We take our tea to the table.
“Well, go on,” Mom encourages, relaxing in her chair. “I can see you’re buzzing with it. How was your art history final?”
My grin breaks free, along with an elated sound. “Well, I don’t know the official scores yet. But my professor said he was very impressed. He’s recommending me for the internship at the museum over the summer!”
“That’s wonderful!” Mom’s eyes mist. “I’m so proud of you, Blair.”
A happy spark of pride fills my chest. I love my studies as an art history major. These days my dreams reach higher than the stars I used to wish on.
As the oven timer rings, Mom pops up to take the muffins out. She bustles around the kitchen as the heavenly scent of cinnamon and brown sugar fills the room.
“Those smell amazing.” The front door opens and my eyebrows hike up. “What, do you have a boyfriend you didn’t tell me about? Or are you being robbed right now?”
“That’s your area of expertise.” A deep, familiar voice curls around my senses and a kiss drops on my head, enveloping me in the rich scent of leather and spice.
I twist in my seat. “Dev? What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t coming down until the end of the week?”
Devlin grants me a charming smile tinged with mischief. He’s pleased he surprised me. I saw him this morning before the meeting with my art history professor, but he has a way of igniting a constant ember of heat in my stomach with his dark tousled hair, his intelligent eyes, and his laugh. My fingers find his and he brings my knuckles to his mouth, kissing them with a tiny smirk.
“Surprise.”
“Hi, Devlin.” Mom greets. She doesn’t seem as shocked as I am to see him. “How was your drive?”
“Great. Want to see the new love of my life? It comes in line after your daughter, of course.”
Mom smirks and points at him. “Smart answer. Let me get a coat.”
Devlin pulls me to my feet for an actual kiss. He grazes his nose along my cheek.
“If you were driving down the same time as me, we could’ve driven together.”
Devlin hums. “Yes, but then I wouldn’t have a chance to drive the X1.”
I squint, my instincts tingling. “You’re up to something. You’ve got your scheming face on.”
“Is that so?” Devlin’s arms lock around my waist and he hoods his eyes. “Pretty sure these are just genetics, angel.”
Mom returns to the kitchen, bundled in a puffy parka. Devlin gestures us to the door. On the way, I grab my scarf and wind it around my neck to block out the crisp chill.
“Wow,” Mom drawls as we step out. “It’s so nice.”
Devlin puffs up a little at the admiration, standing at my back with his arms around me. Mom walks around the vehicle as we amble over. He absently rubs my arms to protect me from the cold, his wool peacoat keeping me toasty.
“Very impressive, Devlin.” Mom passes us, patting Devlin’s shoulder. “I’m going to see if the muffins have cooled.”
I turn to follow her, but Devlin catches my hand.
“Hang on. I have something in the car for you.” He stares at me for a beat, a brief flash of nerves shining in his eyes before he opens the car door and retrieves a small package. “Here, I got you this.”
“What is it?” I shoot him a smile as I unwrap it. “This feels book-shaped.”
Devlin’s mouth curves, but he remains quiet while I push off the wrapping. My breath catches as I skate my fingers delicately over the cover.
“Devlin…”
He takes a small step closer, cupping my elbows. It’s a copy of Stardust, the hardcover edition. The faint smell of an old book, musty with a hint of sweetness, reaches my nose. I trace the letters of the title.
“Open it,” Devlin says softly.