Paige was in the process of vigorously shaking her head when Gabe shouldered past Phillip who blocked the doorway.
He wrapped his arms around Paige. "Hola, mi amor." He planted a brief kiss on her lips then looked down at her robe and quirked an eyebrow. "You said you'd be ready by seven."
"I am." The words popped out of her mouth before taking the time to remember she wore a bathrobe. She was so flustered by Phillip's audacity and Gabe's nearness she couldn't think straight.
"Are you now?" His gaze swept over her again. "Not exactly what I had in mind for tonight. But I'm open to a change of plans." He brought his mouth close to her ear and whispered, "If we ignore him in favor of a PDA will he go away?"
His warm breath tickled her neck, sending shivers of awareness coursing down her spine. It took every ounce of her focus to play her role.
She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Sounds fun. I'm game."
"Paige." Phillip's voice sounded almost tortured, but she couldn't find an ounce of sympathy.
How could she care about Phillip when she felt so alive in Gabe's arms? Safe and treasured. Then suddenly those strong arms released her.
Gabe spun and addressed Phillip. "Why are you still here?"
"I-I need to…talk to Paige." Phillip's voice was whiny now.
"She's done talking to you, pal." Gabe turned back to her. "Do you have anything else you'd like to say to him?"
"Other than get lost?" She shook her head and folded her arms, bolstered by Gabe's presence.
"Are you even remotely interested in his repulsive offer?"
"Absolutely not!"
"Good answer." Gabe smiled and pressed a kiss to her temple. Then his grin broadened, looking almost maniacal, as he turned to face Phillip. "Because I'm the possessive type and have been known to give into bouts of violence when I’m challenged."
Paige could no longer see Gabe's expression, but something in it made Phillip fall back a step. Or maybe it was the way Gabe effortlessly flexed his muscles. She bit back a giggle.
"It's time for you to leave." Gabe's voice was hard as stone. "If you come back, we'll call the police and have you arrested for harassment."
He wrapped an arm around Paige, pulled her further into the house, and slammed the door.
Paige wanted to sink against the wall in relief, but that would distance her from Gabe, and she wasn't ready to do that yet. She considered playing the fragile female and sinking into him instead, but then she recalled his words that afternoon.
I can't promise you anything.
Gabe made no move to release her, however. So, she stayed put, enjoying every second of his embrace, knowing it wouldn’t last.
"Thank you for coming. That man does not take no for an answer."
"Do you think he'll leave you alone after this?"
His face was so close to hers, it wouldn't take much effort to lean in and press her lips to his. Her heart rate accelerated at the thought of kissing him again. She both loved and hated that Gabe affected her so strongly.
"I hope so." She chided herself for her breathlessness. "You were pretty convincing."
"You weren't so bad yourself. Except…" He touched the edge of her towel. "…the little triangle of hair showing up here is bone dry."
She forgot she even had it on after Gabe arrived. Gasping, she tugged the towel off and shook her head.
Gabe sucked in a sharp breath.
“What?” She patted her hair at his stunned look.
He continued to stare. "That was pretty, the way your hair cascaded down around your face like that." The low baritone of his voice sent a shiver coursing down her spine. "I like your hair down."
