“What are we doing?”
“We’re stopping.”
“Why?”
“Because kissing while driving is dangerous.”
Gil drew her toward him and kissed her long enough to get them a few honks from passing motorists but not long enough to suit her. Not even close. He kissed her eyelids, then her nose, then settled back into his seat and smoothly pulled them back into traffic.
“As I was saying”—Ivy cleared her throat and attempted to regain the ability to form rational thoughts—“I’m fine with going to Tessa’s. But Iwaslooking forward to this evening, so you’ll have to issue a rain check.”
“Done.” He grabbed her hand and squeezed. “We have one or two games a week from now until the end of October. You’ll have ample opportunity to cash that in.”
They would, wouldn’t they? They had time to get to know each other as adults. Time to fall in love, although she had a funny feeling that was going to be a very short trip. Time to fit into eachother’s lives the way they used to—but better. How had this happened? Not that she was complaining.
“I’m looking forward to it. And thank you for keeping me in the loop and asking for my opinion. Although I did notice you were already headed to Tessa’s before I agreed to anything, so...”
Gil chuckled. “I was counting on being able to talk you into it. I was prepared to beg.”
“That might have been fun.”
“For you, maybe.”
They settled into comfortable silence, her hand snuggled in his, and for a few moments she forgot about all the chaos in her world. Then Gil parked in a parking space near the entrance and pulled her fingers to his lips. “Wait for me to open your door, please. I would love it if you always allowed me to open doors, close doors, hold chairs, jackets, and, when absolutely necessary, your purse.”
Hewasa sweet talker.
“But right now, I need you to do this because I don’t want you exposed any longer than necessary.”
He was also brutally honest. Her little bubble of calm burst, and she couldn’t find any words. Her mind whirled, her insides churned, her respirations lost their mind and alternated between quick and almost nonexistent.
“Be right back.” Gil exited the car, jogged to her door, opened it, and even though his hurry was palpable, he was still gentle as he reached for her arm, dodging burns and bandages, and helped her out of her seat. As soon as she gained her feet, he swung her into his side, wrapping her injured right arm behind his back.
She wasn’t so foggy that she didn’t recognize this for what it was. Until now, he’d always kept her left side to him in an effort tokeep from hurting her. But right now, with his right hand resting on the weapon at his waist, she knew he’d sacrificed her comfort in order to keep his right hand and arm free.
He hustled them into Tessa’s building, flashed his badge, and spoke to the doorman, who sent them to the elevator and up to Tessa’s floor without delay.
Tessa was waiting at her door when they stepped into her hall. “Get in here before Gil loses his mind.”
They followed her inside and were met with the unmistakable aroma of chocolate chip cookies. Ivy’s mouth watered, and even though her world was completely bonkers, she relaxed. Who didn’t love a hot cookie straight from the oven? Gil held her close and stopped inside the door.
“I’ll give you some privacy.” Tessa didn’t turn around but kept walking to her kitchen. “I’ll lock up after you leave, Gil.”
“Tessa makes great cookies. You’re in for a treat.”
“I doubt she’s better than you.”
“We’ll call it a tie. These cookies are fabulous. A friend in Carrington gave us the recipe. Chocolate chips, toffee, you’re going to love them.” His expression shifted. “Do you have your weapon in your purse?”
She nodded.
“Good. Keep your purse with you, even here in the apartment. Take it into the kitchen, take it into the bathroom. I’m not kidding.”
“Okay.”
“I wouldn’t leave if I didn’t think you’d be completely safe while I’m gone. But if things go sideways, do whatever Tessa tells you to do. She’ll take care of you.”
“Got it.” He didn’t move to go. “Gil, the sooner you leave, the sooner you get back.”
