Page 37 of Lahaina Noon

Bridget jolted at being caught, whispered back, “How did you know, your eyes were closed. Is that some sort of dragon voodoo?”

He opened his beautiful blue eyes, pinning her to the spot. “You were thinking too hard again.” He smiled and brushed her hair from her face. “Good morning my sweet, did you sleep well?”

She kissed him lightly. “Why, yes, Mr. Drake, I had a warm handsome man here to keep me company all night long.”

He growled at her and flung the blanket over them while she squealed in mock terror.

Sometime later, they lay panting, her head on his chest, him running his hands lazily over her back. “I suppose we should check on the others,” he finally sighed.

Bridget stretched like a cat and yawned. “Mmm. A responsible Sex God.” She giggled.

He pinched her arm and laughed. “You aren’t letting that go, are you?” he teased.

She shook her head no and sighed. “I’m glad the other rooms are on the other side of the house; I’d hate to think we had an audience. But I’m sure we need to get up and feed whoever is still here.” She smelled coffee brewing and added “Although it seems someone has made a start.” They took turns taking a shower and getting dressed.

When they stepped into the breakfast nook, they found Siobhan, Marco, and Gabe sitting at the table, plowing through a stack of pancakes.

Liam was in the kitchen with Jorrie, showing her how to flip a pancake high. They were laughing and standing very close together.

Bridget looked up at Vaughn and smiled.

He shook his head, asking, “Where’s Jack?”

Jorrie answered, “Probably nursing a hangover. You know he’s not his best the morning after.”

“I resemble that remark,” Jack said, coming around the corner, looking a little worse for the wear. He sat down and put his head on the table. “My kingdom for some coffee,” he moaned.

Bridget took pity on him and fixed him a cup, setting it down by his nose.

He inhaled the aroma and sat up, taking her hand. “My darling angel, why don’t you run away with me.” He kissed her hand.

She kissed the top of his head, “You’re engaged, remember?” and walked away to fix herself some tea.

Once everyone was settled at the table, Gabe turned to Vaughn. “Mr. Drake, it’s really nice of you to let us stay here last night. So, thanksfor that. I know there’s something going on, and I’m being kept in the dark here, but I’m sure it’s some adult crap that you guys think I’m too young to handle yet, so I’m going to respect that for now. But I need to know, what are your intentions with my mother?”

Jack choked on his coffee, Jorrie grinned at Liam, and Bridget put her head down on the table.

Vaughn, however, took the question seriously. He stood and walked around to Gabe, indicating he should stand as well. “Gabriel, I appreciate your respecting our boundaries on the other matter. Your mother’s main goal is to keep you safe, so that is mine as well. When she deems it necessary for you to know all, you will. Until then, she’s running that show. As to your question about my intentions, well that’s an easier answer. Your mother is a smart, talented, beautiful, amazing woman. So, I’ve taken advantage of that by making her the new VP of VR Integration at Cloud Warrior Gaming.

“I hope you agree that your mother is deserving of happiness in her life as well, so as the man in your household, I’d like to ask your permission to court your mother to see if I can give her that. I’m not going to try to take your father’s place. No man could ever do that. But I hope you will see how much I want to be in your lives in my own special place. So, Mr. Ridgeway. Do my intentions seem clear enough for you? And do I have your permission to date your mother?”

Gabriel stood there for a moment, obviously giving serious consideration to what he’d just heard. Finally, he nodded, but he leaned in close to Vaughn. “Yes sir, I’m okay with you dating my mother, but know this if you hurt her,” he paused, “I’ll sic my Aunt Jorrie on you. And she watches a lot of DateLine.”

Bridget wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry at the scene before her. The respect Vaughn had shown Gabe, treating him like a man. It was so sweet and thoughtful. Gabe had obviously picked up on Vaughn’s sincerity. The kid had a good BS meter. It was the last line, though; they all burst into laughter.

Jorrie laughed so hard that tears poured down her face. “That’s my Rutabaga!” she shouted.

Gabe mortified, turned and hissed at her, “Aunt Jorrie!”

This caused her to laugh harder. “I’m sorry, baby.” she gasped. “I’ve raised you well!”

Gabe turned back to Vaughn, shrugging off the embarrassment of the childhood nickname in front of his idols. “Mr. Drake, sir.”

Vaughn held up a hand, “Just call me Drake, Gabe.”

Her son smiled, “Okay, Drake, I was also wondering if we were still on for today? You mentioned letting me and some friends beta test Cloud Warrior-4?” He smiled hopefully.

“Indeed, I did!” Vaughn smiled back. “A promise I intend to keep. I think we said 1:30, right?”

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