I grabbed her hand and kissed the tips of her fingers. “I know. I’m sorry.”
She smiled, and just like that, she forgave me, idiotic tendencies and all. “It’s okay. You said something about lunch? I’m starving.”
I stepped back and took her hand in mine, leading her to my truck. “How much time do you have?” I thought I would take her to the diner, but instead, I wanted to truly be alone with her, and there was only one place that came to mind. A place that no one ever went but me.
Her smile was radiant. “I told my supervisor, who I can’t fucking stand by the way, that I wouldn’t be back in today. I will continue to work from my cabin and report back later tonight.”
I felt a flush heat my face at the reminder of what I accused her of, but didn’t say anything. I also couldn’t deny that her words brought an intense satisfaction. I helped her into my truck, taking care to buckle her in, and stole a kiss before shutting the door. Then I drove, heading to the diner to pick up the lunch I’d promised. I had to feed my girl after all.
Chapter 25
Parker
Igripped the seat of the ATV as we rode over the rough ground across the ranch fields. We weren’t on any established path, though the grass was a bit more worn down than other areas I’d seen as we passed. I assumed this was a place he traveled occasionally, but not often enough to wear it into dirt.
I didn’t ask where we were headed, choosing instead to just enjoy the ride in silence. After we’d stopped by the diner where I met a very lovely older woman by the name of Grace. She made sure we had our meals packed up tight after Dante told her what he was up to. With a knowing smile, she gave me a wink, then she slid two slices of pie into the bag with our sandwiches.
“For dessert,” she declared. “You can’t have a lunch date without pie.”
While we were saying our goodbyes, Grace surprised me by pulling me into a tight hug. “You take care of those boys. They need a strong woman with a good heart.” There was that word again. She pulled back and held me by the shoulders as I took her in myself, noticing her kind eyes and genuine fondness forDante as she glanced over at him. Then she looked back at me, giving a decisive nod. “You’ll do.” Maybe I should have been offended. Instead, I felt honored.
“Thank you for the pie. I’m sure it’s delicious.”
She just grinned. “Of course it is, honey. I made it.”
I smiled as I thought of the exchange. When I’d asked Dante about it in the truck, he told me that she was Gage’s grandmother and related to the sisters at the inn. I’d sat there in stunned silence for a while before Dante started laughing.
“What’s wrong? Didn’t realize you’d be meeting family?”
I just shook my head. Had she really given her approval? She said “those boys”, plural, knowing that Gage was already in a relationship. “Dante?” I finally called out.
“Yeah, baby girl?” The endearment caught me off guard and made me flush while warming my chest. I cleared my throat.
“Why did it seem like she was setting me up with all three of you? Doesn’t she know that Gage and Ry are in a relationship? I mean, they are practically married, right?”
He chuckled. “Yeah, Cherish, she knows. Do you know anything about Gage’s parents?”
I shook my head and turned to look at Dante expectantly. “He has two dads, babe. They were already together long before his mom came to town.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “Yep, for years, ever since high school. His mom helped push the three of them together.” He smiled at me, his long hair escaping his hairband and teasing his face. It made my breath catch at how beautiful he was. Even as the twisted skin from the burns pulled with his grin, he couldn’t help but admire how gorgeous he was. He made me think of a warrior. He would look amazing wearing armor. “You already know one of his dads.”
I furrowed my brows as I thought, then shook my head, unable to think of anyone I met who he resembled with his tall, golden good looks. “Who?”
“I’m assuming you never asked what Gage’s last name is. It’s Hardgrove-Mason.”
I sat there for several seconds before a lightbulb went off in my head. “TheChief of policeis Gage’s dad?” Holy shit. I didn’t see that coming. I laughed and shook my head. “Wow.” Then I realized everything else he’d revealed. “You’re telling me that a small town in the state of Texas is okay with having a bisexual Chief of police who is involved in a polyamorous relationship? Well, blow me over with a feather. Maybe there’s hope for this world after all.” Dante just laughed at me, then reached over to take my hand in his.
I rode the rest of the way to the ranch with a small smile playing on my lips and butterflies dancing in my stomach. I felt like a sixteen-year-old girl riding in the truck with her first crush. Or third. I’d lost count of who I’d fallen for first.
The ATV came to a jerking stop, pulling me from my admiration of the landscape. It was so beautiful and peaceful. A far cry from the city where I’d grown up, and definitely different from where the FBI headquarters was located.
Dante hopped down, so I did the same, taking in the area he’d brought us to. We were parked next to a small copse of large trees that provided ample shade next to a thick patch of grass. Wildflowers were in bloom throughout the area, making it a breathtaking sight that could have belonged in a painting. There was also a large pond just a few feet away. As I watched, a small fish jumped out of the water to catch a flying insect.
“This place is so pretty,” I said, glancing over to Dante from where I stood near the bank of the pond. “It would be so nice to just spend an entire day out here.”
“That’s the plan,” Dante replied with a wink. He set down the bag of food and spread out a blanket that he’d stored in the back of the ATV.
