Adamantly, she shakes her head. “No. He didn’t hurt me emotionally too much either. And I got out early. I kind of spotted the signs that he was a con artist,” she says, a touch of shame in her voice. “But I hate that he conned a bunch of other women.” With a sigh, she lifts her caramel latte, and takes a sip. “So it just feels kind of raw. I think that’s why I haven’t said yes to the interview yet. I feel kind of foolish still.”
Compelled to comfort her, I close the distance between us, move behind her, and press a kiss to her neck. I wrap my arms around her waist, holding her close. She sighs contentedly against me.
“Don’t beat yourself up, sweetheart. Maybe dating some unsavory guys in the past helped you to see the signs with him. You figured out what to look for,” I say, trying my damnedest to shore her up.
“Yeah, maybe. It’s just too bad the other women didn’t see that.”
I nod resolutely. “It is. I hate men who take advantage of women. Who lie and cheat and steal. There’s a special place in hell for them.”
After she puts down the latte, she turns her face to me, a smile tipping her lips. My heart speeds up. Damn, her smile is magic, and she’s casting a spell on me. “Thank you for the latte, Gabe. And for the dog walk. And just for saying that. I appreciate it.”
I run a hand gently down her cheek. “I don’t want anyone to hurt you ever.” Then I brush my lips to hers. The kiss is soft and tender, and I like it far too much. So I linger in it, indulging in the taste of her caramel lips.
Axel’s words echo in my head, taunting me.Someone has it bad.
But I bat them away. Of course I like her. Hell, I’ve liked her since that night under the mistletoe—the first night Icouldlet myself like her.
That doesn’t mean I can let anything happen beyond this week. A deal’s a deal.
16
GOOD BEHAVIOR
A few hours later…
Gabe: That didn’t take long.
Ellie:What? You returned home a few minutes ago, and you’ve already taken matters into your own hands?
Ellie:And I thought what I did to you this morning in the shower was enough…as well as on the kitchen floor after I finished the latte. Also under the covers in the middle of the night.
Ellie:But you do have a big appetite so…
Gabe: Damn, woman. You type too fast. And for the record, keep doing all of those things. I want them all. Ineedthem all. But know this—if I jack off after I see you, it’s because I am insatiable for you. And I am picturing the next thing we’ll do. Like when I see you tonight.
Ellie:Acceptable answer.
Gabe:As I was trying to say, what didn’t take long is that my mom already called. Guess she heard from your mom.
Ellie:Telephone works fast in our little hometown! Tongues are clearly wagging about our upcoming appearance this weekend.
Gabe:The book club ladies are buzzing about us. My mom called as I was heading to the gym. Wanted to talk all about you. I bet my dad will call any second too, since Mom tells him everything and vice versa.
Ellie:So what did your mom say? Did she give you a hard time? I hope not! *bites nails*
Gabe:No. Why would you say that?
Ellie:I guess maybe because I was the girl you babysat?
Gabe:And I was a perfect gentleman those nights. For the record, I never once thought of you naked until that eggnog party when you were in college, and you officially became the sexiest person I’d ever seen in my life.
Ellie:Wow. I’m flattered.
Gabe:It’s the truth.
Ellie:For the record, you gave me my first orgasm when I was fifteen.
Gabe:WHAT???