She shivers in my arms, tilting her face up to mine. “I’m scared, Gabe. But I don’t want you to let me go.”
She fucking owns me.
Capturing her lips, I back her against the wall, pouring what I feel into this kiss. She just confirmed her feelings for me, and she’s sealed her fate.
When we break apart, I cradle her head against my chest. “I’m here, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”
She sighs, and I run my fingers through her hair as the tension leaves her body. My sweet girl was treated like shit by that fucking ex of hers. I’d love to get my hands on him for making her doubt herself and destroying her faith in people.
I’ll spend my days building her up. I’ll make her believe she’s the most beautiful woman because to me, she is. She’s the light in this dark world and I’mgrateful I can see how special she is.
“Do you want some breakfast before you leave?”
She shakes her head as she pulls away. “I’m not really hungry right now. I’ll eat something later. I better get going.”
A weight settles in my chest, and I hate letting her go.
Get a grip, Gabe. She has to work.
“Check in with me every little bit? Let me know how your day’s going.”
She nods, smiling sweetly. She seems lighter than when I first met her. God, was that only a few days ago? It’s odd how it feels longer, like we’ve known each other for years.
Gripping her hand, I lead her out of the bathroom. Grabbing her bag, we walk to the front door, hand in hand.
“I’ll see you later, handsome.” She kisses me softly, taking her bag, and I open the door for her.
“Drive safely and let me know when you get home.” She nods, giving me another smile before walking to her car.
A knot forms in my stomach at the thought of being away from her all day.
I’m in real fucking trouble.
Chapter Seven
Brooke
The drive into town gave me time to think about my relationship with Gabe.
It’s been a whirlwind since the day I met him. With my issues from my previous marriage, I never imagined myself trusting him so easily. There’s an undeniable pull between us, like magnets that can’t break away from each other.
He seems too good to be true and that alone scares me. I’ve been hurt, but he’s done nothing to deserve distrust. He’s incredible and I don’t want cynical thoughts causing problems between us.
After warring back and forth with myself the entire drive, I decide to give us a chance. I pull into the post office parking lot, parking on the side of the building and heading inside.
The bell above the door chimes and a sweet, older woman greets me at the counter. “Hello, young lady. What can I do for you today?”
Returning her smile, I lay the envelope containing the contract on the counter. “Good morning. I need to have this package sent over night with a tracking number, please.”
She takes the package, scanning it in the computer and provides me with the information I requested after I pay. We wish each other a good day and I exit the building.
A tingling sensation grates down my spine and my steps falter on the sidewalk. Glancing up and down Main Street, warning bells go off in my head. Slowly, my eyes roam the sidewalk in front of each building. I don’t see anything suspicious until I glance across the street.
No.
Standing in front of the bank is none other than my ex-husband, Brian Turner.
Fuck.
