Devil in a Suit

I gave him a pointed look. I knew that Tyler wouldn’t lie to me, especially when it came to business. He wanted me to succeed, which meant being honest with me if I needed to make any changes to our business idea. He had already suggested a few that I integrated.

“He wouldn’t do that,” I replied, sounding more defensive than I meant to.

Nick put his hands up innocently. “Just checking. I can’t believe you have a billionaire under your thumb,” Nick chuckled.

“I don’t have him under my thumb. We… like each other,” I muttered the last part as I gazed down at my hands. If I was honest with myself, I didn’t just like him. What I felt for him went far beyond just having a little crush, but I was nervous to admit that right now. We only just agreed to officially be together. I didn’t want to complicate things when everything felt so good right now.

“Wait. Did you guys talk? Are you together-together?” Hannah gasped as she grabbed my arm with both of her hands, giving me an excited shake.

I shushed her, looking around quickly to make sure that no one was paying attention to us. I didn’t want anyone but them to know that I was with Tyler. I only let them know because they were my best friends. I trusted them, and I had to tell someone about the craziness happening in my life right now.

“Yeah, we’re together,” I said, unable to fully hide my smile. I couldn’t help it. I was really happy. I hadn’t even been searching for a boyfriend, but I couldn’t deny what was between us. I wasn’t going to pass this up either because I was certain that I wouldn’t feel this way for anyone else.

“Oh! Yay!” Hannah exclaimed happily as she tossed her arms around me, hugging me tightly.

I grunted as she nearly squeezed the air right out of my lungs. I patted her arms with a breathless laugh, feeling grateful for her support. I was certain that they would love Tyler once they got to meet him and get to know who he was beyond his tough exterior.

“Thanks. He wants to meet you guys one day,” I said. Maybe I twisted that a little, but I was sure that he was interested in meeting my friends. We were gradually integrating into each other’s lives. I would get to meet his friends, and then we could talk about meeting each other’s families. I was a little nervous about that, but I felt more happiness than nervousness about getting to those steps with him.

“Oh, really?” Nick smirked. “Seems like things are getting pretty serious.”

I shrugged as I joined my hands together on the table. I wanted to be serious with Tyler. I wasn’t interested in anything casual or temporary. I wanted him and him only.

“I didn’t mean for this to happen. There was a time when I hated him, but… things are different now,” I told them.

Hannah peered at me with what looked like starry eyes as I spoke.

“Do you love him?” she asked in a sing-song voice.

My heart jolted slightly at her words. Did I love him?

“Maybe,” I replied with a shy smile. “We’re just taking things slow, though.”

“Does he really seem like he’s relationship material? He’s been a bachelor for a while,” Nick asked me, looking unsure.

Hannah glared at Nick. “People can change,” she said.

I remained quiet for a few seconds as I pondered Nick’s words. I hadn’t really thought about Tyler being a bachelor all that much. I knew why so many girls wanted him. He was handsome, successful, and confident, a total package. I just hoped that I would be good enough for him when he could have any girl that he wanted.

“I trust him,” I merely said. That was all that I needed to say.

Nick nodded. “I just don’t want you to get hurt, Madi,” he said as his face softened.

I knew where he was coming from, and I appreciated his concern. I appreciated both of them, no matter what take they had on my relationship. I was sure about Tyler, and that was enough.

“I know, and I want you to be happy too,” I told him. “With someone that you choose.”

Nick smiled warmly at me. “Me too,” he said before glancing over at Hannah. “Any luck with the computer nerd?”

Hannah kicked his shin under the table. “Shut up,” she muttered before sinking back into her chair. “Nope. I’m too nervous to say anything. I couldn’t even look at him when I came here.”

I perked up a little.

“He’s here?” I asked her.

Hannah nodded as she turned in her seat and pointed at the front right corner of the main library area.

“The campus’ IT service is right there. He’s working the help desk this morning,” she replied.

“You should say hi,” I told her. The opportunity was right there, and I knew that she really liked this guy. Nick was going to be hopeless in the romance department for a little while, so it was down to Hannah to have as much luck as I was having.