Chapter 5

Amber could not believe that she had to stay for a few more days. She was firm in her decision earlier to leave his condo. But just like that…Devlin convinced her to stay. If her marmee did not agree, she would have been getting ready to pack now. 

She could not sleep immediately. She keeps thinking of what happened during dinner. Devlin was the complete opposite from her first encounter with him. He was acting as the best gentleman. She can’t deny that she was really impressed the moment she saw him walking inside the condo with his black suit. Then, he brought her to  a place beyond what she could imagine for a casual dinner. And their conversations were very light and relaxing. The most surprising part was he wanted to be friends with her. She doesn't know why he decided to do that although she likes the idea.

She must admit that she sees him more than just a friend. A lot of women admire him for his looks. She is no different from those women except she promised his grandmother to marry him. She tried to forget about that promise because it will put pressure on her. The least she can have with Devlin is friendship. She knows his type. He likes tall, beautiful and famous women. 

For now, she will enjoy whatever time they can spend together as friends. She wants to create beautiful memories before she gets home. Her mind is busy thinking about what she is going to wear tomorrow. She suggested that they go somewhere simple and outdoorsy. She can’t wait for tomorrow though. She finally went to sleep after more than an hour of just thinking about Devlin. 

Devlin on the other hand could not go to sleep either. He was busy planning what they are going to do tomorrow. He is planning to bring Amber with her to meet Raven. He can’t wait to see Raven’s reaction when she sees them. Now, he already has a smile of triumph. 

The next day, Amber woke up around 7 am. She did her usual daily exercise. Then, she made some breakfast which is just a cup of black coffee and some toasted bread with butter. She also had some apples and bananas. She still has plenty of time to clean the condo. She vacuumed the floor and cleaned the bedroom and bathroom. By the time it was 8:30, she was finished with all her chores. Then, she took a quick shower. She decided to wear jeans and a white v-neck t-shirt. She paired it with white sneakers. She looks sporty enough for any outdoor activities.

At exactly 9 am, the doorbell rang. She checked from the peephole to make sure it was Devlin. She didn’t notice there was a peephole to the door when Devlin came last time.

She immediately opened the door upon seeing him. As  usual, the familiar smell of his perfume overtook her senses. He just took a shower because she noticed his damp hair. He was wearing jeans with a plain gray t-shirt. Whatever he wears, he still looks very handsome. 

“Good morning. How are you today? Did you sleep well?” came Devlin’s familiar baritone voice. 

“Hi! Good morning to you, too. Yes, I did sleep well. I woke up early to do some cleaning here.” she said, beaming brightly. Despite going to sleep late last night, she did sleep soundly.

“I forgot to tell you that you don’t have to do the cleaning. Someone comes here every Wednesday to do all the cleaning here.” 

“It is okay. I have nothing to do. That was a good exercise for me.” Her smile never fails to attract him. She did not realize how beautiful she is with her beaming smile. She did not put any makeup on just like the first time they met. However, she has natural beauty. Her clear, flawless skin complexion is something any woman would be envious of.

Devlin cleared his throat before he said something to her. He can’t be simply admiring Amber’s appearance. She is not his type in the first place. Besides, there is Raven who he has been pursuing again for a year now. 

He has an on and off relationship with Raven Crawford. Their relationship started way back in highschool. They were schoolmates. He was in his senior year when he noticed the beautiful Raven. She was a transferee and a junior highschool in their campus. She is smart and famous on their campus. On her first day of school, she immediately caught the eyes of every male student. Devlin wasn’t spared of her beauty. Not long enough, he confessed his real feelings towards her. It did not take long for her to reciprocate his feelings. She was his girlfriend two months after the start of their school year. They had lots of petty quarrels but they stayed together. Devlin graduated from highschool, but still they stayed as a couple. Then, they took a short break from their relationship after Devlin had to stay with his grandma who was sick at that time from cancer. A year later, they got back together. Their relationship has been like that, on and off. Finally, Raven decided to call it quits for good after several break offs. Aside from work and lack of time, he has been linked to a lot of women. That was the time when he was dubbed as a notorious playboy. After their breakup, he was on a dating spree. He went from one woman to another so quickly just like changing his clothes.

Now, looking back, he really wanted to make it right with Raven especially that she is involved now with someone he detested. He wants to take her back for good.

Devlin is now driving quietly to their destination. He is going to take her to something his place is famous for. After an hour driving around the city, they finally stopped at their destination. 

“Our place is famous for salmon. So, I decided for us to do some salmon watching. It will be fun. Then, we can go outside so we can view those different ships of all sizes. And I can just drive you around the city after that to see some famous landmarks. On the weekend, we can go somewhere farther. So, just enjoy and have fun.” Devlin said cheerfully. 

He saw how happy Amber was. She has been smiling all day.She was enjoying every bit of their sightseeing activity. Her smile and laughter are quite infectious. However, he remains mostly quiet just letting Amber enjoy the scenery.

“Hey, I’ve noticed you have been quiet for a while now. Is there something wrong?” The worried look on Amber’s face is visible. 

“No, nothing is wrong. I just remember grandma. When I was a kid, we used to go fishing together at the lake or sometimes we simply enjoyed watching the view of the lake.” He said in a low voice, he has a dreamy look in his eyes. His mind is wandering in the past.

“I am sure your grandma is truly happy and proud of you.” Amber said in a gentle voice. She almost held his hand to comfort him but she reminded herself that she should not breach any boundaries between them. They are just friends.

“Thank you. I can’t talk to no one. I am distant to my parents. And my brother… We always have this silent sibling rivalry.” When he thought of his brother, he felt really bad and angry at the same time. The reason why he is dying to get back with Raven is because the two are together right now. Raven is now the girlfriend of his brother. He had a feeling that his brother did it on purpose to hurt him. And he can’t let anyone step on his ego, especially not his brother. 

“Anyway, you must be hungry by now.” Devlin checked his wristwatch. It is almost 12 noon. Amber only nodded at him. She is not that hungry but she felt that they needed to change location. The view of the water only reminded Devlin  about the past. It just made him sad.

They decided to go to a seafood restaurant. For Amber who grew up on a farm and eats mostly organic meat and vegetables, seafood is a great welcome treat for her. So far, she is having a great time with their tour around the city. 

‘So, I hope you are having fun.” Devlin said right after their food was served.

“Yes, everything was fun. I love it. The view here is definitely way different.” Amber chuckled lightly, happiness radiating on her face. She is far from the shy, serious woman he saw the first time. He did not even like her the first time. But now… Devlin has to stop himself. What is he thinking? He had to shake his head.

“Anyway, after our ride around the city, we are going to the mall. We will shop for your clothes.” He declared but Amber protested.

“Wait, I don’t want to be rude. I am thankful for all of these but I don't have to shop for clothes. That is too much.” Devlin only smiled at her which made her sighed in frustration. 

“You will need more clothes. I need you to come with me to a business dinner on Friday. And I don’t take no for an answer.” Amber was completely surprised. She agreed to go out with him to tour around the city. He offered and she took it as a friendly gesture from his side. However, why does she have to accompany him on a business dinner? 

“A business dinner? What do I have to do with it?” She said blankly, her head is busy with other thoughts. 

“Come on. It is only a business dinner. You only have to give your best smile to them. Besides, you are great at talking, especially about business things. You have the knowledge for it.” Devlin's encouraging words are convincing. But she is still hesitant to go to a business dinner with him.

“O–okay, as long as I do only what you just said, I think I am fine with it. I can handle it.” She said shyly. She is not really sure why every minute she is getting pulled more towards Devlin. 

Right after lunch, they proceeded to the mall to buy a dress for her for the business dinner. They went to this boutique where they already have dresses on display. Amber tried at least three dresses before she finally settled on one dress which Devlin approved. When she tried it on, it perfectly hugged her curves. 

“Ma’am, you look so beautiful!” Exclaimed the saleslady who assisted her in the fitting area. Amber shyly looked at herself in the mirror. She couldn't even recognize herself. Back in the farm, she is used to wearing jeans and a simple t-shirt. She does not have to dress up for any grand occasion. She does have some dresses for special celebrations but not as lavish as the dress she tried on right now.

She quickly looked at Devlin who only stared at her for a while. He only nodded at her to give his approval. He did not say anything. She was slightly disappointed but she did not dress up to impress him. It is for the business dinner on Friday. She should stop thinking way beyond her imagination.

After buying her dress, he also bought an expensive purse and a pair of shoes to go with her dress. This is too much, she thought to herself. Why does he have to spend this much on her? Yes, they are friends now but still… She just could not understand why he has to spend all these things for her? Is he running out of women? Last time she checked, she read about him dating a blonde beauty who is equally as rich as him. She only shook her head. She has no time to think further as Devlin keeps pulling her to different stores.

They went to the other stores to shop for some casual clothes for her. They ended up bringing a lot of shopping bags to the car. 

Amber thought they were driving back to the condo but they stopped by at a salon. She gave Devlin a curious look.

“I booked an appointment for you at the salon. They are actually the best in town. You can tell the lady what hairstyle you want. Or they can make some nice suggestions for you.” He said while parking the car. 

“Do I really have to do it?” Devlin looked at her for a few moments and simply smiled. She took his reaction as a disapproval of her look right now.

The moment they got inside the salon, a woman named Bridgette immediately greeted Devlin. He must have frequently visited this place but this salon is exclusive for women only. She did not have time to think further as someone came to talk to Devlin. Amber noted that she is a very beautiful, sophisticated woman. She has long, straight black hair. She looks so confident in the way she speaks and carries herself gracefully. She wonders who the woman might be…