For some reason, his apology—and the ease with which he dismissed what almost happened—renewed her anger in record time.
“Don’t worry.” Ellena stepped around him and headed for the door. “I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
The same hand that had been resting against her face shot out, his thick fingers wrapping around her wrist to halt her forward progress.
She swung her head around, her chest ballooning with hope.
“Let me.” His jaw tightened. “You stay here.”
That balloon popped in a spectacular explosion.
What did you expect?
Her subconscious was right. What did she think? That one almost-kiss was going to fill the giant void between them, and they’d be able to pick right back up from where they’d left off?
For a second there, that was exactly what she’d thought, and Ellena was disappointed in herself because of it.
She was stronger than this. Andsmarter. She’d filed for divorce, for Pete’s sake, so this back-and-forth indecisiveness needed to stop. Now.
This wasn’t her. She wasn’t some wishy-washy woman who couldn’t make up her mind about who and what she wanted. What she deserved.
Her husband might be back, but it was only temporary. The second they figured out who sent those pictures and why, he’d be gone, and they’d be divorced.
Something Ellena would do well to remember.
Gabe checked the peephole, his muscles becoming visibly relaxed when he saw whoever stood on the other side.
His team.
Lost in her thoughts since waking up from her nap, she’d completely forgotten they were even coming.
“Hey, Dawson.” An attractive man with short, brown hair stood on her front stoop. “Nice digs.”
“Nate.” Gabe held out his hand. “Thanks for coming.”
The man returned the gesture. “No thanks needed.”
“Come on in, guys.”
Stepping aside, Gabe held the door open. The one named Nate entered her home first, followed by three other men. Though they were a few years younger, all three had the same military vibe as Gabe.
“Nice place.” Nate nodded approvingly.
“Thanks.” Ellena shook off her wavering feelings about Gabe being there and stepped forward. “I like it.”
All five men turned her way.
Gabe’s expression was hard to read. “Ellena, this is my team.” He went down the row, gesturing to each man as he went. “Nate Carter, Kole Jameson, Matt Turner, and Zade King. Guys, this is Elle.”
Wearing a wide grin, Nate stepped toward her with an outstretched hand. “I havegotto shake the hand of the woman who actually agreed to marry your sorry ass.”
The man’s playful demeanor immediately put her at ease. “It’s nice to meet you, Nate.” After greeting him, Elle went down the row, shaking the hands of each of the other men. “Thank you all for coming. Would any of you like something to drink? I have tea and soda. Or if you prefer it, I could make us all a fresh pot of coffee.”
“Coffee sounds great, actually.” Gabe offered her a ghost of a smile.
She slid her gaze to his. Something told her the coffee was his way of getting rid of her so he could talk to his friends alone. Forcing a smile, she said, “I’ll get that started. Please”—Ellena motioned to the living room—“make yourselves at home.”
“Thanks, sweet…” Gabe stopped himself short. Clearing his throat, he started again. “Thanks.”
