Page 63 of Gabriel & Skye

At first I stand still, sure she’s having a dig. But when she keeps on humming away as she works, I realize I’m being paranoid.

“She seems like a real gem from where I’m standing.” I don’t know what possesses me to say such a thing in front of Georgia.

Her eyebrows raise. “A diamond even?”

“She gets along with Trin, that’s what I meant.”

“So you can thank me now if you like.” She stands with her hands on her hips waiting for my words of gratitude because she found the new temporary nanny.

“Next time, could you suggest someone who actually lives in Stoney Creek?” I quirk an eyebrow.

“That part was out of my control. And that didn’t sound like much of a ‘thank you, little sis, for finding me not only someone with a degree in both nursing and teaching, but who is actually bright, funny and attractive, too!’”

I eye her. That deserves some praise, I have to agree. “Thank you, Georgia. If you could make her stay, that would be an even better outcome.”

She gives me a knowing look. “Strange how you can already say that after she’s been to the house once!”

“Sometimes you just know.” I shrug. “You should have seen her with Trin — she almost made her forget Geraldine will be gone for good soon. I was worried how she’d take it.”

“Sometimes you do just know.” She waggles her eyebrows, throwing my words back at me.

I stay stone faced. “Don’t even go there,” I warn. My little sister is more renowned than most for sticking her nose into other people’s lives, all in the name of the greater good, according to her.

She’s been known to bring out a cleansing crystal and even smudge sticks when there’s ‘tension’ in the distillery. Usually, that was right after Gray and I had been fighting.

“Come on, she’s cute as a button. Admit it.”

I fold my arms across my chest. “Me admitting she’s attractive is going to prove what, GB?”

“That I’m right about quite a few things around here, more than I get credit for,” she sighs. “Anyway, I don’t need praise. I’m just saying she seems like a nice girl. And she’s single.”

I give her a warning look.

She holds up her hands. “Hey, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Gray and Hart were in quite a pickle recently with the whole lawyer-client thing, but they got through it. You could too, if you like her in that way. It’s not a big deal, and you’d have cute babies.”

“Crossing the line again, sis.”

She sighs, folding her arms across her chest. “Well, if not Skye, someone like her.” She gives me one of her rare serious looks. Not a trace of sarcasm or joking on her face, which is a rarity. She places her hand on my forearm and gives it a squeeze. “It’s been five years, Gabe. It’s time.”

I look at her, swallowing hard. It hits a nerve, sending my emotions flying. I keep my mask on — it’s one I’ve perfected after all — and I don’t tell her she’s right.

It has been too long, and I’m well aware of it.

The thing I don’t understand is why the only woman I’ve felt a pull to in all these years has to be the nanny, and she’s leaving town in a few months. I can’t form an attachment to her. It’s bad enough Trinity will, and then she’ll have to say goodbye to her, too.

I’ve built a secure wall around myself and I don’t see anyone breaking it down anytime soon. Even the nanny. Especially the nanny.

16

Skye

When Friday rolls around, I can’t help but feel like I have a spring in my step. My training with Geraldine this week went well. Thursday was a similar routine of Wednesday; although Gabriel wasn’t there.

I can only imagine the responsibility he has on his shoulders since he’s now running the family business. Georgia filled me in on quite a bit the day I was at the distillery for my interview; giving me a rundown on the who’s who and what’s what around town. She mentioned — with Grayson’s recent return — their roles were redefined and they’re getting ready for future expansion. It’s a busy time for Bassett Brothers Bourbon, and the family all seems excited for it.

I admire that they can work together. It’s a rarity to have all five siblings under one roof.

When I glance at my phone, I smile when I see it’s the woman in question. Her ears must’ve been burning.

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