Page 31 of Claiming What Is Mine

“I think I do.” Christy smiles. “If you don’t mind my asking, what do you do for a living? I only ask because…well, are you planning to stay around Logan county and find work? Or will you end up having to move away again? Maybe, the issue is less about whether Gabe is right for you, and more about whether Gabe fits into your plans for the future.”

I pause, contemplating her words, but we’re interrupted before I have the chance to respond.

Gabe yells as he approaches. “Christy, would you be a dear and get your husband off my back? Twenty minutes my ass. Jesus, you’ve been home…what, not even a week and I’m ready for you to take him on another honeymoon.” Gabe’s face appears serious as he approaches the house, but when his eyes meet mine, his demeanor changes, softening to match his gaze.

Christy grabs the armrests of her chair with both hands, pulling herself out of the seat. “I’ll leave you two to talk. Sounds like I need to chase my husband down, anyway.”

Gabe takes her hand and helps her down the steps before climbing up on the porch to sit beside me. “You two have a nice chat?”

“Actually, yes. She seems like the kind of person you can’t help but enjoy being around.”

“True. She’s the complete and polar opposite of her husband.” Gabe laughs. “Now, how long do I have with you today?”

“You know me always busy, busy, busy,” I joke.

Gabe takes me by the hand. “Well then, why don’t you come inside, so we can make the most of the time we have.” The twinkle in his eyes makes his intention clear and the heat between my legs says my busy afternoon of watching tv and missing Gabe can wait a little longer.

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