Page 46 of Your Soul to Keep

He laughed. “I wouldn’t fuckin plan a bad surprise.”

I giggled like a schoolgirl, giddy in his presence.

Nervous for what might come next.

With one hand, he palmed the steering wheel and turned us onto the road.

I frowned. Where was he taking me? This road didn’t lead anywhere worth going. It was pretty, though, with the trees in bloom, and wildflowers gathering at their feet.

He interrupted my musings. “How was work this week?”

I sighed. “It was okay. Not as busy this week, which is bad financially, but I know I’ll be complaining when it picks up next week. It’s always super busy in the summer. I don’t know how Nan did it.”

“She loved it,” he murmured. “It’s easier to give it your all when you love what you’re doing.”

“I guess so.” I turned to look out the window. I didn’t love managing Ayana’s, but there was a time I loved my work. I perked up. “Do you love your work?”

“I love being a fire fighter, especially when we’re busy.”

My eyebrows rose as my stomach plummeted at the thought of him in danger. “You had a call out?”

“More than usual but nothing out of the ordinary.” He flicked his indicator on to turn left.

I flipped the visor down to block the sun. “And the garage? Do you enjoy that?”

He threw me a wry smile. “Working with Dad is a challenge at times, but I like working on the cars. In many ways it’s more physically taxing than the fire station. I’m feeling it in my back more than I ever have.”

“Hm, getting old?” I teased.

He slanted me a dark look. “I’m not that much older than you, lady. I’d watch your tone.”

“Yeah? What are you going to do about it?”

He grinned. “Don’t poke the bear, Shae-baby.”

I hummed. “What do you do at the station? What are your responsibilities?”

He visibly tensed.

“What is it? What’s the matter?”

“The chief is nagging me to throw my name into the hat for a promotion.”

I brightened. “Gabe! That’s great! I’m so proud of you!”

“Yeah?” he retorted, his voice gruff. “And without the promotion you’re not so proud?”

My mouth dropped open. “What? No!” I gave my head a shake. “Of course I’m proud of you. You—you—you save lives for crying out loud,” I stuttered.

“Is that what it takes to impress you?”

Dipping my chin, I admonished, “Gabe, I love you just the way you are, with or without a promotion, no matter what job you do.”

The wide smile splitting his face gave me emotional whiplash. Confusing me further, he reached over and clamped his big hand down on my thigh.

“You love me.”

The blood left my face.

---