She swallowed again, her heart thudding deep in her tightening chest. Why. Her voice was a rasp. Why would I need to keep you distracted?
He leaned closer. Because youre up to no good.
She bristled. I told you. I got lost. But the lie sounded even worse this time around.
And you accidentally wandered into Konrads closet?
Thats right. It could have happened.
Youre damn lucky I have a forgiving nature.
Ha, she managed to scoff.
He sat down on the carpet beside her and lifted the album from her hands. Ive already forgiven you. I didnt do anything.
Then why is your neck going all red and splotchy?
Devins hand automatically rose to cover it up, and Lucas grinned at the telltale action.
Then he shook his head. I just hope I never need you to lie for me.
That seems unlikely, she sniffed.
Instead of pressing further, he turned a page of the album. You were very beautiful, he told her.
Devin turned her attention to a photo of her and Monica. We threw out our pictures, she admitted.
Yeah?
She nodded. We chucked my bridesmaid dress, too.
She must have been pretty mad. He turned to a page that showed the bride and groom cutting the cake. Their smiles seemed so sincere.
Can you blame her? Devin asked.
She made a terrible mistake.
By marrying Konrad.
Lucas butted Devin with his shoulder. Yeah, thats what I meant.
Devin gave a shrug. You might have decided to finally be honest.
He shook his head in disbelief, folding the album shut and replacing it on the shelf.
Then, to her surprise, his hand slipped around to the back of her neck. His palm was warm, his gaze intent, and his voice sent a predictable quiver through the pit of her stomach. You have got to be the most exasperating woman on the planet.
She struggled to hold on to her equilibrium, keeping her tone tart. What? The women you know dont usually talk back?
His lips relaxed to a half smile, and he leaned meaningfully toward her. At this point, they usually stop talking altogether.
Is that how you like it?
It makes the kissing easier.
Dont you dare.
He grinned. Why not?
Because you promised.
I didnt promise a thing.
She ordered herself to stay strong. Have a little respect. For what?
For this she gestured around them, hushing her voice in reverence for where we are. Were in my brothers closet. Exactly.
Youve never made love in a closet? He was moving closer.
Of course she hadnt. She put her palm flat against his chest to hold him off. Have you? Not that I recall.
Youre joking, right? How could a person not recall something like that?
Its a pretty roomy closet, he pointed out, ignoring her question and making a show of testing the softness of the carpet.
The truce is over, she reminded him, eyeing the closet door. She was sure she could make an escape. And she was positive it was the right thing to do.
Im willing to renegotiate, he told her.
Lucas, be serious.
What makes you think Im joking?
Im saying no.
He clamped his jaw. But he let his hand fall away. And he rose to his feet, holding out a hand. Then, lets go.
She was glad hed back off. She really was.
She stuck her hand in his and let him pull her to her feet. He kept hold of it, tugging her out of the closet and across Konrads bedroom, through the open door to the hallway.
Just so you know, he warned her as he pulled it shut behind them, this room will have a lock on it from now on.