A low growl vibrates his chest. “Why did you stay with him?” There’s no judgement, he’s curious.
I’ve thought about it many times, but I always come up empty. “I don’t know why I stayed with him. I thought marriage was forever and I did everything I could to make it work. After realizing I’d be happier alone, I left him. Reconciliation was never in the cards, but after he hit me, I cut off all contact. If he had something to relay, it went through my lawyer. I didn’t press charges. I regret that now, after what happened this morning.” I sigh. “He made sure to wait almost a year before signing the papers. We didn’t have children together, and I left everything behind except for my personal belongings. Once the divorce was finalized, I was finally free. The past two years have been an emotional rollercoaster, but I’ve found myself again after being lost for so long.”
His grip tightens around my waist, and he leans closer. “You’re fucking incredible, Brooke Monroe. He never deserved you. No man ever will. You should be proud of who you are. I know I am, and Helen would be, too. I’m glad you found yourself because the woman you are today is the woman I’m obsessed with.” He grins wickedly before crashing his lips to mine.
My body feels light, and my mind is clear. Relief fills my chest as though I’ve had a much-needed therapy session.
Gabe is right.
I can’t change my past, but I do believe Aunt Helen and my parents would be proud of the woman I am today.
Lost in his kiss, I whimper when he pulls away, eyeing me curiously. “You didn’t have children together. Is it because you didn’t want kids with him, or you don’t want them at all?”
Sliding my fingers through his hair, I smile. “When the time is right, I’d love to have children.”
Lifting my hand to his lips, he kisses each knuckle softly. “Me too.”
“Let me shutdown my laptop and I’ll cook us dinner.” I try to shift off his lap, but he grips my hips, holding me in place.
“We’ve both had a long day. I’ll order food. What are you in the mood for?” He places a wet kiss on my neck, and I shiver.
Helpless against his touch, my hips rock against him. “Order whatever you want. I’m not picky.”
I lost count of how many orgasms he gave me this morning, but I can’t get enough of him. He lifts his hips, grinding his hard length against my throbbing pussy. He fists my hair, pulling my lips to his. We both groan as he plunges his tongue inside my mouth, tasting my desire.
As I unbutton his shirt, he pulls away, leaving me panting. “Go do what you need to do while I order food. I want everything out of the way so I can keep you in bed all night.”
Swallowing thickly, I nod. Lifting myself off his lap, I head towards my desk, glancing out the window. A black SUV sits across the street and my skin prickles. It was there this morning when I arrived home, and a few hours later when I ate lunch, but I didn’t give it a second thought.
Until now.
The house across the street is on the market, so I see vehicles there from time to time. It’s odd the SUV has been thereallday, and even though the windows are tinted, I can faintly see the silhouette of someone inside.
“What are you looking at, baby?” Gabe steps behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.
“That SUV has been there since I got home this morning. The house is for sale, and cars come and go from time to time, but I have a bad feeling for some reason. I think someone’s sitting in it.”
His body stiffens and he moves me to the side of the window. He peers outside, squinting his eyes to assess the vehicle. “Give me a pen and paper. Do it slowly.”
Reaching over my desk, I grab a pen and a stationary pad, handing it to him under the windowsill.
He begins writing a series of letters and numbers on the pad. As he writes the last digit, tires squeal outside. It startles me, and I move in front of the window, watching as the SUV fades from view.
“What’s going on, Gabe?”
Is someone watching my house?
“Nothing to worry about, baby.” He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.
“Is that their tag number?” I ask, nodding at the pad.
“Yes, but don’t worry. I’ll have Eric run it just to put my mind at ease.” He grips my hand, pulling me to my desk. “Go ahead and finish what you were doing. I’ve ordered us dinner and I’m going to grab a shower before it gets here.” He kisses my cheek, checking to make sure the front door is locked before he disappears down the hall.
An uneasy feeling settles in my stomach, but Gabe doesn’t seem too concerned, so I try to push the worry away.
No harm in keeping an eye out though.
Chapter Eight
