“I hear you, Gage. You know what they say about snitches?”
“They get stitches. And we’ve both seen her handle a knife.”
Tonya struggled not to laugh. “Keep talking about me like I’m not here and somebodywillget cut.”
“Enough talk about knives and stitches,” Eustace said. “What’s wrong with the gates at DuPont House, Tonya?”
“They won’t close.”
“Hannah’s right about not wanting you to stay there alone. There’s no such thing as a crime-free neighborhood. It can happen to you. Where you have people you’ll find crazies. You better take good care of my apprentice or you’ll hear it from me.”
Gage smiled. “Not to worry, big brother. She’s safe with me.”
Tonya stared at Gage and slowly counted to ten before going off on him. She didn’t need him to monitor her hours or intercede where it concerned her and Eustace. He was doing exactly what she’d talked to Hannah about—a man attempting to control her life.
He ended the call, set the phone on the countertop, and eased her off the stool and cradled her to his chest. “I worry about you, Tonya. You were so exhausted yesterday that you couldn’t stay to watch the entire game. You can’t keep up the same pace and then hit the ground running when it’s time for you to open your place. And please don’t tell me that you’ll have other people in the kitchen helping you. I don’t care if you have fifty or a hundred working, all of the responsibility for the restaurant’s success or failure is still on your shoulders.” He tightened his hold on her waist. “I don’t want you to think I’m trying to run your life, because that’s the last thing I want to do. Not only do I care about you, but I also care what happens to you.”
A knot rose in Tonya’s throat when she realized she had been wrong to compare Gage to her ex. At every turn Samuel attempted to tell her what to do and how to do it. He’d claimed it was concern when she knew it was control.
Her hands came up and she cradled his face. “What is it you want from me?” Her voice was barely a whisper.
Gage closed his eyes. “All I ask is for you to let me take care of you.” He opened his eyes; the intensity in the luminous orbs frightened her.
“That’s it?”
“That’s enough for me.”
Going on tiptoe, Tonya brushed her mouth over his. “If that’s all you’re asking, then I’m more than honored to let you take care of me.” She could feel his heart thudding against hers when she moved even closer. “Now it’s my turn. What do you want me to give you?”
Gage trailed light kisses along the column of her neck. “I don’t think you’re ready to give me what I want.”
“Try me. I’ve been known to be a genie on occasion and grant a few wishes.”
“Are you sure you want to hear it?”
She nodded. “I’m very sure.”
“Don’t leave.”
Tonya blinked once. “Don’t leave?”
“Yes. I want you to stay; move in with me.”
Now she was certain he could feel the runaway pumping of her heart against his chest. It was as if everything around them faded, leaving only the tall, incredibly masculine man whose nearness electrified all of her senses.
“Why, Gage?”
“Because it’s been a long time since I’ve felt this connected to a woman.”
There was a longing in his voice that told Tonya that Gage was lonely, and she remembered him stating that he didn’t like strangers in his house. He was multitalented and owned a beautiful condo; yet when he came home and locked the door there was no one there to talk to, to sleep or wake up with.
She also wasn’t a stranger to loneliness, but she wasn’t looking for someone to share her life. She loved her career and now looked forward to controlling her own destiny. Right now Tonya likened her life to a beautifully decorated cake with different layers of delicious fillings. And if she took Gage up on his offer to live with him, then he would become the topper on the cake.
She boldly met his eyes. “Do you want a friend or do you want a lover?”
“Right now I’d like a roommate. After that I’m willing to accept whatever you’re offering.”
Tonya was momentarily surprised by his response. Moving in with Gage definitely had its advantages. She wouldn’t have to concern herself with living alone on an estate behind massive iron gates that protected the property from intruders. And more important, she would have a man’s protection.
