Page 57 of Tangled with the Tight End

“Seriously?” Gabriel glares at his brother. “We’re getting the third degree. We’re adults who’re capable of making our own decisions that don’t need to run past you for approval. Mom and Dad won’t be this ridiculous.”

Marco inhales, causing his chest to expand, but doesn’t break Gabriel’s gaze until Eden smacks him on the upper arm. “Knock it down a notch.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Marco’s shoulders loosen as he pulls Eden in front of him and wraps her into his body.

“That’s better,” she sighs and gives us a smile. “No more questions.”

I poke Marco in the ribs. “Fine. I do intend to continue playing football for another one to three years. That’s not changed, but I understand Norah’s connection to here, and I won’t ask her to leave.” He shrugs. “That leaves us going back and forth to see each other as much as possible.”

Marco glares. “You’re willing to do that again?”

Fuck. Why didn’t I think about that? Sloane chose to stay in Florida and look what happened. Now they’re getting a divorce. Anxiety swells inside of me. What if…? I swallow hard over the lump in my throat.

Gabriel spins me around and cups my face. “Don’t let him scare you. I trust you. You’re a loyal, devoted person and nothing like Sloane. I don’t question for one second if you’ll stay true to me while we’re apart.”

The way he looks at me, the trust in his eyes, it floors me. No one has ever looked at me this way which eases the fears swelling inside of me–most of them.

“You believe me, right?” He strokes his thumb over my cheekbone.

“Yes, I do.”

“Good.” He kisses my lips. The combination of his soft but firm mouth caressing mine feels both exciting and comforting.

When he pulls back, he brushes a strand of hair behind my ear. “And you don’t have to worry about me. I was faithful to a woman that I didn’t choose.” He gives me a wry smile and cocks an eyebrow. “Can you imagine how I’ll treat the woman I do choose?”

I shudder from head to toe over the wild heat in his eyes. Yes, I can thoroughly imagine it. As a matter of fact, I’d like Gino to go to bed and my best friend to leave so he can show me. Right now.

“Let’s skip the show and tell. I think we have a pretty good idea of how Gabriel will treat you,” Marco mutters as Eden turns to face him and encircles her arms around his neck.

“You need to learn some romantic gestures from your brother.”

“I’ll show you romantic gestures,” he growls and swats her ass, causing her to yelp.

“We need to talk about something before you run home and prove to your wife that you’re half the man I am.”

“Do you need me to take you down and kick your ass again?” Marco asks as he flips Gabriel off.

“No.” Gabriel chuckles as his eyes dance with humor. “I’m good.”

“We should sit down.” Eden steps out from Marco’s arms and leads us to the dining room table after checking on the kids, who’re quietly playing with blocks and cars.

Once we’re settled across from each other, I squeeze Gabriel’s knee, and his body relaxes. Although I haven’t been around them much, it’s clear they love each other dearly and fight like cats and dogs. But in a good way. They want the best for each other.

“I want to reconsider your offer for the restaurant. You took me off guard. There was so much going on between my injury, the divorce, meeting Norah, and building a relationship withGino that I wasn’t prepared to think about the future.” He grabs my hand and laces our fingers together. “But I’d like to partner with you on the restaurant.”

“Okay.” Marco lays his arms on the table and clasps his hands together. “I would like that. I spoke with Norah yesterday about the plan and went to the bank today. The bank needs a full business plan.”

“Then, let’s plan it.” Gabriel’s cocky grin makes my knees weak. “Where do you want to build?”

“The lot next to Norah’s is available. It’s not for sale, but I’ve spoken with the owner.”

“You’ve talked with Owen Shelton?” Eden’s head whips around. “How did you get him to even consider it?”

“I’m an ex-football star....” He opens his hands like his upcoming answer is a no-brainer. “Of course, I’m capable of charming an old quarterback.”

“Right. Of course, you can.” She rolls her eyes and leans into her seat.

“I charmed you, didn’t I?”

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