Page 46 of The Talk Around Town

“Whoa, there. You’ve never had an issue with talking about women before. Was a time once, you used to ask my opinion. Why is this one so different? Why so defensive about something that didn’t happen? About something a blind man would notice you want?”

Ed held up his hand to pre-empt Gabe’s response. “No, listen to me. I’ve never seen you look at a woman the way you look at her. If I thought it was just something physical, I’d tell you to get over it. Move on. It’s not, is it? I mean, that’s there. Of course you want her. Your eyes almost devour her when you’re near.” He slapped a hand to his chest. “But, it’s here. Right where you don’t want it. That’s what the problem is, isn’t it? What did you say to upset her so much?”

Gabe rounded the long operating table, unable to keep his feet still,then stalked back the way he’d come. “Why do you automatically think it’s something I did? Why blame me? What makes you so damned sure that she is upset about one single damned thing!” His voice had risen so much he was almost shouting.

Ed held up a placating hand again, trying to calm him down. “If it wasn’t you, tell me. Tell me what happened. Tell me how I can help. Talk to me.”

Gabe halted mid-step and planted his hands on the table before him, leaning toward Ed.

“I kissed her. Yeah, bet you didn’t expect that, did you?” He pointed a finger at his father. “And you know what she did? No? She hit me. Called me a bastard and slapped me right across the face. Does that sound like a woman who’s interested?” Gabe straightened up, his face set hard. “Didn’t think so.”

Ed leaned forward, eyes narrowed and thoughtful. “She called you a bastard? Why? What made her say that? Think, Gabriel. If you want to know the reason for her reaction, that’s it right there. Emma’s a gentle sort. She’s not going to slap you because you kiss her. She looks at you—dare I say it—the same way you look at her. If I’m not completely mistaken, she wants you too.”

Gabe took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Why he was getting so worked up over this he didn’t know. He wasn’t interested in something long term. Hell, he hadn’t thought past the physical attraction. Who knows? He could spend one night and be sent on his way for not being up to scratch.

Whyhadshe called him a bastard?

She’d been fine when Max made him take the drinks to her and Pete’s table. Fine when he’d brought their meals. But she’d been upset when she walked out of the restroom, tears welling in her expressive eyes. Her gaze had sought his, accusing him.

Accusinghim.

Feeling like leftovers are we, Gabe?

“Millie,” he growled.

Chapter Twenty

“What the helldid you say to her?”

Millie Stevens leaned back in her office chair and crossed her long legs, her short skirt riding up so high Gabe imagined a Venus flytrap. Alluring, lovely, but deadly to the unwary.

“Well, good afternoon to you too, Gabe. Lookin’ fine today.”

He didn’t bother looking down. All he had on were jeans and a short-sleeved shirt. He probably even smelled like cow. He looked like shit.

“Not now, Millie. I want to know.”

She shrugged a slim, designer-clad shoulder. “It would help if I knew what you were talking about.”

Gabe leaned down and planted his hands on either side of her small laptop. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. Emma. That night at The Cow. What did you say to her?”

She blinked, the only sign Gabe got he was on to something. He’d known this woman since they were toddlers paddling around in various wading pools together while their mothers visited one another.

“Nothing. I didn’t say anything to her. I don’t know what she told you, but whatever it was is a lie.”

“That’s just the problem, Millie.” He narrowed his eyes and regarded her. “She hasn’t said a single thing. She won’t even talk to me.”

Millie snorted and slapped her hand over her mouth, hiding her grin. She sighed and made a face when Gabe didn’t say anything more.

“Serves you right, you know. All of you mooning over her like that. It’s pathetic. She’s just a chick. She doesn’t have anything different from any other woman around here. It’s embarrassing watching you guys. And Ryan? He’s the worst of all with that ridiculous bet. What did he think would happen? That he’d win and she’d fall into his arms, swooning?”

Millie swung her arms wide in a parody, feigning a love-struck pose. “Is he really that delusional about his own charm? I mean, come on.There’re plenty of decent-looking guys round here.”

Gabe let out a humourless bark of laughter. “You’ve got to be kidding me! You chased him long enough before he caved in. Don’t tell me you’re jealous?”

Millie swung her leg down, her high-heeled shoethunking hard on the wood flooring.

“That was a long time ago. Of course I’m not jealous. What’s to be jealous of? The guy can’t keep it in his pants. That’s not the kind of man I want. She’s welcome to him. Besides, there are far better prospects around here.”

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