Forty-Five
Blair
While Devlin is out, the sense of comfort hits me hard as I stand in the middle of his—our—bedroom. I go to his side of the bed, running my fingers over his pillow. The stack of psychology texts are present, and another book, one that makes my heart stutter.
Stardust sits next to Devlin’s books, rescued from wherever I had left it before storming from the house when we fought.
It makes me want to apologize to him with more than words, to make up for fighting with him, and thank him for coming to save me when I needed him.
I used to think Devlin was nothing more than an evil, emotionless, manipulative asshole.
But he’s not that. He’s selective about the people he allows to see the real him, keeping those who don’t matter at a distance with cruel words.
Devlin is someone aching for the magic of stars because a little girl gave him hope when he needed it. Underneath the jagged pain he’s wrapped himself in, Devlin is a man that loves fiercely with his whole heart.
I love him, all of him.
From his sharp edges to his hidden charms.
His heart is my home. I never want to leave it again.
The supplies I bought weeks ago for a special room makeover pop into my head. “Yes!”
Hurrying i
nto my old room, I dig through the closet, where I’d shoved the string lights and plastic stars away. They’re tucked in the back, behind a stack of extra blankets. A tender warmth fills my chest as I get started.
I gave Devlin my stars once. It’s time I gave them to him again.
In the bedroom, I hang the strand of tiny star-shaped lights over the bed. It casts a golden glow on the pillows. I stick the plastic glow in the dark stars to the wall, focusing them over the headboard and spreading the galaxy of my own making along the wall. They’re different shapes, some large and some small.
I’m stretching to my limit, standing on the bed to reach the ceiling to put the finishing touches on my surprise.
A quiet laugh sounds behind me, followed by a sardonic voice. “Back home for five minutes and you’re redecorating already?”
I jump, spinning around to find Devlin leaning against the doorway, watching.
“How long have you been there?”
“A few minutes. I was enjoying the view.” His gaze skates down my body. “What’s all this?”
I gesture to the stars. “Do you like it? I planned this a while ago, actually. These glow in the dark.”
Devlin hums, taking in the new decor. “Yeah. You brought the stars inside.”
“I did.” A flutter tickles my stomach from the inside. “I wanted you to always have the stars overhead so you can whisper your wishes to them.”
The corners of Devlin’s eyes crinkle and his dimples appear with his surprised smile. “You…”
He crosses the room and grasps my waist. With a gentle tug, he guides me to my knees so we’re closer in height. Our foreheads touch.
“I love you,” I whisper.
Devlin wraps his arms around me and captures my mouth in a sweet, deep kiss that steals my breath. We kiss long and slow, with no purpose other than feeling. When we part, Devlin meets my eyes.
“I need to tell you.”
He said he’d been out looking for me tonight because he had things to say.