Page 79 of Kiss and Make Love

Time to call about Matt again.

“Hi. This is June Hawley calling to check on Matthew Hawley’s status again?”

“Hi, Miss Hawley. Matthew is in fair condition. The surgery on his leg went well, he slept through the night with some help from his medication. He’s in recovery now, havinghis concussion assessed,” the lovely voice said on the other end of the line.

Her heart leapt at the news, and her shoulders loosened a fraction. “Thank you so much for the good news. We’ll be there soon.”

“You’re welcome, Miss. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see a familiar face. Take care now.”

A few tears escaped down her cheeks as the relief washed through her body. She knew his injuries could’ve been a lot worse, and the thought of what might have been…it scared her. But he was fine. His injuries would heal. Things were going to be okay.

Although Gabe wasn’t happy. In fact, he seemed downright upset. She picked at her braid and sighed. Last night was amazing. This morning was wonderful. She loved how he’d brought her breakfast and packed up the car. They had talked effortlessly over the past few hours. He was getting to know her.

Last night, the story about his ex brought down a wall inside Gabe, and he was more open. Would the missed work calls bring that wall back up? After all,shewas the one who distracted him.

But that wasn’t fair. She didn’t ask him to turn off his phone, and she didn’t distract him on purpose. What kind of job didn’t let you have a moment of peace? Promotion on the line or not, his job seemed like an awful hassle. Did she want to be with someone who worked twenty-four hours a day?

Even though they had an undeniable connection, and she’d had a crush on him for years, she didn’t want to play second fiddle to a job. And she didn’t appreciate the way he spoke to her before she left the car.

Turning around, she headed back to the vehicle. On her approach, she saw Gabe gesturing wildly in the car, still talking to someone. Better to not interrupt.

The heat was getting to her, so she made her way to a lonely tree a few feet off the road. Sweat beaded on her skin, and she plunked down under the cover of the canopy, resting her head against the trunk and closing her eyes. The last few days had been a roller coaster, and she wasn’t sure what was waiting at the end of the ride.

A car door slammed, and she opened her eyes. Gabe walked toward her, looking a little worse for wear. His hair was dishevelled, like he’d been running his fingers through it, and his eyes looked weary. She couldn’t help but feel for him the tiniest bit, even though she didn’t appreciate his actions.

Maybe this wasn’t a good idea after all.

He sat down beside her and pulled her into his arms. She let him. Why not?

“What are you thinking, June?” he asked, rubbing the pads of his fingers up and down her arm.

She needed to be honest with him. This whole situation was confusing. Fresh enough that they didn’t have to proceed if they didn’t want to. The last thing she wanted was to be involved with someone whose sole focus was work—or who spoke to her so shortly. She didn’t like that side of him. “I’m thinking I’ve seen what it’s like for someone to be consumed by their work, and it’s never good. I can’t be with someone like that.”

Gabe let out a long sigh, his head resting on top of hers. “And I know what it’s like to lose sight of what I want and have everything slip away.”

He was talking about his previous job. That hurt. A tear escaped from the corner of her eye. She wiped it away and took a steadying breath.

“Glad we figured that out sooner than later,” she managed to say. They’d be a one-time mistake caused by proximity and heightened emotions. She broke free from his hold and headed toward the car without turning back.

He was a mistake. This was too fast. They didn’t know each other. Not really. Their pseudo-relationship over the past five years didn’t count. He’d never gotten to know her despite all her efforts. Talking in a car or in a hotel room late at night didn’t magically create a relationship, and she didn’t need another man in her life disappointing her.

So why did she feel solousy?

GABRIEL

June walked to the car while he stayed rooted to the spot. Was it that easy for her to walk away? They’d only spent a couple days together, but they were good fucking days—despite the circumstances. The connection he felt to her was so strong, it took his breath away. His chest ached with need. He wanted to be with someone again. With her. No matter what Matt said.

Yet she was walking away like it was nothing.

The job consumed Gabe, an accurate assessment on her part. It was the one and only thing in life he was passionate about. He hadn’t always been so absorbed with work, but then Cassandra happened, and he became obsessed with getting back what he lost. At his new job, he worked twice the hours, never said no, and hardly ever took a day off. And he was tired. Exhausted, actually.

And I know what it’s like to lose sight of what I want and have everything slip away.He wasn’t sure if he was talking about June or his career when he uttered those words. Logically, letting his guard down and allowing June in further would be a mistake. It would distract him from his job. It already had. The endless evenings of work and overtime had to pay off. He was close to a major promotion—to getting back to where he left off. But his heart couldn’t help itself. He needed to use the remaining time on the road to help clear his head.

He joined June in the car. “Ready to go?”

She nodded and opened her book.

He pulled back onto the highway. Only a few hours to go. Time he could use to assess what he really wanted.

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