Page 22 of Claiming What Is Mine

Chapter Twelve

Meredith

Iplopinto my seat at the table andrun my hands through my hair.“I know we’re dating and all, but you shouldn’t have come here.” He had to be aware this could have ended badly. Like, so badly. “You do know Daddy’s had it out for you since we were in high school, don’t you? ”

Gabe nods. “Yes, I’m aware, subtle is not a word I’d use to describe your father.”

“Well then cowboy, please help me understand what you were thinking.”

Kindness fills his eyes when Gabelooks at me.“I wanted tosurprise you. Honestly, Ithought your dad would be out working, not standing in the driveway, waiting for meto show up like I’d scheduled an appointment. Besides, the opportunity to see you outweighed any risk as far as I’m concerned.”

How is he always so damn charming? Can’t he see I’m trying to make a point here?

I level my index finger at Gabe in response to his words. “And what about you? Shouldn’t you bebackat your place right now, working? AreChetand Christy even back from theirhoneymoon? Don’t you have responsibilities of your own that need tending to?”

Gabe comes to stand behind me and rubs my shoulders.“No, they won’t be back for another week. So, I asked Hank to come over and keep an eye on things.”

I close my eyes and sigh as his strong hands melt the knots in my neck.“Wait.You left Hank in charge of the entire ranch? Andthat made sense inthatlittle headof yours?”

Gabe leans down to look me in the eye.“My little head?”Hismouth forms the most devilish of grins.“No, Doll. I wasn’t thinking with my little head.”

I playfully slap his hand.“Stop it. You know what I mean.”

He winks.“I think I do, kitten.”Gabestraightens.“I might have been a little concerned, butHank’screatedadecentbusiness for himself since he took overChristy’s old place.Maybe he’s an idiotsavantor something. I mean, who hasn’t questioned his decisions at one time or another? But the man can fix anything with an engine. Add to that, the fact he hasn’t burnedherplace to the ground, and I figure he ought to be able to watch cows eat grass for a few hours.Regardless, it’s been a week since I saw your face. I needed a fix. So…the ranch be damned.”

The thought of him needing me catches me by surprise.

“Hey, is that my shirt?”Gabepoints atmy freshly stainedt-shirt.

“Hmmm?”

He smiles. “It is, isn’t it?You’rewearing my t-shirt.The one we didn’t have time to look for becauseyouhad to sneakmeout likeI’drobbed the place.”

“What?This old thing?I—I don’t know,I found it crumpled on the floor,” I say coyly.

He takes a seat across fromme.“Is that right?The stain is new. But I’m pretty damn sure that’s my shirt.”

“Fine. It'syour shirt and I'm sorry about the stain. ” I bite my bottom lip.“But it's not really my fault. See,I spilled coffee when I heardsomeone calling my name and asking for paper.ThenI saw you and my brother about to kill each other in the driveway.”

Gabe leans in, his eyes dancingwith excitement.“Does it smell like me? Is that why you’re wearing it?”

My cheeks burn. “No.” Not anymore. I’vewornit to bed every night for the last week. Frankly, it’s starting to smell like a funky version of me. “Stoptrying to change the subject,” I say, trying to change the subject.

Gabe’s smile tells me he knows what I’m doing, but he’s choosing not to call me on it. “I thoughtwe could drive down to Sterling for the afternoon. Grab a bite to eat, maybe do a littleshopping. How’d that be?”

“Shopping? WhatonEarthfor?” I look down at my coffee-stained shirt andPJbottoms. “I’m not even dressed.”

“Exactly. It’s three in the afternoon on your day off, and you’re still in PJs. I thought you might enjoy an afternoon of pampering. You deserveitmore than anyone.”

I stare at Gabe in disbelief. “Are you being serious right now?”

Without hesitating, Gabe answers, “One hundred percent.”

“And how many other womenhave receivedsimilar offersfrom you?”My words are meant as a joke, but Iworry I may not be strong enough for an honest answer.

Without hesitating, he pulls one of those ready-made answers from his pocket. “Nah, this is a first for me. Besides, the only face I ever saw was yours.”

I punch him in the shoulder.“Nice try.”

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