Chapter 224

Chapter 224

“I wasn’t look for him,” Leanne said, diverting her gaze.

Devin, ever the social butterfly, didn’t wait for an invite to join their table; he just plopped down with his usual flair.

Not only did he seat himself, but he also gestured for others to join.

Joy, momentarily forgetting her complaints, stood with hands on hips, glaring. “Did we say you could sit here?”

Devin scoffed. “In Stonebridge, I’ve never needed permission to sit anywhere.”

Joy retorted, “Why don’t you go sit on Curtis’ head then?”

Caught off guard, Devin had to think fast. “If you think you’re brave enough to sit on Leanne’s head, well, I can play that game, too.”

Leanne couldn’t help but ponder Joy’s proposition, feeling a mix of amusement and resignation. “…Just sit down.”

“I can’t believe I couldn’t out-argue him,” Joy muttered, clearly annoyed. “Must be Austin throwing me off my game!”

Devin glanced at the drink menu with disdain, finding none to his, or as he put it, ‘Mr. Perez’s standards.’

“What kind of bottom-shelf booze is this? Got any Dom Perignon?”

The waiter shook his head. “We don’t carry that.”

“Then go buy some,” Devin said, sliding over a black card. “Spare no expense.”

Normally, bars don’t run errands for customers, but sensing the vibe from this group clearly not your average patrons – the waiter took the card to the manager without protest.

After ordering, Devin leaned towards Leanne, “Curtis likes this champagne.”

–

Then, covering his mouth and lowering his voice, he added, “He says it reminds him of you.”

Leanne’s grip tightened on her cocktail glass, her ears burning with embarrassment.

Thankfully, the dim, shifting lights of the bar concealed her flushed face. She gritted her teeth, “You didn’t have to tell me that.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Joy leaned in, curious.

“Nothing,” Leanne responded quickly.

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Chapter

Joy looked suspicious, but Devin, with a cocky lift of his eyebrow, draped one leg over the other. “Secrets between me and Leanne are none of your business.”

He realized too late that his comment might have crossed a line.

Jeremy knew Devin was brash but not bad at heart, especially loyal to Curtis like a true brother. He wasn’t trying to make Leanne uncomfortable.

“Devin, mind your words,” Jeremy cautioned.

Devin, the proverbial rebel, shot back, “Now you’re lecturing me?”

Before he could continue, he felt a smack on the back of his head.

Who dares to strike Mr. Perez?

Turning around, ready to explode, he saw it was Curtis and immediately softened, “Bro.”

Curtis, phone in hand, glanced at Devin with a chilly look. “What secrets are you keeping with my wife? I’m all ears.”

Devin swiftly stood, offering his seat to Curtis. “Our secrets are all about you,” he grinned, showing teeth.

Curtis took the seat, his gaze settling on Leanne, who was fixated on her martini, not even looking up.

Unaware Devin had just thrown him under the bus, Curtis thought Devin was comparing Leanne to Dom Perignon for its smooth yet bold character, a unique blend that’s irresistible – a compliment, though ambiguously phrased.

Curtis, who enjoyed teasing Leanne, unaware of the misunderstanding, smirked, “What’s so fascinating about that drink?”

Leanne, without a word, poured her drink onto his lap.

Curtis was speechless.