Chapter 6

Lauren

I had never been happier to see headlights in all my life, and I texted Noah to let him know that Gage had made it to me before any monsters.

He came up to my window, shivering in his coat. “Hey, are you okay? Want to pop the hood and let me take a look?”

“Sure.” I reached down and popped the hood, and he disappeared behind it.

“Battery looks fine; it might be your fuel pump. I’ll just wait with you until they get here.” He blew on his fingertips, and I realized he didn’t have gloves.

I hit the unlock button. “Come around and get in. It’s warmer in here.”

He wasted no time running around the car and practically fell into the seat, he was so tall. “Thanks. It’s getting worse out there.” He rubbed his hands and blew on them again. I couldn’t remember him ever owning a pair of gloves as a kid, either, and I remembered my mother making him wear her Isotoners, and how he’d complained that they were girl gloves, and Noah had laughed.

I reached over and took his hands into mine, which were warm in my own gloves. “We’ll wait a bit, and then we’ll call again and get someplace warm.” I looked up to see that he was staring at our hands, and while I hadn’t thought anything of warming them, it must have been incredibly awkward for him after so many years apart.

“Thanks.” He smiled and gave them one last rub.

“I was just thinking about my mom’s black Isotoners. She would want you to have warm hands, at least.”

“She was a great lady. I can’t believe you remember that. We were so young, and you were so much younger.”

“I remember just about everything when it comes to you and my brother; all of your crazy stunts.” I gave a little laugh, and my heart warmed a bit when he joined in. He was still as hot as ever, and even though my brother had been dubbed the heartbreaker of the two, I was sure Gage had done his fair share.

“Yeah, we had some good times.” His eyes seemed even darker blue than they used to be and even though Noah told me he’d been messed up a bit in that plane crash with cuts and scratches, I couldn’t see one scar. Of course, the beard might be hiding a few. It was new, but I really liked how it gave him a rougher look.

“Still do from time to time, if my brother’s stories are any indication.”

His cheeks reddened a bit. “That makes me wonder just what he’s told you.”

“Well, I’m sure he leaves out most of the good stuff, since telling me would incriminate himself, but I can fill in the blanks.” I had always been able to tell when the two of them had something plotted, and Noah usually slipped up after and said something anyway. He was no good at keeping secrets, at least, not from me, and he had no poker face.

“Yeah, that’s Noah. Never rob a bank with him.” We shared a laugh, and then I found myself staring a little too long at him.

“Yeah, I heard all about the plane crash. I’m glad you’re here. Sounds like it was a close call.”

“Yeah, pretty damn close. My mother always said I bounced.” He shrugged it off, and I realized he probably didn’t want to talk about it. Besides, what was I going to ask him? Show me your scars? Any lasting traumas?

My windshield was accumulating snow, and the car wasn’t as warm as when he’d opened the door. “I think I’ll just call them and ask them to tow it home. I’ll have someone come out and look at it. We’re going to freeze.”

“Sounds good. Are you going back to your father’s house?”

“No, Reed is staying there. I’m going to get a hotel room.” I didn’t want to spend the entire trip down talking about work, and that was all Reed ever focused on; that, and his retirement.

I gathered my things and made a quick call to the towing company who said they’d been delayed but would pick it up and take it to my father’s house. Then we headed out into the cold and to Gage’s big truck.

We climbed in, and I slammed my door a bit too hard and then strapped into my seatbelt.

He reached across and made sure it was in good. “Hey, instead of getting a room, you can stay at my place. I’d love to have you.”

Heat warmed me in all the right places, and it was so very wrong. “Thanks, but no, I don’t want to impose, and I’ve got so much business, I’d be in and out so much.”

“Suit yourself, but the offer stands. At least let me take you out to dinner. I’ve wanted to see you and catch up. It’s been too long. I was actually going to call you, but you beat me to the punch.” Suddenly, he was looking at me in a way I’d always wanted him to when I was younger, and while a part of me rejoiced, fresh wounds still reminded me not to let myself get too involved. Craig had only broken my heart; Gage could obliterate it. And seeing him could ruin so much more, too. I wasn’t sure if I should dare.

A little dinner wouldn’t hurt. “Yeah, I’d like that. We should catch up.” But only as friends.

“Are you seeing anyone?” The question hit me from left field.

“Not anymore.” I didn’t want to tell him too much, in case he decided to mention something to my brother.

“Oh? A recent breakup?”

I let out a breath and gave him a weary grin. “It’s not really a big deal.”

“Are you hungry? We could stop and get something to eat now if you want.”

“No, I’m good, thanks. I stopped about two hours ago.”

“Ah, okay. Well, I guess I’ll just take a pizza home to the little lady in my life, like I promised, and see if she’s still awake.” He gave me a goofy grin and then continued down the road like it was no big deal. I was a little miffed at myself, though, for thinking that he might want to give me the kind of attention I’d always craved from him. Boy, had I been wrong. Unless he was like Craig and thought that I’d be his number two lady.

I stared out of the window as the silence stretched out between us, and once we got to the hotel, he parked and then came around to help me climb out of the truck.

“I’ll walk you up.” He rested his hand on my back.

“No, that’s okay. You should be getting that pizza home to your girlfriend. And thanks so much for helping me.”

He belted a laugh as I gave him a narrow glare. “I’m talking about Ollie. You know? Olivia, my daughter?”

I closed my eyes and felt like a total idiot. I had forgotten all about the little girl he’d had with Katrina Phillips, who had died in a car accident. Noah had told me all about it and how Gage had recently gotten custody of her. “Oh, sorry. I just assumed.”

“No, it’s okay. But I’m not seeing anyone, for the record.” He took my hand and led me into the hotel like it was the most natural thing in the world, and I supposed it was, being that we were old friends.

“Well, that’s good to know. But if that’s your way of asking me out on a date, I’m not sure Noah will like it.”

He pulled his lips into a tight line. “I know he wouldn’t, but he’d be okay with dinner, and if you happen to have a good time, what’s the harm? We’re both adults, Lauren. Besides, we can be friends. I’d never do anything to hurt you or Noah.”

“Thanks. I’m just going to be so busy, but I want to make time to have dinner; maybe after the reading? I’ve missed you.”

“Sounds good. I’ve missed you, too. You know, you can call me whenever you like if you just need to talk.” He led me to the check-in booth, and once I confirmed my reservations, he followed me up, seeing me to the door like a true gentleman. Craig had always met me at the hotel, and now, I knew why. He couldn’t be seen coming and going. But Gage was different in so many ways. He was not only more rugged and handsome, but he had manners, and it was so very sexy.

I unlocked the door, and he watched as I walked in and explored the room.

“How is your daughter?” It was hard to imagine him with a little girl, especially raising her alone. I wondered if he had a nanny hired to help out. I knew he’d taken R&R and made it into a huge company.

“She’s a little imp at times, but she’s beautiful. I never knew I was capable of so much love.” His eyes lit up when he talked about her, and it was obvious that she melted his heart just by the way his voice softened when he spoke of her. It was a total turn on to see that side of him.

“I’d love to meet her sometime. I know she’s bound to be adorable. Katrina was a beautiful girl.”

“Well, she happens to look just like yours truly, but don’t worry, all that sass of hers comes from her mother.”

“Looks like you?” I curled my lip and tried hard not to laugh. “I won’t hold it against her.”

He gave me a playful nudge. “You’re too funny; a real laugh riot.” He poked me in the ribs, and I giggled just like I would if I were still twelve. We exchanged a flirty look, and then he let out a breath as my phone went off. “Let me guess, it’s your brother, right?”

I reached into my bag and pulled it out. “Yeah, I think he figured out we must be having too much fun.” I stuffed it back in my bag without answering it. I didn’t have time to get the third degree from my brother.

“You know he’s just going to call me next, right?” He gave a short laugh as the phone stopped ringing. “Three. Two. One.” His phone rang, and he smiled.

I smiled. “Let’s let him wonder.”

“Okay, then. But I guess I’ll leave you to get all settled. Let me know if you need anything, okay? I’ll help any way I can.” He gave me a look of concern.

I patted his hand. “Thanks.” I couldn’t help but think what a shame it was that he had to go back home and bring his daughter that pizza. I suddenly wanted to visit a little more, and with any luck, I’d get the kiss I’d been waiting for my whole life.

“Anytime.” He opened his arms and leaned in to hug me.

I pulled away a little slower than normal, and he turned and kissed my cheek. It was the first time he’d ever kissed me, and although it was a friendly one, much like something my brother would do, I felt like the two of us were connecting on some deeper level.

He turned to go, and I watched him as he got in the elevator. Then I headed back to my room.

I answered the phone when Noah called the second time and assured him that Gage hadn’t even walked into my hotel room. Not one step.

Then I called Chloe and let her know I’d made it safely and what had happened with the car. And even though I talked to them both and had a long talk with Chloe, my mind still wandered back to his lips on my cheek. The place was still tingling in my heart.