Page 87 of Shattered Hearts

I try to smile. “Touring payroll was the smartest thing I ever did.”

“I can’t argue with that. Now, put some clothes on. Lucille’s children’s charity needs cookies, and she asked us to help her bake this afternoon. Text Gage and ask him what his favorite kind is, and we’ll make extra batches for him and Linc. Plus,” she adds, grinning, “Dr. Reagan called Zane. Because you’ve been steady, he wants to see you for another medication adjustment, andyou’re allowed a glass of wine a day.” She bounces off the bed and hops on her toes in excitement.

I sit up. “Really?”

“Really. Only six ounces, but better than nothing. Come on, we can have a glass while we bake.”

She skips out the doorway and then I hear her trot down the stairs.

Humming, I get dressed. Sometimes I forget how good things are. Remember to appreciate the small things, ladies and gentlemen, because sometimes the small things are all life gives you.

Late that night, Gage stumbles into my room and falls into bed. He gathers me close and presses his lips to my forehead. “Missed you,” he mumbles, half sleeping.

I melt inside. There’s no other way to describe the squishy feeling that invades my body. Mind, body, heart, and soul, they all belong to Gage, and I give them to him over and over again, every time he hugs me, kisses me, and tells me he loves me.

I’m completely his.

“Take your clothes off before you pass out.”

“Too tired for that.”

“Even if I do all the work?” I tease.

He cracks an eye open. “You drive a hard bargain.”

We make love, and I’m mindful of what he gives me and what I give him. I seriously listen to everything Jerricka has to say—she’s never been wrong. I’m relieved to find I enjoy having sex with Gage as much as he seems to enjoy it, both of us touching, reveling in the closeness in the cocoon of my dark room.

Here, nothing bad can touch us.

Not the harsh realities of life or the doubts and fears I let creep into my heart during the day.

In the dark, there is only us.

Sated, I fall asleep in his arms, steel bands around me. How silly I was to think he doesn’t want me, doesn’t love me. He’ll protect me no matter what comes our way.

Little did I know love is a weapon as well as a shield, and there are people who will twist my love for the ones I hold dear to destroy me and what’s remaining of my already shattered heart.

CHAPTER NINE

Gage

Zane eyes me over the huge breakfast Lucille laid out for us. Scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, sausage, toast, and pancakes. It’s like dining at a buffet, and it’s all I can do to eat at a normal pace and not cram it all into my mouth at once.

I didn’t eat dinner last night. One of our cases finally broke wide open and we worked until late wrapping it up. Besides Zarah texting and asking what my favorite cookie is (plain old chocolate chip), she was quiet all day. I missed her like crazy, and I couldn’t resist loading Baby into the truck and driving out. Falling into her bed felt like heaven.

The delicious scents of coffee and bacon woke me up, and also Zarah’s light touch skimming over my morning wood.

I told her if she was going to tease me, then she better be prepared to fork it over, and she did, on top, very thoroughly.

Now her big brother is sizing me up, his eyebrow cocked, noting my relaxed state and the goofy smile I can’t keep off my face.

Zane’s a man, and I don’t have to put into words what my posture means. I see it on him and the way he kisses Stella’s hand between bites of pancake.

Lucille begins to clear the empty breakfast platters.

“Can I hitch a ride into the city?” he asks.

His request surprises me, and I mumble, “Sure.” How am I supposed to turn down Zane Maddox? The dude gets whatever he wants.

---