Page 20 of Losing Hope

“Here ya go.” She handed him the plates. “Do you want something to drink?”

“I put a bottle of white in the fridge to chill a while ago. Do you feel likewine?”

She laughed. “I always feel like wine.” She moved to a different cabinet and grabbed two glasses and got the wine out of the fridge.

He turned, grabbing the wine from her, and set it on the counter, popping the cork out in three twists. She held the glasses out as he poured. It was as if they had rehearsed the scene a hundred times, yet it was only the second meal they had cooked together. Hope marveled at how easy and natural things were betweenthem.

They spent the next half hour eating casually and sharing conversation about nothing and everything. When they were full, they both worked to wash and dry the dishes, putting them all away in their place, until the kitchen was once again back in order.

“Now what?” He raised his eyebrows and grinned mischievously. “I think I remember you saying something about dessert?”

Laughing, she reached up on her tip-toes and gave him a quick peck on the lips. “Later. I really should go take a look around the property and make sure the storm didn’t do any other damage last night.” Her gaze strayed to the window and focused on the woods beyond.

“Okay, sure. I wasn’t sure if Walter had already donethat.”

She shook her head. “He said, other than the downed tree along the driveway, he didn’t notice anything, but I should probablylook.”

“I’ll come with you. You never know when you’re going to need a big, strong man around again.” He gave her a cocky grin, puffed up his chest, and pointed at his stomach. “Especially one with abs likethis!”

She slapped her hand to her forehead, groaning. “I’m never going to live that down, amI?”

He chuckled. “Not if I can help it.” He ran a hand down his stomach and gave her a sexy smile. “I should probably wear a shirt out in the wild, however. Wouldn’t want to tempt anyone else we might runinto.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” She turned and started walking toward the stairs. “Let me grab you something long-sleeved from Tommy’s room. I’m sure it’s getting coolernow.”

“Perfect, thanks.” He followed behind her but turned before the stairs. “Can you grab my shoes up there, too, please? I’m going to get one of my cameras to bring out withus.”

“You got it,” she called back as she climbed the stairs.

Fifteen minutes later, they were outside walking around the perimeter of the house, checking for any loose wires or downed limbs. After completing a full circle and finding everything in order, she suggested they head down to the lake and check on the dock and boats.

“You have boats? As in more than one?” he asked in surprise.

“No. I mean, yes, but not really.” As they approached the lake, she pointed to a larger boat that was suspended in a lift next to the dock. “That’s the only real motor boat we have, but Tommy’s the only one who ever uses it.” Then she pointed to a sailboat that was moored to the long dock and smiled wide. “That’s mine. It’s a twenty-six-foot Fantail. It has a small electrical motor, but I only use that to get it in and out of the dock. We also have a canoe and some kayaks.”

He looked at her, his brows raised. “Seriously? You have your own sailboat?”

She shrugged. “It’s a big lake. My dad gave it to me a few years ago as a birthday present.”

“Ah, yes, that’s right.” A bit of an edge seemed to creep into his voice. “I forgot you’re a daddy’sgirl.”

She stopped short and turned to him. “What is that supposed tomean?”

His hand swept out to the sailboat. “You know, a hundred-thousand-dollar truck sitting in your driveway, and what, a fifty-thousand-dollar sailboat on your dock, both courtesy of daddy. Just says something.”

“Says what?” Hope’s hands hit her hips, and her chin jutted out in defiance. She wasn’t going to tell him it was actually an eighty-thousand-dollar sailboat.

Gage shook his head, obviously realizing he was being an asshole, and took a step closer to her. Cupping her cheek, he blew out a long breath. “It says that you have a father who must love you very much. Sorry if I over-stepped.”

She glared at him, her lips scrunched up tight, her mind in overdrive. He slid his thumb down her cheek and over her lips, then leaned in slowly, tentatively feathering his lips over hers. She relaxed a fraction, but a frown still marred her usual smile. He brushed another soft kiss against her lips, this time leaning his forehead against hers. “Seriously, Hope, I’m sorry. It’s my own stupid shit and has nothing to do withyou.”

She pulled back from his hold and stomped her foot, crossing her arms at the same time. “I’ll have you know I work really hard. Everything isn’t handed to me on a silver platter.”

He chuckled even though she was trying to be stern, finally nodding his head in compliance. “I’m sure you work veryhard.”

“Then why are you laughing at me!” She stomped her little foot again.

“Because you look so goddamn cute when you’re angry.” He smiled wide, and she gasped when he tugged her rigid form up against his, wrapping his arms around her in a hug. “Come here, you feisty little thing.”

---