie, and I like who I see. You’re strong and sacrificial. You’re doing your all to take care of your mom. You’re brave and persistent, taking on these responsibilities and making the best of your circumstances. You’re so beautiful, inside and out.” He ran a finger along the side of her jaw until he reached her chin. Tilting her head up, he looked straight into her eyes. “I hardly think I deserve you. But I’m going to do my best to measure up. If you’ll allow me to.”

Kylie swallowed hard. She heard the earnestness in his last words, along with a hint of hesitation. If only Devon could feel the pounding of her heart, he would know he needn’t worry. He more than met her expectations.

The thought of Devon accepting her for who she was—despite her current state—meant more to her than she could express. Her emotions overwhelmed her to the point of tears. There was no way she could get a word out, so she did the next best thing: she let her lips do the talking.

Standing on her tiptoes, Kylie stretched up to bring herself closer to Devon. She was sure he could read her mind, or maybe he’d been thinking the same thing, because he leaned down at the same time. In the next instant, their mouths met, melding together in a fantastic explosion of heat and desire. She let out a soft gasp. The familiar feel and taste of him filled her heart’s longing.

Along with the old sensations, she made some new discoveries. Devon had grown into a man with more confidence and, if possible, an even more tender heart. His lips were gentle yet insistent. He kissed her with abandon, fully giving of himself with every touch and caress. His large hands held her in place, flush against his body, helping her weak knees to stay upright. Kylie leaned into him, feeling her heart beat in time with his. The intensity of the moment made her head spin. She had a feeling he wasn’t letting go of her so easily this time. To be honest, she didn’t want him to. She was content to stay in his arms like this forever.

For the first time in a long time, she was comfortable in her own skin. And she had the most wonderful man to thank for that.