“See, now that was clever. I can’t understand how you could think only Aubrey was the creative one in your schemes. You? Straight man? No way.”
She paused, and he wondered if he’d made a mistake mentioning her sister.
But Zoe’s slow smile enthralled him. “She’d have liked you, Gavin.”
“I know I’d have liked her. But not more than you.”
She took his hand to her lips and kissed it.
Not to be outdone. Mauler leaned forward and slobbered a tongue in Gavin’s ear.
“So romantic. Not. Ew,” Gavin complained and wiped his ear, shoving Mauler’s huge head back and scratching his ears. Secretly, he thanked the dog. Because if Mauler hadn’t made that move, Gavin might have done something stupid. Like told Zoe how much he cared for her. How he thought he might…love her.
And wouldn’t that be a disaster?
* * *
Zoe spent the next week with Gavin. They worked separately, of course. But she met him at the gym for workouts when he could squeeze her in between clients. For all that he’d said he hadn’t intended to work at the gym as long as he had, he seemed a natural fit for training. The gym patrons loved him, and so did Mac.
For her part, she loved watching him move those sexy muscles. The man could seriously rock those gym outfits. Unfortunately, Mac now seemed to have a store of red gym shirts in all sizes, so Gavin had no choice but to wear them.
The prank wars had managed to come to an end. Landon was still incensed that he and Ava hadn’t been invited to the pregnant dinner prank, but whatever. Gavin and Zoe reigned supreme. Ava told her Landon had actually been amused by the whole thing, especially about Linda losing to the “new girl.”
Today, Sunday afternoon, Gavin planned on spending the day with Theo while Zoe spent some much-needed girl time with Cleo. Piper had extended her East Coast trip through July, so only Cleo and Zoe shared Sunday tea and cakes in her flourishing garden.
“So, tell all,” Cleo ordered as she munched on a Twinkie.
“Really? I made scones.” Zoe frowned. “You didn’t have to bring your own snacks.”
“Snackcakes. And sorry, but those scones taste like paste. Use sugar next time. Here. Have a Ho Ho.”
“What did you call me?”
Cleo shook her head. “I think all that sex you’re having has messed with your funny bone. You and the jokes lately.”
“Good, aren’t they?” Zoe bit into a scone. Cloe didn’t know what she was talking about.
Cleo laughed. “They’re so bad they’re good. You look great, Zoe. And you’re always smiling. I think Gavin is turning you into a real girl. I’m glad you have him, though I miss hanging out with you.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I know what it’s like. All that newness, the excitement, getting laid after an eternity of cobwebs taking root in your hoohah.”
“Oh, that’s an image.”
Cleo laughed. “Ain’t it though? That’s a Scottism.”
“So how is he?”
Cleo sighed. “Still in Germany. Still not coming home yet. It’s weird how his orders keep getting delayed. But if the Army needs him there, then that’s where he has to be.” She shrugged. “So tell me, how are Sir Gavin and his fine ass today?”
“I knew it was a mistake to have you join the gym.”
“Zoe, my God. The man’s ass should have shrines and statues built to worship it. Two round, rock-hard globes of that magnitude… Just…amazing.”
“Stop.”
“So do you ever just want to climb him and put a flag between his cheeks, then do a big old Matterhorn victory dance? Like you’ve conquered Mount Donnigan, all by yourself?”
