“You ready for the wedding?” It’s awkward sitting here, making small talk, when what I really want is to ask him about yesterday and why he spent the entire time avoiding me.
“I think we have everything under control. Avery and Jake seemed happy when they went to bed last night. I don’t know what they’ve done about the guys’ tuxedos since they were supposed to have been picked up yesterday at five o’clock.”
“Oh, no. Do the guys have something decent to wear?” The words are out of my mouth, and I realize after the fact how shitty that sounded.
Gabe laughs. “Believe it or not, we all own a few nice shirts. Some even come with long sleeves on them.”
My face plants into my hands, and I know my cheeks are red. I can feel the heat coming off them. When I look back up, it’s to find Gabe smirking over the top of his cup with one raised brow.
“I’m sorry. That didn’t come out the way I meant it to. I only meant, do they have something that will look nice and match for the wedding? I know you all own more than T-shirts and tank tops. I was just thinking…”
Gabe’s hands reach over, gripping mine, pulling them away from my face. “Calm down, Vixen. It’s okay. I knew what you meant. I was just fucking with you.”
“Hmm, seems to be a pattern,” I tease, pulling my hands back, and taking a sip of my coffee to hide my smile.
“Morning!” Hawk announces his presence, breaking the moment. I’m certain from the heated glare on Gabe’s face he had something he wanted to say in response to my retort.
“Anyone need a refill while I’m back here?” Hawk asks as he makes himself a cup of coffee. We both wave Hawk off.
“No, thank you. I’m good.”
“I meant to thank you,” Gabe starts. His eyes sparkle with mischief, and I’m worried about where this conversation may be going.
“Um, what for?” I ask hesitantly.
“My gift.” Gabe smiles, and I swear I hear Hawk cough to cover his laughter.
Knowing exactly what he’s talking about but wanting to see where this conversation is going, and just how much he’s said to his men, I push back. “I’m not sure I know which gift you’re referring to.”
Gabe smiles. “The Christmas tree you left in my office.”
“Oh, that was nothing. Just something I saw that made me think of you.” I smile over my cup, attempting to use it as a shield and failing. “Do you like it? I thought the ornaments were especially fitting and unique, you know. It seemed like it would be a nice addition to your small space.”
He sets his cup down, leaning forward, taking up every bit of oxygen in the room and speaking softly where only I can hear, he says, “I don’t think it was mysmall spaceyou were thinking about when you bought that tree. I think maybe you were trying to tell me I’m a pain in your ass.”
It’s my turn to cough over my laugh. “Hmm. That is an option. But I think I was pretty clear in the card when I said it was the perfect gift for an asshole.”
“Mm-hmm. Well, again, thank you for the gift. I can see it’s going to come in quite handy in the near future.”
“Oh, so you are planning an attitude adjustment then? That’s good to know.” This time, Hawk can’t keep his laughter to himself.Nosy bastard.
“Hawk!” Gabe shouts.
“Sorry, Pres. I was just remembering something Sadie said this morning.”
“Do tell,” Gabe growls, but his eyes are still locked on mine.
“Nah. You don’t … it’s nothing. You two go on with your conversation. I’m going to take this cup of coffee back to my woman and help prevent any murderous activities she may consider this morning.” He turns to me, smiling. “Sadie’s not much of a morning person.”
“Oh, I know. I’ve seen her when she comes into the café early looking for her espresso shot to start her day,” I joke.
“Hawk.” Gabe looks up at him then back to me. “What was so funny that you couldn’t help but laugh and interrupt our conversation? Please share with the rest of us.”
“Shit,” Hawk grumbles. “All right, but remember this came from your niece—not me, your brother, who always has your back.” Hawk looks up at the ceiling as if scolding himself, and mumbles, “That’s not going to make this sound any better.”
“Out with it.”
Hawk sighs, “Sadie mentioned how she thought Linzie’s gift was a perfect fit for you since you seem to need something to loosen your ass up and get your brain working again.”
