Chapter 23

Gage

The cabin work was coming to completion, and I’d been called in to give my final stamp of approval on the project. I made my way up the winding road, and when it came into sight, all of the memories of it covered in snow flooded back to me.

We’d had such a good time together that first night, hot and steamy, and I felt an ache in my balls wishing I could have her again. I knew once this work was done, it might be the last excuse to get in touch, and with nearly two months passing since the last time we really spoke, other than a few texts here and there about the project, I figured she just wanted to forget it had all happened.

It might not have helped that I’d been angry and hung up on her the last time we’d talked on the phone, but I’d felt it better at the time than showing any more anger toward her. I was angry with myself mostly, for letting it all get out of hand. I’d talked her out of telling Noah when I should have done the right thing and told him immediately. What was done, was done though.

I parked out front, and Glen hurried out to meet me. “Thanks for coming, boss. It’s all ready for your final approval. I hope you’re satisfied with the view, but if not, you’ll have to speak to Mother Nature about that.” He gave a little laugh, his eyes squinting as he smiled.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure I’ll love it. I just hope my client does.” I really wanted her to be surprised, and I hoped that when she saw it, she’d appreciate what he was trying to do. “Let’s give it a look.” I walked into the house, and my chest felt like it was hollow, my guts a twisting rope, as I walked past the couch where the two of us had been together the first time. I had so many memories in the place before that one, but that was the only one that mattered to me anymore.

I went down the hall ahead of Glen, and before I even came to the door, I could see the amount of light spilling in from the sun. “It’s bright.” I walked into the room, and my breath was taken away. The window was perfect, and it wrapped up to the ceiling for a much bigger view.

“It’s gorgeous, man. I don’t know how anyone wouldn’t like something like this.”

“I agree, boss. And it boosted the property value as well. You just don’t see this every day.” I turned and saw the small nook where he’d inserted shelves and a small seat on the other corner, and I imagined her sitting there with a cup of coffee, the sunlight spilling in on her hair, the red highlights sparkling in the sun.

“It’s perfect, Glen. I can’t wait to show her.” I didn’t know if I should send photos or not. But I knew I needed to call and arrange for her to come see and give me her seal of approval. “I guess I should give her a call.” I let out a cleansing breath, and Glen’s hand landed on my shoulder.

“Good luck, boss, I hope she likes it.” He turned and walked to the door. “I’ll be out in the truck getting some papers ready for you to sign; give you a little privacy.”

“Thanks, man. You really outdid yourself on this one.” He left, and I walked over to sit on the bench in the little reading nook.

I didn’t know how to call. I’d hung up on her the last time, and I figured that was why she had only texted me in return. I guessed it was my place to call and apologize. I dialed the number.

“Hello, Gage. Did you call to hang up on me again?”

“No, and I’m sorry about that, but you know I’ve texted, and you haven’t bothered to keep in touch, either.”

“Well, I’ve been busy with this trial. That week-long trip to New York turned into a month, and I’ve been trying to get my wits back since. I got in last night. Everything is moving fast, and I’m already into another case. Luckily, this one I don’t have to travel for, and it should wrap up soon.”

“Good, then could you come down for a visit? I’d like you to see what I’ve done to the cabin.”

“What did you do? You could send pictures, you know?”

“No, I’m not sending pictures because I’d like for you to come and see it in person.”

“I will, but it will be a week or so at least. My life is very busy. I’ve got a pile of work waiting for me when I go back to the office tomorrow.”

“Mine too.” I was tired of her acting like she was the only one with a job and a life. “I’m busy too, remember? I have a daughter that takes all of my time.” I let my sarcasm be obvious.

“Right.” She let out a sigh. “I have responsibilities now, too, but I guess I can come in next week.”

“Next week? I might be around.”

“You don’t have to be such an ass, Gage. If you want me to come down, let’s plan something. Otherwise, you can send a photograph.”

“I’m an ass? You’re the one who acts like you don’t have time for me.”

“You’re the one who hung up on me. I can’t help it if my life has been a bit hectic with work, but my career is important to me. I can’t just retire early like you and leave other people to do all of my work for me.”

“Ah, now my money is a problem? That’s funny since most women don’t have a problem with it.”

“What does that mean? Are you seeing other women?” Her voice rose a bit, and part of me wanted to say yes.

“No, because I’m so wrapped up waiting around for you that I haven’t had time. I meant what I said, and no amount of time will change it, so if I’m wasting my time, do me the courtesy of telling me now.” I wasn’t going to sit and waste my life away waiting for her.

“I said I was coming. Besides, there’s something really important I need to discuss with you, and when I do, I want to work things out with us.”

“Tell me now, then, Lauren.”

“You don’t understand; it’s something I’d rather speak to you in person about.”

“Then I’ll drive up to see you.”

“No, I just told you I’m wrapping up another case shortly, and I will be pulling some late nights to do it.”

“Late nights? You’re working late with the client?” I tried not to be too accusatory.

“With the team, why?” Her tone seemed to indicate that she didn’t like mine.

“Just wondering.” I didn’t know if she was cozying up with some male client, and even though I hated to be jealous, she had dated her boss who still worked in the same building. “I guess I’ll see you when you finally have time.”

“Soon, Gage. I promise. Then, I want things to change for the better.”

“Don’t give me hope, not if there’s no chance.”

“There is, Gage. More than you think. Could you trust me, please?” Her voice softened, and I felt my guard come down a little.

“I miss us, Lauren. I want us. And I’m really ready for you to come down here and see what I did to the cabin.”

“What did you do?”

“Oh no, it’s a surprise.”

“You didn’t go all out, did you? That trade of services won’t be lopsided, will it? I don’t want to feel like I owe you.”

“You don’t ever owe me, baby. I wanted to do something nice for you.”

“Thank you. I’m sure I’ll love it. It’s not like you left some gaping hole in the wall.” She gave a half-hearted laugh, and I joined in.

“Well, sort of, but you’ll have to see.”

“Now I’m definitely coming down next week. That sounds a bit scary. Promise me you didn’t go overboard.”

“What would you consider overboard, exactly? Better yet, let’s end that conversation there. I don’t want to worry all week if you’re going to kill me or not.”

“I can’t wait to see you.” It was a shock to hear her say it, but I was sure glad she had.

“Me too. Send me a picture. I’ve looked at the others so much I’ve got them memorized.”

“I don’t know; I should make you wait.”

“Let me see, baby.” I hoped she’d be a little daring and send something naughty as she had in the past, but I wasn’t about to suggest it.

“Fine. I’ll send one picture, but you have to do the same.”

“Deal.” I held up the phone and snapped a picture, then sent it to her. The minute it sent, I heard a ping.

“Where are you? At the cabin?” I’d been careful not to send anything too telling.

“Yes. I had to come give my final stamp.”

“I’m getting excited.”

“I like that I have a surprise for you.”

“I might have one for you as well.” She gave a little laugh.

“Did you get me something while you were in New York?”

“No, I was too pissed off at you while I was in New York. You hung up on me, remember?”

“Oh right. I did that, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, you did that.” She didn’t sound too enthused, and I don’t think my apology had been enough.

“I’ll make it up to you next time I see you, okay?” I softened my voice a little, keeping it low and husky.

“I might be able to forgive you.”

“I hope so, baby. I really need us to work something out. I want to tell Noah; I want us to have a relationship. A real one. And if you’re worried about Ollie, don’t be. She’s been asking me about you all this time.” She’d even asked me if I’d only been teasing, but I didn’t want to tell Lauren that, or the fact that she’d asked me if I loved her and if she’d be her new mother someday. All of that might be a little too much for Lauren to swallow. I doubted she was ready to be a mother, especially to my girl.

“Still? Now I feel bad.”

“Don’t feel bad. She’s excited to meet you.” I couldn’t wait to have both of my girls together. “You’re still my girl, aren’t you, Lauren?”

“Am I? I mean, do you have room for me with Ollie already being your little girl?”

“She’s my little girl; you’re my girl, my lady, my woman. Whatever you want to be called. And yes, there’s plenty of room and time for you both.”

“Thanks, Gage. I feel better about things.” She gave a little sigh on the phone.

“You’ll feel even better once you get to come down and see the big hole I left in your wall.”

She laughed. “I hope that’s a hint.”

I didn’t want to give too much away. “Maybe, maybe not. I can’t wait to see you; hold you; kiss you.” I ached for her with a longing I’d never had for any other woman in my life, and I knew what it meant. It meant that I was in love with her, and when the time was right, I was going to tell her.