Page 107 of Silver Linings

“I’ve never done something like that before,” she whispered.

“Neither have I, Lil. I’m glad we got to do that together.”

“Are you okay? Hearing me like that…it didn’t hurt, did it?”

“Oh, it hurts. Just in the best way. You better be here first thing tomorrow to help me take care of the pain.”

“Gunner, I am not getting you off in the hospital. Besides, we need to ask if you are cleared for that kind of activity.”

“Stubborn woman.”

Lily laughed.

“I love you, Gunner.”

“I love you too, Lil.”

Thirty-Three

“Idon’t like this.”

Gunner had been recovering for a week. His wound had healed nicely, but there was still some tenderness whenever he moved quickly. Now that his course of antibiotics were complete and his doctor had signed off, it was time to get back to work.

“Gunner, we’ve been over this every day for the last week. It’s literally right next door. Nothing is going to happen to me or Sage while we’re there.”

“You can’t know that.”

“You’ve stopped everything with the Santoros, just like they said to. They’re going to stay away.”

“They’re a crime family, Lil. Forgive me if I don’t just take their word at face value.”

“We have to, handsome. I can’t live my life waiting for something else bad to happen. If anything does, you’re one alarm away from coming to help us.”

He still stood with his arms crossed, an angry look on his face.

“I need this, Gunner. I need to do something other than worry about James’s parents trying to take Sage from us.”

“Come work with Mae. We can find something for you to do. Then I’ll get to see you and Sage whenever I want.”

“No.”

“No?”

“I love you, but you don’t need me and the baby there distracting you all day. I know every time you hear Sage fuss, you’ll be running out to scoop her up. Besides, I want to work with Sloane.”

“Fine. But I’m walking you both over there and coming to pick you up when you’re done. Got it?”

Lily rested her hand on his chest. “Yes, sir.”

“Don’t start talking like that, Lil, unless you want to be late for your first day of work.”

“I’m sure Sloane wouldn’t mind?—”

Gunner didn’t wait for her to finish. He just scooped her up, laughing at the way she screamed and giggled.

“Gunner, you have to put me down! Your side!”

“I’m fine.” He tossed her gently on the sofa, straddling her hips with his own. He kissed down her neck, nipping at the flesh. “Remember? The doctor cleared me for all activities. You look too good in this outfit, Mrs. Brooks. I don’t know if I can have you walking out of the apartment in it.”

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