Page 31 of Tangled with the Tight End

“You missed the ending where they wrestled on the floor like 12-year-olds do.”

“Hey, I won,” Marco pipes in.

“Did you?” The question in Eden’s tone is clear. He either didn’t win, or it was a tie.

“I’m going to eat a piece of pie.”

Seconds later, Eden lowers her voice. “So, if you weren’t upset that my Neanderthal husband showed his ass in front of guests and ruined Thanksgiving–”

“I heard that.”

“Go away, I’m talking to Norah.”

“Fine.”

I chuckle at their teasing play-by-play. The love they have for each other is that special kind of love. The kind that makes your heart swoon and your belly flop. I’m so happy they found each other, even if it depresses me at the same time.

“Okay, he’s gone. What’s going on?”

“It’s nothing.” I toss the cover to the foot of the sofa and sit up.

“No, it’s not.”

“Fine,” I sigh with exasperation. “It’s stupid, but over the last few days, I started seeing Gabriel in a different light and foolishly hoped something would happen between us. When he dropped the bombshell that he was leaving in the next week or two, my stomach sank. And it kept getting worse the longer he talked about returning home and re-signing another contract. I know it’s foolish. We just met, and we’re complete opposites, so it wouldn’t work anyway.” I roll my eyes even though she can’t see it. “It’s probably my biological clock ticking and nothing else. My prospects here are slim to none, so the first good-looking guy to show up, I’m ready to pounce on him and make him stay. And that’s not going to happen with Gabriel.”

“I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.”

“That I want something I can’t have? Gee, thanks. With friends like you, I don’t need enemies.” I shove off the sofa and pace the floor.

“Don’t be ridiculous, you know what I mean. Marco and I would love it if the two of you got together. Gabriel deserves someone who cares about him for him and not who he is, and you 100% deserve a happily ever after.”

“But it’s not going to happen. He’s adamant he’s returning to Kansas City for at least another three years.” I rake a hand through my still-damp hair. “He’ll find someone else in three years. Probably lots of someone else’s.”

“Don’t give up on him.”

“Eden, I have to. It’s more of a fantasy at the moment than reality. If I keep wishing for things that won’t happen, it’s only going to hurt worse.”

My doorbell rings. “Eden, I’ve got to go.”

“Keep an open mind. You never know what the future holds.” The phone clicks dead in my ear.

Yeah, I do. Cats and books. That’s my future.

I swing open the door and nearly swallow my tongue. Gabriel stands on my front porch with a container and a wry smile on his lips. “I’m here to give you a peace offering.”

I arch my eyebrow. “What’s the peace offering?”

“Dessert.” He lifts the container higher. “Mine and my brother’s childishness had you rushing off before you had dessert, and I feel awful.”

“You should.” I cross my arms over my chest and block his entrance. Not that he’s indicated he wants to come inside. Damn it, my foolishness knows no bounds. I’m still hoping he sweeps me off my feet. I straighten my back and shove all those teenage girl fantasies out of my head. Happily ever afters happen to someone else.

“Again….” His eyes are solemn as the humor drops from his face. “I apologize. I’m sorry. I hate that I ruined your Thanksgiving.”

“It’s fine,” I sigh and shake my head. “It wasn’t ruined. The meal was delicious. My parents enjoyed meeting you.” One corner of my mouth rises. “Especially my father.”

“Can I come in?”

I glance at his Jeep, not seeing Gino tucked inside. “Where’s Gino?”

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