He was visibly irritated. "Joy, have you ever heard of playing hard to get? You barely know the guy, and you're already letting him crash at your place overnight. Are you not afraid he might take you for a ride?" "Did you time travel from the Victorian era?" Joy retorted, "Your buddies play the field like it's going out of style. How come they didn't liberate you, too?"
Devin choked on her words for a moment.
"Besides, I've known Austin for five years. If it weren't for him having to get that check-up, I probably would've had him wrapped around my finger by now."
"Who's wrapping who, exactly? You're clueless, thinking you're getting the better end of the deal. You'd probably thank someone for robbing you. Can't you be a little smarter?"
Devin was fuming. "Yeah, five years, but so what? How come it took him this long to make a move on you? He's too savvy to fall for someone like you."
Ready to launch into a physical retort with whatever was at hand, Joy paused, realizing Devin's irritation stemmed from jealousy, seeing Austin as a rival. She forgave him, thinking, 'Who can resist my charm after all?'
"I'm warning you. Austin is my boyfriend. Show some respect. He never talks about you behind your back."
Devin internally sulked, feeling outplayed. He tried to suppress his anger, his voice a mix of hardness and a plea for peace. "Why don't you break up with him?"
Joy crossed her arms. "And why would I do that?"
"Because I like you," Devin said, his heart racing, his face going red and his voice shaky. "Break up with him and be with me. I won't fight with you or tease you anymore. Whatever you want, a designer bag, a car, or your favorite food, I'll get it for you. Let me be your boyfriend, okay?"
Joy couldn't hear the intense heartbeat with which Devin spoke, nor did she notice his trembling hands.
In her eyes, Devin had been long coveting her.
"In your dreams," she quipped, and with a swift move, she had Devin in a headlock. "Think you can ruin my love life? Not happening!"
Devin, who had always been cynical about love, found the concept grating.
He felt it was unfair. Why was it that jumping into Austin's arms was received with affection, but when it came to him, it was a headlock?
He felt defeated, realizing the differential treatment meant Joy didn't have feelings for him.
"If a woman likes a man, she wouldn't put him in a headlock so heartlessly."
"Do you like Austin?" he asked.
"Sure," Joy said, "Why else would I be with him?"
Devin felt sour and heavy in his chest, unwilling to accept. "What's so great about that playboy that you like?"
"He's handsome, smart, kind,
considerate, talented, successful
Please Austin founded Lyle Advertising Agency, making it the top of the industry. How is that not impressive?"
Joy looked at him as if he was joking, "You're still wet behind the ears. What right do you have to talk about him?"
Their banter was routine, never
pulling punches. But today, Joy noticed Devin turned away, his aw clenched, a sign of hurt she hadn't expected to see.
Elbowing him gently, Joy said, "Hey, what's with you today? Are you possessed? If you want, hit back. Don't act like I'm bullying you."
"Who cares about arguing with you." Devin turned back, feigning nonchalance.
As Joy was about to respond, Austin approached from a side path.
She had lingered downstairs longer than usual, and Austin had comez down to fetch her, first glancing at Devin, then telling her, "Didn't want you getting lost again. If you wo aren't done, I'll wait over here."
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