Damn it.I turn my head just enough to look at him with my left eye. “Happy?”
“No. I won’t be happy until you accept my apology, and even then, I’ll feel like shit all night.”
“You should.” I’m just going to say what I need to say. “I don’t need a guy telling me what to do, Gage. My dad’s done that forever. Hell, he still thinks he can do it. It’smymoney,mycar, andmydecision.” My voice is getting stronger the more I say. “So, even if the car I bought is a piece of junk, it’smypiece of junk. I’ll live with it like I’ve lived with all my decisions. You got me?” I’m pretty much yelling now.
“I do.” Gage nods several times. “I get you. I’m sorry.”
Breathing hard, I give him one nod. “Okay.”
“Okay,” Gage mimics me. “We good?”
“Yeah. We’re good.”
There are a few moments of the two of us just looking at each other. He’s the one to break the silence. “Did you eat?”
God, this guy… he’sso nice.
Shaking my head, I run my hand over my stomach. “Is there any meatloaf left?”
Gage looks sheepish. “No. I ate it for dinner.” He pulls me closer, wrapping me up in his arms. “I’m sorry. I should have left you some.”
“No. It’s fine.” I pat his chest. “I’ll make a turkey sandwich or something.”
“Let me make you something.” His voice is extra soft, like he’s making sure not to set me off again. Probably a good plan.
“You cook?”
“Some. I make a mean grilled cheese.”
“You do?” I do my best to look impressed. “Well, then I’d love a grilled cheese sandwich.”
“Come on.” Gage takes my hand in his and pulls me into the kitchen. “Watch and learn, princess.”
Princess?While I like the moniker, I’m definitelynota princess.
I watch Gage work in the kitchen, and it’s pretty damn cute. Sure, I’m still a little miffed with him about the whole car thing, but I believe he’s sorry. Like really sorry.
The sandwich is golden brown and oozing with cheese. He was right, he makes a mean one.
“Mm, good,” I say after my first bite.
“Told ya.”
I don’t bother responding because I’m starving. Once I’m finished, I stand, taking the plate to the dishwasher. “Thanks, Gage.”
“Welcome.” He’s standing too far away for me to touch, so I step closer, holding my hand out. I hope he takes it. When he does, I tug on his a little bit. “Come on. I’ll give you a ride in my new kickass car.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. But swear to God, Gage, if you say one negative thing, I’m leaving you to walk home.”
He chuckles. “I won’t say a word.”
Chapter Thirty
Gage
Her car’s a piece of shit. There’s no other way to describe it. Sure, it started up okay today, but I give it less than six months. Hell, I’d be surprised if it lasted three. I’d love to know how much she spent on it, but I’m afraid to ask. Lucky for her, my dad taught me and my brother about cars when we were younger. There’s a good chance, though, that I won’t be able to fix what ails that car. I can change her oil, rotate her tires, stuff like that, but that grinding noise you hear on every turn? That’s going to need a professional.
