Page 91 of Gabriel & Skye

“I’ve been practicing a long time,” I admit, eating a mouthful. She was right when she said it was good. I picked some fresh basil and parsley from my herb garden and added it in. I don’t usually follow recipes; courtesy of my grandma, who was an amazing cook.

“Well, you’ve also got cooking down to a fine art.”

“Thank you. It’s nice to share food with someone, not that Trin is bad company, but I never have women over.”

Something reflects in her eyes; surprise, I think. “Never?”

“Well, aside from my mom, sister, and Geraldine. I meant like a date. My focus has been solely on my kid for the past five years.” I know she must have heard things about my past around town. It’s not like everyone doesn’t know. She’s been polite about it so far, even though I know it’s going to come up at some stage. I should broach it, but I don’t want to sour the mood.

“I totally get that.”

I take a sip of wine. She does too. “If you don’t have to be anywhere, would you like to stay and watch a movie?” I ask her. “When Trin goes to bed?” What am I doing?

She doesn’t hesitate. “I’d love to.”

I smile. She’s good company. Easy to talk to. She even helps me clear away the dishes and washes them up while I tidy the stove and put the leftovers away. I get Trinity ready for bed and let her have little Daisy in her room on the floor until I go to bed. Later, I’ll take her outside again and set up the puppy pads at the back door.

Then we’re alone at last.

It’s actually a good feeling sitting down and relaxing on the couch with her.

Again, not something I’m used to and I realize how sad that sounds.

We start off watching some romcom – because I think she’d prefer that over an action movie – with another glass of wine as we settle onto the couch.

“Thanks for today,” she whispers out of nowhere.

I look at her, my arm around the back of the couch, not touching her.

“What did I do?” I ask.

“Just for being you. Asking me to come was nice, it was a good day. Trinity was so happy.”

I smile. “It was a good day. And anything that keeps my daughter happy has to be a good thing.”

“Daisy is so sweet.” She squeezes my forearm as I glance down at her hand.

“I’m glad you were part of it. I think she’s going to be a great addition to the family.”

Without realizing what I’m doing, my fingers interlace with hers and I see her swallow as she keeps watching me. After a moment, she slides closer.

“Gabe,” she whispers.

My hand reaches up to her cheek as I run the back of my hand over her skin. “You’re beautiful.” We stare at one another for a moment before I dip my head down so our heads press together. “We shouldn’t.”

“We should.” She closes the gap, pressing her lips against mine.

She’s soft, warm and inviting.

My breath hitches in my chest as she turns slowly, breaking the kiss, and slides into my lap. Her skirt hitching up to her hips in the process. Oh, God.

It doesn’t matter that I haven’t been able to stop imagining this scene. That I’ve played it out in my mind many, many times. But now I have her here, right where I want her. I’m like a teenager all over again who doesn’t know what to do.

Yet, I fucking know what to do.

“We’re playing with fire,” I growl, cupping her face as our kisses entangle. Fuck me if she doesn’t rub that sweet little pussy along my hard length, her eyes momentarily closing as she sighs.

“I know, but doesn’t the fire burn that much brighter when there’s flames?” she pants.

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