Page 41 of Crossroads of Love

Aftereffects of those amazing orgasms he gave me.Jerk.

His dark hair is a little tousled, probably from the wind outside, and he’s wearing that easy, confident smile that always seems to disarm people. He’s got that rugged, effortlessly handsome look about him, and I know for a fact he doesn’t even try.

“Look who’s here with the goods!” Jayla exclaims as she walks back into the office, her voice cutting through the chaos as she spots him and rushes over. “Uncle Gavin, you’re a hero!”

Gavin chuckles as he sets the bags on the counter. “I wouldn’t go that far, kiddo. Just thought you all could use some fuel while you're saving the day.”

“I guess you’re taken care of,” Hank says offhandedly before he disappears out of the office just as quickly as he popped in.

Gavin pulls out containers of food, and Jayla’s eyes light up like it’s Christmas morning.

“Oh my God, you got fries! Extra crispy, just how I like them!” she squeals, grabbing the container with both hands and hugging it to her chest. “You're the best, Uncle Gavin. Seriously.”

“Don’t mention it.”

My stomach growls loudly, reminding me that I haven’t eaten since... what? Breakfast? Maybe yesterday? I can’t even remember. I walk over, my exhaustion momentarily overshadowed by the tantalizing smell of food.

“Thanks,” I say, grabbing a drink. “You didn’t have to do this.”

Gavin looks at me with that slow, knowing smile of his and hands me a container. “I ordered your favorite. Chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes.”

Even Aaron couldn’t remember that.

I clear my throat, trying to shake off the twinge of awkwardness. Tears prick at my eyes, and I immediately look away.

It’s just a nice gesture and a lucky memory. It means nothing.

“Well, you’ve got a good memory, I guess.”

“Only when it comes to what you like.” He’s leaning against the counter, looking far too comfortable.

Jayla is busy tearing into her fries, oblivious to the looks between Gavin and me. I try to keep my eyes focused on the food, doing everything I can not to acknowledge the way he’s watching me.

I’m going to need him to stop. Otherwise, we’ll need a Caution, Slippery When Wet sign to follow me around.

Tatum walks over, grabs a container, and gives me a look. One that says she’sveryaware of the situation. She lifts an eyebrow but says nothing.

I take a bite, half distracted by the steady stream of people outside the office who still need direction and are looking for help. My mind snaps back to the task at hand, and the food is briefly forgotten.

“Gavin, thanks again for the food, but we’ve got a lot of people still coming in, and I need to make sure everyone is accounted for.”

He gives me that disarming smile again, but something else flickers in his eyes.

“Lena, you’re running yourself into the ground. Why don’t you let Tatum handle the questions for a bit? Isn’t that what you have an assistant for?”

I bristle at his tone. “It’s too much for just one person to handle.”

“Yeah, but you could delegate a little more,” he states gently, but it feels patronizing. “You’re doing too much on your own. Let someone else take over for a bit.”

How dare he come in here and tell me how to do my job?

I cross my arms over my chest. “IsaidI’ve got it. I don’t need you swooping in and telling me how to do my job.”

He runs a hand through his hair. “Lena, I’m not trying to take over. I’m just saying…”

“I don’t need a lecture right now. I have work to do.”

I turn away from him, hoping that would end the conversation, but of course, it doesn’t.

---