“She obviously doesn’t have much experience with kids.”
“No kidding. I was thinking of asking her to watch Ryan for a day, and then afterwards see if she has any better ideas.”
Stella laughed. “You should. Maybe it would be the start of a new family-friendly training program at the hotel.”
“As long as they’d create suites with two beds in them, I’d be all over that.”
“Have you been sleeping on the sofa?”
“It’s actually more comfortable than it looks.”
Wow. Stella had assumed he’d let Ryan fall asleep in the quiet of the bedroom and then move him to the sofa later. Devon was either the kindest guy she’d ever met or completely ignorant. Probably a combination of the two. “You know, it’s really good of you to let Ryan have his own bed, but he would have been just fine on the couch.”
“Really?”
The hopeful expression on Devon’s face looked adorable, and Stella hated to crush it. “Yeah, but good luck telling him that now.”
“I should have known you’d say that,” Devon said.
“I’m that predictable?”
“Afraid so.”
Stella laughed. “Have a good night, Devon.”
“Wait. You never told me if you knew of any good places to take Ryan. Really, I’m getting desperate.”
Stella smiled. Of course she knew places—and not just for Ryan. Australia was a beautiful country and she loved showing off her native land to foreigners. “Have you been to the beach?”
“The beach? Is it safe for Ryan? I’ve seen Shark Week on the Discovery channel, and it seems like you guys have way too many shark attacks over here.”
Stella laughed again—something she’d done a lot that day. It felt good. “I’m not sure why you’re worried. If one comes near Ryan, won’t you just punch it?”
“Good point.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll be by on Saturday morning to pick you up.” Stella left with a wave. A smile played on her lips as she pushed the elevator button.
A moment later, Devon strode into the hallway. “I just realized how late it is.”
“Which is why I’m leaving. Sorry. I hope I didn’t overstay my welcome.”
“No, of course not. But you shouldn’t be riding the train alone at night.”
“I actually do it all the time. It’s really not a big deal.”
“Sorry, but I have this annoying conscience that doesn’t agree.”
“So what are you suggesting? That I sleep here?”
“No way. There’s only one couch and I’m not that chivalrous.”
Devon knocked on the door of a neighboring hotel room, and a woman, probably in her fifties, with short, curly gray hair and bifocals opened the door. “Well hello, Devon. Can I do something for you?”
“Yeah, actually. Ryan’s asleep and I wondered if you’d mind hanging out in our room for a little while so I can make sure Stella gets home okay.”
The woman nodded. “Your timing is perfect. Dave is busy working on a presentation for tomorrow’s meeting and won’t stop typing on that ridiculous laptop of his. Since I’m in the middle of a good book, I’d love to read it in a quiet room. Just a moment.” She went back in her hotel room, spoke a few words to her husband, and returned with a book in hand.
“I owe you one, Colleen.”
“Just let me tend that little charmer one of these afternoons and we’ll call it even,” she said. “It would help me not to miss my own grandchildren quite so much.”
“Deal. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Colleen looked back and forth between Devon and Stella. “Take your time. Dave’s going to be working for hours yet. Sometimes I wonder why I even came on this trip with him.”
“We’re headed to the beach on Saturday if want to come.”
Colleen squeezed Devon’s hand. “You’re such a dear, but Dave’s actually free on Saturday, so we’ve already made plans.”
“Next week, then.”
Pausing outside Devon’s door, Colleen glanced back at Stella. “I haven’t known this young man long, but I can tell he’s a good one.” With a wink, she walked into the room and closed the door.
“I—uh . . .” Really have no idea what to say.
Devon re-pressed the elevator button. “It’s okay. You can admit that you know I’m a good one. I won’t let it go to my head.”
“I think it’s already gone to your head,” said Stella. “Are you really going to leave Ryan with a stranger?” The elevator opened and Devon grabbed her elbow to pull her inside, but she resisted.
He sighed and leaned against the elevator door, keeping it open. “Colleen’s not a stranger. Her husband’s here on business and she gets lonely, so she’s spent the past two days with us. In some ways she reminds me of my mom.”
With her feet rooted, Stella said, “I’m still not sure that’s a good idea. You really don’t know her that well.”
Devon smirked. “What, you think that sweet woman is going to kidnap Ryan and take him away?”
When he put it that way, Stella did sound a bit overprotective. “Stranger things have happened.”
“You’re just going to have to trust me then. You couldn’t find a kinder, more patient person than Colleen. She’s wonderful, and we’re lucky to have her for a neighbor.”
His hand tugged on hers again, and this time Stella allowed him to pull her inside the elevator.
As they descended, Devon leaned his shoulder against the wall and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Do you make a habit of going out on your own at night?”
“All the time. I’m telling you, I’ll be fine.”
Devon raised an eyebrow. “I’m sure you would, but my mother would tan my hide if she knew I’d let you ride across town on public transportation alone at night.”
“Sydney is actually a really safe city.”
“That’s good to know, but I’m still taking you home. So stop arguing and just say thank you.”
“Okay. I give up,” said Stella. “And thank you.” She’d been on her own for so many years that she’d forgotten what it felt like to be worried about. It was nice. Really nice.
“So how far away is your apartment, anyway?”
“Not that close,” she said. “Listen, if I’d have known you’d do this, I would have left before it got dark. It’s just that I wanted to—” When would Stella learn to think before she talked? She didn’t want to talk about Ryan again.
“I know. You wanted to spend time with Ryan. What I don’t understand is why you have trouble admitting it. It’s not like you hide it well.”
Stella bristled. What did he know, anyway? Nothing. Admittedly, Devon would know more if she’d tell him, but she wasn’t ready. Nor was he ready to hear it. “I haven’t been trying to hide it. I just don’t want to talk about it right now.”
“Fine by me.”
The elevator door opened and Stella followed Devon out to the street and toward the train station. Sounds of rumbling engines, laughter, and faraway trains filled the humid night sky. The bright lights of the city masked the stars, but Stella searched for them anyway.
Are you looking down on us like you promised, Linds? Are you watching out for your son? If so, I could really use your help right about now.
But no answers came. No inspiration. And soon the starless sky disappeared, replaced by the fluorescent lights on the concrete ceiling of the underground train station.
“Were you raised in the city?” Devon asked when the train started moving.
Stella shook her head. “No. I actually grew up in a small seaside town about ten hours north of here.”
“Your parents still live there?”
Her parents. She hadn’t been asked about them in years. Five long and lonely years. “No. They actually died in a car accident several years ago.”
“I’m so sorry.” His brown eyes looked sincere.
“It’s okay,” Stella said. “And before you ask, I
was an only child, so besides an estranged aunt and uncle who live in England, I have no family.”
“I’m sorry,” he repeated. “And obviously, I have no idea what else to say.”
She almost laughed at his blunt honesty. It was refreshing. “There’s really nothing else you can say—unless you want to annoy me.”
Leaning back, Devon rested his arm on the chair behind her. “What could I have said that would’ve annoyed you?”
Stella shrugged. How many people had Stella wanted to ignore, how many mouths had she wanted to tape shut? Even the people who’d gone through similar situations hadn’t been able to comfort her. No one could. Only time. “Oh, you know. That things happen for a reason. They’re in a better place. Not to worry because God is looking out for me, and somehow this experience will make me a stronger and better person. You know, words meant to bring peace but that really don’t.”
Devon’s lips formed half a smile. “Well, not to be redundant, but things do happen for a reason and they are in a better place. And although I don’t know you that well, I’m pretty sure you’re a strong and good person.”
Stella laughed. She couldn’t help it. Devon had restated some of the comments that had once grated, and yet he had somehow managed to turn them into something different, and—well, charming. It was becoming apparent why Lindsay had been so captivated by him. “Thank you. And I know it’s all true; it just wasn’t what I wanted to hear at the time.”
“You don’t seem too annoyed now,” he said. “Should I try again?”
“Do you want to annoy me?”
“I don’t know. You’re kind of cute when you’re angry.”
“And when I’m not angry?” Stella didn’t mean to flirt or wheedle compliments, but the words tumbled out without asking permission.
“You’re beautiful.”
Her heart thumped a staccato rhythm. “What?”
“I said when you’re not angry, you’re beautiful.” And then Devon turned and stared out the window.
Just like that.
Subject closed.
Which was good because Stella didn’t know how to respond. She’d expected teasing, joking, maybe even a sarcastic remark. Not sincerity—which was exactly how he’d sounded. Honest. The kind of straightforward, no-nonsense, plain-speaking honesty that seemed so rare these days.
A fluttery sensation spread through her body, filling her. She’d felt it before, when Devon had sat a red-eyed boy on his lap and told him about his angel mother. The memory alone brought tears to Stella’s eyes again. Without realizing it, Devon had reached inside her heart and touched it. Probably exactly what he’d done to Lindsay’s all those years ago.
Since the day she’d watched Lindsay sign the will, Stella had tried to convince herself that her friend had made the right choice, that listing Devon as the guardian hadn’t been a monumental mistake. But it wasn’t until now that Stella finally started to believe it. Devon was a good man, a good person, and—whether or not he realized it—a good father.
The train slowed and a computerized voice announced the name of Stella’s stop. Did Devon plan to walk her all the way to her door?
He stood and started following her off the train.
Should Stella say something? Tell him her flat wasn’t far and that she’d be fine? Warn him that it might be a long wait for the next train?
“Which way?” Devon asked.
Stella pointed north. It was okay to be selfish once in a while, wasn’t it?
“Hey, I wanted to say thanks for coming with us today,” Devon said as he fell into step next to her. “It was really nice having someone along who knows their way around.”
“I had fun.” More fun than she’d had in a long time.
“What can I say? Ryan and I are fun guys.”
“And humble,” Stella teased.
“Just remember that you said it, not me. You’re only humble until you admit it.”
“Are you admitting it?”
“Nope.”
Stella’s laughter floated across the dim, lamp-lit street. A dog barked, a car drove past, and the few other people from the train dispersed and went their own way. It had been a long time since someone had walked Stella to her door. In the past, guys and friends had always met her downtown and said good-bye at the train station.
“Have you lived here long?” Devon asked.
“Three years and counting.”
“It looks like a nice neighborhood—not that I can really tell in the dark.”
“It is nice. The best part is that it’s a short walk to the train station, which makes it close to work, shops, and the beach. I really like living in Sydney. At least for right now.”
“Right now?”
“Having Ryan made me realize a bigger yard and some open space would be nice some day, especially if I ever have kids. But for right now it’s great.” They came around a corner, and Stella pointed at her white, boxy, contemporary flat. “That’s my place.”
Devon followed her up the walk and stopped outside her door. “There. Delivered all safe and sound. My mom would be so proud.”
“If I ever meet her, I’ll let her know she has a chivalrous son.”
He grinned. “Please do. I’m sure she wonders at times.”
“The times when you’re arrogant?”
“I’m never arrogant. Only and always modest.”
Stella smiled. “So you’re admitting you’re humble.”
“No. I’m admitting I’m modest. Humility and modesty are two very different things.”
“Not really.”
“Yes really.”
Stella shook her head.
“I can’t believe you’re giving me a hard time after I went out of my way to walk you home. That’s pretty low, you know.”
“You’re right, and I’m sorry.” Rising to her tiptoes, Stella kissed his cheek. “There. All better.”
Devon grinned. “I actually do feel better. Now I know where to come if I ever get a real injury. Do you kiss those better too?”
“Sure, but one kiss a day is my limit.” Stella smiled as she unlocked her door and let herself inside. “Good night, Devon. And thanks again for walking me home.”
“No problem. See you Saturday.”
Through the crack in her door, Stella admired his even stride and broad shoulders as he walked away. It was no wonder Lindsay had never really gotten over him.
Chapter Six
The last Saturday in February marked the end of Australia’s summer. The wind whipped at Devon’s face as the ferry carried them across Sydney Harbor toward Manly Beach. Hilly and lush tropical landscapes, sandy beaches, and high rises dotted the haphazard shoreline. With the bridge, the opera house, and the aqua blue water, every view could have been an image straight from a postcard.
The air was warm and humid, making Devon glad he was in the southern hemisphere. Back in Chicago, sleet and ice covered the ground, cars needed to be defrosted, and the surrounding bodies of water were frozen solid. As much as Devon looked forward to returning to work and his apartment, he didn’t miss the cold.
They arrived at the beach early and claimed a spot near the water. The sun brightened the clear blue sky and highlighted the waves and rivulets in the ocean.
“Nice place,” Devon said, surveying all of the people already there. “I can tell it’s a popular beach.”
“Yeah,” Stella said. “But it wasn’t until the early 1900s that people were allowed to legally swim in the ocean here.”
“Why?”
She dropped the towels and beach bag to the ground. “It’s an interesting story, actually. During the early settlement years, the men got so hot, they used to strip down and swim in the buff, so swimming was banned. Then people disobeyed, and after several arrests, a man named William Gocher told everyone he was going to bathe during the day, despite the law. He started a campaign to have the regulations changed—and it worked.”
“Just like that?”
�
�It was more of a compromise. People were allowed to swim, so long as they wore clothing from their neck to their ankles. But the clothes became heavy and several people drowned, so they protested again, and before long, Manly Beach became a favorite place to sunbathe and swim.”
“I can see why.” Resorts, hotels, and high-rises surrounded them. Sort of a Honolulu meets Miami. Touristy and busy, but beautiful.
Ryan darted past, heading toward the ocean and carrying an empty bucket.
“Ryan, hold up!” Devon ran after him, grabbing the boy’s hand as a small wave rolled over his feet. “You need an adult to be with you when you play in the water.”
Trying to pull his hand free, Ryan said, “But I need water to build my castle.”
Stella walked up next to them. “Yeah, you definitely need water, Ryan. Go on and fetch some.” Devon started to follow until Stella’s hand on his arm stopped him. “Ryan has spent his entire four and a half years coming to the beach on a regular basis. He knows he’s not allowed to go in past his knees without an adult. Now stop hovering and enjoy the day.”
“How was I supposed to know that?” Devon said, still not trusting Ryan.
“You weren’t, which is why I just told you.”
With water up to his ankles, Ryan stopped and waited for a wave. When it crashed over his legs, he scooped up a bucket of sandy water and trotted past them. The water toppled over the side as he walked, spilling half of its contents before he finally plopped down. He didn’t seem to mind that his bucket was half empty—or was that half filled? Devon smiled, knowing Ryan would probably think the latter.
“See?” Stella said. “Told you so.”
“Know-it-all.”
Devon helped Stella spread out towels and set up the umbrella. The he dropped to his knees next to Ryan. “Can I help?”
Ryan’s eyebrows drew together. “Do you even know how to build a castle?”
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