Page 47 of Tangled with the Tight End

“I better. I miss you.”

I inhale the scent of his shampoo while blinking back a tear. “I missed you, too.”

“Sawyer.” Marco eyes him up and down while waiting for him to leave. The tension that eased a few moments ago returns.

“Norah, later.” Sawyer brushes past me, leaving the three of us alone.

“Are you seeing that guy?” Marco’s face is tight as the words come out clipped. “He’s not right for you.”

“Really?” I raise an eyebrow.

“Really. You wouldn’t be happy with that guy. My brother, on the other hand–”

“Is moving back to Kansas City.” I spin on my heel and drop Gino down to his feet. “I left a box of crayons and some coloring pages at the front table.” I pause for dramatic effect. “And some cookies.”

“Yes!” He pumps his little arm into the air, and my heart cracks. It’s not just Gabriel that’s pulling at my heartstrings. It’s also Gino. I want the entire package. The hairs on my arms stand as my breath catches in my lungs.

As much as I fought against it, it was fruitless. I want what I can’t have–Gabriel and a happily ever after. But I can’t have what I want. He promised me a vacation fling. A no-strings-attached vacation fling with an expiration date.

I shove my hands into my pockets. Would I leave here if he asked? Gino shoves a reindeer cookie into his mouth and fists a blue crayon. I spin away from him and steel myself against Marco’s similar appearance. He’s not going to ask you to move in with him. “Let’s talk business.”

“You’re right.” Marco’s face is flush. “I shouldn’t have said anything. We Italian guys are passionate and overbearing. It’s both charming and annoying.”

I laugh and turn to the front, where I set up paperwork for us to go over. But I don’t disagree with him. Part of Gabriel’s charm is his passion and his overbearing attitude. The way he burst in here and got rid of Sawyer, whisking me off to an intimate dinner for two.

It was possessive and romantic. And I loved it.

For over two hours, we discuss business plans, locations, supply and demand, expenses, staffing patterns, and everything else restaurant-related we could think of. He asks questions and I deluge him with answers until we’re both yawning. Marcomight not have a business degree, but he is street smart and has clearly researched the ins and outs of operating a business.

“So….” He leans back into the chair. “What do you think?”

Gino has long given up on coloring and flies around our table, asking for his car tank to be filled before zipping off and dodging the other tables while lapping imaginary cars on a racetrack.

“I think it’s a solid idea, and we could use a high-end restaurant.”

“And the land beside you is unoccupied.” His eyes twinkle with excitement.

“Yes. Yes, it is.”

“I’m going to move forward. Tomorrow, I’m talking to the bank.” He jumps out of the chair, and I can’t help but feel excited for him.

“I can’t wait to tell Eden.”

“Are you going to mention it to Gabriel again?”

“No.” his back stiffens. “I’ll do it on my own. It’s a small restaurant. I don’t need his backing with my own money. I would’ve enjoyed doing it together. But….” He shrugs.

I get it. He’s on his way out of town. Maybe the doctor cleared him today. He might pack up and go as soon as he returns.

twenty-four

GABRIEL

The momentI get on the plane, my head hits the seat rest with a thump. Today has been the longest day ever. Flying in before dawn, the anxiety of the doctor’s evaluation, talking to Gunner about returning to the team, and not getting any sleep last night.

It doesn’t help that everything I do, Norah’s face swims in front of my vision. She’s like a prize that’s always out of reach, yet I ache to win it.

My cell phone rings as the pilot prepares for takeoff. It’s my attorney. “Hello?”

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