“I’d never do that.”
“I already knew that, but then again, I thought Mike never would either.”
I take her by the chin and compel her to look at me. “I would never, Iris. I swear to you.”
“Thanks.”
“You don’t have to thank me. Other than the emotional upheaval we’ve both been through, this has been an amazing few days. I feel better than I have in a long time.”
“I’m glad.”
“And I want you to know… I’m seriously thinking about whether I can give the dreaded R-word a try.”
“You are? Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Aw, Gage. Look at you! My little boy is growing up and spreading his wings again.”
“Stuff it,” I mutter, giving her a light spank on the bum.
Her giggle is the sound of joy, something that’s been sorely lacking for me since my world imploded. Along with it comes a hopeful sensation blooming like a flower within me, another reminder that life goes on even when you’re sure it won’t.
After I getthe kids off to school in the morning, I come back to the house to have coffee with Gage, who hid out in my room until the kids and I left. It’s far too soon for them to see him in my bedroom or to realize he’s spent the night. He moved his car down the street before we finally went to sleep around midnight.
“You’re going to work today,” I tell him.
“Yes, I am, but only because I have to, not because I want to. I heard Tyler asking about finishing the model. Tell him I’ll be back after work.”
“You don’t have to, Gage.”
“Yes, I do, and besides, I want to.”
“The least I can do is feed you dinner, then.”
“I won’t say no to that.”
I can see that he doesn’t want to leave me, but he’s got a company to run, and I have a million things to do after having been distracted the last few days. “Go.”
“Can I take Mike’s phone with me?”
“No, you can’t,” I reply, smiling. “It’s safe to leave me alone with it. I promise.”
He stands and comes to where I’m leaning against the counter, coffee in hand. Taking the mug from me, he puts it on the counter and wraps his arms around me. His lips against my neck send a shiver of desire straight to my core. How does he arouse me so easily?
“Don’t do anything to hurt my friend Iris. She means a lot to me.”
“I won’t.”
We hold each other for a long time before he lets go, seeming reluctant.
“I’m fine. I promise.”
“If you’re not, call me.”
“I will.
“And you’d better call Roni before she shows up here to see for herself that you’re okay.”