Page 73 of More Than a Fling

“As a matter of fact, I do,” she retorted.

“Gabe, darling, let her go, that would give us a chance to catch up,” she said, intentionally stirring the pot.

“If you don’t get out of my way, I’m going to scream for Sam and have him make you,” she said.

“Jesus Annie. Are you serious right now?”

“Yes, we can talk about this tonight when I get off work. I’ll finish up around seven. That is if you’re not busy,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Seven then,” he said, exasperated. “I’ll have dinner ready.”

He moved aside so she could get into her car and leave. He wasn’t happy about it, but he knew she wasn’t about to budge, and he was smart enough to admit defeat. Her stubbornness was on full display.

* * *

Annie drove away fuming. It seemed like every time she turned around there was another beautiful woman throwing herself at Gabe. Dammit! She didn’t like this one bit. It kept knocking her off balance. Just when she let her guard down, someone else came along to burst her bubble.

In some ways she felt bad for Gabe. He couldn’t help that he was so damn hot. But on the other hand she felt like throttling him. Her green-eyed monster was alive and well. It was a good thing she had work to distract her. Hopefully she would be able to contain her jealousy by dinner time.

* * *

Gabe had dinner ready for Annie when she arrived home from work.

“I’ll set the table,” Annie said coolly. “I’m going to miss this.”

Gabe froze. “Miss this? Why, where are you going?”

“We knew it wasn’t going to last forever Gabe. Now that things have calmed down, I thought I’d return to my condo. I’ve got bills to pay and cleaning to do, you know basic upkeep.”

“I don’t like it. I think it’s a bad idea for all kinds of reasons,” Gabe persisted.

“Gabe, I have to catch up on some things. It’s like I’ve been on vacation and now reality is seeping back in.”

“What about Bradley?”

“Since he got assigned to a desk job while they’re doing an internal investigation, he won’t do anything to jeopardize his chances. He has had two weeks to do something and hasn’t.”

“I don’t feel nearly as confident as you seem to,” Gabe said.

“Look according to Darcy, his argument to keep his job is that he was worried about me since he couldn’t reach me at home or by phone. He wanted to check up on me. Even though we know he’s lying, he won’t want to show them his hand. It’s his word against mine now.”

“Did the captain say anything else?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”

“And of course, this has absolutely nothing to do with Brianna, right?” he said.

“I didn’t say that. Look Gabe, I’ve gotten too comfortable. What are we doing? You and me. Playing house, one day slipping into the next, we haven’t made any commitments. For all I know, Brianna was the love that got away. She is stunning. I just need some time alone. I’m in too deep. It scares me.”

“I want it on record that I am opposed to this idea.”

“Noted,” Annie said.

“I’m not going to lie to you Annie, I was heartbroken when Brianna up and left me for the bright lights of California, but that was two years ago. I hadn’t heard from her since, until today. I’m over her. When are you going to learn to trust me? Or more importantly, yourself?’ he said quietly.

Annie impatiently swiped at a tear and said, “I don’t know. Maybe never. Every time I get too comfortable something knocks me off balance. I told you from the beginning that I wasn’t sure that I was up for competing for your affection.”

“There is no competition Annie, I don’t know how else to say it,” He threw up his hands and turned away from her.

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