Free Young At Heart by Kay Ellis Page A

desperate to bag himself a rich American husband. And now Devon had to contend with sympathetic looks from the rest of the table, who seemed to think he should be deeply shamed by Mark’s apparent rejection.
    As soon as he could, he made his excuses and went in search of the bathroom. Taking a wrong turn, he found himself in a large sitting room where glass doors led out onto a balcony. The doors were open, the curtains billowing into the room in the breeze. Crossing the room, Devon stepped out onto the balcony, marvelling at the view from the high vantage point.
    â€œYou’ll freeze to death out here,” Mark Walker said, making Devon jump as he stepped out of the shadows. “You should have brought your coat.”
    â€œUnexpected detour.” Devon smiled. “I was looking for the bathroom.”
    â€œThere’s four of them in there somewhere. I’m sure you’ll find one eventually.”
    â€œFour? Who on earth needs four bathrooms?”
    â€œActually, my place has five,” Mark admitted. “But keep it to yourself. Don’t want anyone thinking I’m big-headed.”
    â€œOr that you have a big ass,” Devon quipped inanely, and was rewarded with a broad smile. He cocked his head to one side and regarded Mark sombrely. “So, what are you doing out here? I hope you don’t feel you have to hide from me.”
    â€œNot you. The rest of them, maybe. I know they mean well, but....”
    â€œBut you don’t need fixing up with a blind date any more than I do.”
    â€œYeah. Look, I’m sorry if I was rude in there. It’s not because of you.”
    â€œIt’s fine. You weren’t rude.”
    Mark sighed and took a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He offered the pack and Devon shook his head. Mark lit one for himself and inhaled deeply. “So what’s your story? You’re an attractive, intelligent man. I don’t get why anyone would have to fix you up.”
    â€œI don’t know.” Devon shivered, thinking Mark was right about needing a coat. He wrapped his arms around his body and stared out across the park. “My guess is, my current love interest is deemed unsuitable for a man of my age and stature. Maybe they think you’re a better option.”
    â€œUnsuitable in what way?”
    â€œHe’s nineteen. Or, rather, he will be tomorrow. He has an unstable background and no money. Hardly the catch of the century.”
    â€œAre you for real?” Mark arched an eyebrow and Devon sensed his words had annoyed him, although he couldn’t imagine how.
    â€œHave I said something wrong?”
    â€œNo, it’s just....” Mark frowned. “I thought maybe someone told you.”
    â€œAbout what?”
    â€œAbout me. Sorry, but what you said... that was me eighteen years ago. I’d dropped out of college, couldn’t hold down a job, my old man kicked me out. I didn’t care. If I wasn’t there at least it meant he couldn’t kick the shit out me when he was drunk. I was eighteen, drinking too much, and screwing anything with a pulse. I thought my life was already over. Then I met Johnny. He was beautiful, smart, and loaded. He was also forty-five. Everyone thought he was crazy hooking up with a loser like me, but we loved each other.”
    â€œDid it work out?” Devon asked, wanting Mark to offer him a little bit of hope.
    â€œHe saved me,” Mark replied. “He turned my life around. Made me the man I am today. Johnny forced me to get an education and work for the things I wanted in life. So, yes, it worked. It worked for eighteen years.”
    â€œWhat happened?”
    â€œHe got cancer. He was dead within a month of being diagnosed.”
    â€œOh, Mark, I’m so sorry.”
    â€œDon’t be. They were the best years of my life. We were happy.” Mark tossed his cigarette butt to the floor and ground it out beneath the heel of his shoe.