I don't know whether I'm insulted or hurt or just plain old pissed off! Did Devin really think I would sleep with him, spend almost every free moment I have with him, and be in some kind of entanglement with Mario? Well, I've decided that I'm pissed, and I hope he knows it. No, we didn't talk about my clients either. Why would we even do that? Do people do that?

Ugh, now he's got my head screwed up, and I have to get back to the office to meet with a new client. My phone starts to ring and of course, it's Devin but I just can't with him right now.

After my last two meetings, I leave the office early...I'm done for the day. Devin's called me five times. I'll call him back...eventually but I'm going to let him sweat for a bit.

Grabbing my bag, laptop, and purse, I'm almost out the door when Ashely stops me. "Nicole, there's a Devin Matthews on line one."

"Tell him I've left for the day," and with that, I make my way to the car and call Sydney.

"Girl, are you free? Want to grab some dinner?"

"Yes, honey! Meet me at the new Italian place in Silver Spring in thirty-five!"

I can always count on Syd.

This new restaurant is the talk of the town and it's definitely everything that everyone says it is. Very posh, and the food is beyond fantastic. We're chatting over garlic shrimp linguini and blackberry sangria.

"So honey, how are you and Devin?"

Taking a sip from my glass, I tell her all about today. "Shit Nic, that sexy ass Italian is still lusting after you, huh?"

"Apparently, and it made things really uncomfortable with Devin, but Mario is my work, Syd. Besides, Mario knows I would never mix business with pleasure. Devin had the nerve to ask me if Mario and I were in a relationship!"

Syd pauses for a moment, looking at me over the rim of her glass, like she's adding to the special effects. "Umm...I've seen how Mario touches you, the way he looks at you like he wants to fuck you, like you belong to him....so yes honey, I'm sure Devin is in his feelings. I would've been too." Then she adds with a shrug and a smile, "He's got it bad for you."

"Who, Mario?"

Rolling her eyes at me, "No dummy, Devin!"

Shit.

"Have you talked to him?"

Giving her a sheepish look, I just shake my head no.

"Nicole don't do that to him. You know that poor man is probably going out of his mind!" She clucks her tongue at me, and I smirk back at her.

She's right. I'm still pissed that he would think I would do that to him, but I kind of understand. Kind of. Mario is a bit...possessive with me. I'm thinking that it's probably time to have a little discussion about keeping his hands to himself.

Sydney and I part, promising to hook up again soon and me promising to call Devin. He's called me almost nonstop.

Pulling up to my house, he's there, leaning on his bike. Waiting for me. Looking sexy as ever. There go those damn butterflies again.

I watch him walk to my car door, never once taking his eyes off of me, opening it for me, reaching for my hand. I place mine in his and get out. He pulls my body into his...we just look at each other for a second. No words. He doesn't let go of my hand, but he takes my bag from me with his free hand, and we walk to my door.

He takes my keys and lets us inside. As soon as we step through the door, he places my bag on the foyer table, pulls me into his arms, and searches my eyes, "I'm sorry, Nicole. I know you wouldn't do that...be in a relationship with me and someone else. It's just...when I saw Moretti touching you, kissing your hand, whispering in your ear...that shit did something to me." He pauses as if he's thinking something over. "My feelings are strong for you baby, and...shit...I'm sorry. This is new to me...these feelings, and I just freaked a little. Please forgive me?"

Wait...did he say that we're in a relationship? Oh.my.lanta!

Putting my hands on either side of his face, I pull him in for a gentle kiss that turns hot, as always with us. When we break, I take the opportunity to speak, "Devin, all of my feelings, all of me, belongs to you and only you. I'm not remotely interested in anyone else, and there is absolutely nothing going on with Mario and I except he's my client. I promise I'll talk to him about keeping his hands to himself...OK?"