Except for the freshly brewed coffee and cute post it notes on the fridge, I haven't seen Devan for the three nights I have spent in his house. Rachel wasn't surely joking when she mentioned that he works a lot.
This morning is different when I walk downstairs to hear clinking of steel in the kitchen. At what time did he get home? His message had popped up on my phone last night at around eight when I was leaving the diner. The new number surprised me but the content of the message was clear for me to know who the person was.
Of course he had gotten my number from Rachel. He was staying up late at the office handling some paperwork. I fought my brain for the most appropriate reply until I settled on okay. Nervously I followed it up with a question.
Nellie: Should I keep you dinner?
Devan: No, I will order something at office.
His reply came suddenly. I threw back my phone in my bag and called for a taxi.
I didn't brace myself enough for the sight that I meet in the kitchen.
Fully dressed in his work suit, Devan hovers over the counter stirring his coffee. He must have sensed my presence because he turns back catching me frozen by the door.
"Good morning. Did I wake you?"
My brain scrambles for the words he just said.
"Um..No."
"I was actually awake." I add more coherent and confident. He smiles amused.
"Coffee?" he offers.
"Yes." I reply. Devan turns to pour another cup for me.
I force my limbs to finally cooperate with my brain walking further into the kitchen and settling on a stool.
I look everywhere but at the backside of Devan. I am sure it is considered sexual harassment checking out someone without their permission. I know if roles were reversed, I would feel like that.
Devan hands me the cup of coffee as he goes back to sip his. The silence in the room makes me uncomfortable. Devan just watches me from from where he stands leaning against the island. I focus on my freshly brewed cup of tea like it's the national treasure.
"When did you come back last night?" I break the silence lifting my gaze to his. His blue eyes pierce through mine and clutch the cup handle harder.
"Probably at around four."
"Ow."
If he was tired, nothing about his face or body posture gave it away. He looks better than my seven hour rested body. Honestly if I was the one riding on a three hour rest, I would be in zombie mode.
"What's with the outfit?" Devan asks.
I look down at my blouse and skirt and then back to him. Is there something wrong with it?
"I have a job interview." I answer.
"Oh, that's great."
"Yeah."
"Where?"
"Uh?" I must have spaced out between seeing him sip his coffee and rinsing his cup. Earth to Nellie!
"Where is the interview going to be?"
"Rubical." I answer monotonously even though every fibre in me urges me to add something.
"What are you applying for? Shit, sorry if I am overbearing." Devan apologizes.
"Software developer."
"Wow. That's really amazing." Devan comments picking his suit jacket from the chair.
I look down on my watch and realise it is almost eight. I am going to be late if I don't leave in the next minutes. Plus I love being prepared which means reaching early at Rubical so I can have some minutes to relax my nerves.
"Shit!"
Devan stares at me. "It's almost eight. I am going to be late." I explain.
"Do you need a ride?" Devan asks.
"Rubical is a few blocks from my work place. I can drop you there."
"It's not necessary. I will just get a taxi or something."
Taxi or something?
Something was definitely wrong with me. Devan iss offering me a ride and I am overthinking it.
"Nellie."
Gosh. This was the first time hearing him call my name and boy, did it sound nice from his tongue.
"It's really not a bother. I wouldn't want you to be late on your interview."
Devan has a point. Sometimes waiting for a taxi takes minutes which minutes I don't have.
"Okay."
"Come on."
I follow Devan outside swimming in his cologne. He smells so fresh. He smells so damn good. I was seriously on something this morning because I hadn't realised when he opened for me the door to his car.
"Thanks." I murmur as I get in. Devan quickly ignites the engine as soon as he puts his seat belt on.
"Nervous?" Devan asks looking down at my fingers in my lap. I must have been unconsciously twiddling them. It was really that obvious.
"A bit."
"Deep breathing helps." he suggests.
"Let me guess. You got that from the internet." I tease.
"The stats don't lie." he shrugs.
"Stats?" I arch a brow. It reminds me that he is a numbers guy.
"It's proven. You should try it."
"Any other tips down your sleeve incase deep breathing fails." I am half teasing, half serious.
"You can always count backwards." he replies.
"And what do the stats have to say about that?" I smirk. Devan smiles. I had almost forgotten how charming his smile is.
"The stats don't lie Nellie."
And there goes my stomach again with the somersault. I am loosing it. How many people call me by my name on the daily? And yet one simple pronunciation of my name from Devan's mouth and I am like a fifteen year old with a crush.
For this case, I am twenty three with a tiny crush.
"Do you ever get nervous?"
"No." Devan quickly replies. My eyes instantly go wide.
"Liar." I accuse.
"I am serious."
I pretend to look around the dashboard and the seats behind.
"What are you looking for?" he asks.
"Drugs."
The most beautiful chuckle I have ever heard breaks into space. I stare and don't even bother to hide it feeling my lips pull into a smile.
"You're funny."
"You can't tell me that you are always confident everytime."
"Sorry to disappoint but I am."
"Hence my accusations are yet to be proven." He laughs. I laugh with him.
I almost didn't notice when we reached Rubical.
"Thank you for the ride Devan."
"Good luck on the interview."
I watch him reverse the car and drive back onto the road. I sigh looking up at the name on the monstrosity of the building.
Here goes nothing.