Page 25 of Gage

After she left, I turned to Gage. “Isn’t it amazing how Jasper found me and then led you to me?”

“I’ll always find you,” he said softly. “I can’t wait for our date—dinner on the beach under the moonlight.”

“That sounds perfect. Did you find the tracker in your bag?”

“Yeah, I found it,” he said with a grin. “I’m keeping it there. This way, you’ll always know where I am if you need me.”

I smiled. “Those men were so crazy. I was terrified. They broke the windows to get to me, and my van wouldn’t start, so I couldn’t even drive away. I can’t stop thinking about those poor women who couldn’t escape. Their families must have been so worried for so long.”

“Try not to think about them,” Gage said gently. “Let’s talk about something better—like what we’ll eat on our first date.”

“Isn’t this technically our third date?” I teased, smiling. “We’ve done so much together already.”

He leaned down and kissed me. “You know what they say about the third date.”

“Exactly why I said it,” I replied with a grin. “We’ve waited long enough. I’ll bring an overnight bag.”

“How about a bag for the whole week?” he countered, his eyes sparkling.

I giggled. “Fine, I’ll pack a suitcase.”

“Good,” he said, kissing me again. “Or better yet, come home with me straight from here. I’ve got a couple of weeks free, and I’d love for you to stay with me.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, feeling a flutter of excitement. “How about I plan on a long weekend first?”

“Fine,” he said with a playful smile. “But it won’t stay just a weekend. I already know I won’t want you to leave. Just thinking about it makes me miss you already. Lori, I have deep feelings for you—I want you with me.”

“I feel the same way,” I said softly. “Let’s take it day by day.”

“That sounds perfect to me,” he said, leaning in for another kiss.

“I love kissing you,” I whispered. “I might surprise you with kisses when you least expect it.”

Gage chuckled. “Those are the kinds of surprises I’ll never get tired of.”

“Me too.”

15

Gage

We were sittingin the hospital room chairs when Lori’s dad entered, the nurse close behind him.

“Did you see anything?” Lori asked eagerly, her voice tinged with concern.

“Yes,” Eddie said, settling into the chair beside her. “The doctor said it’s a miracle I got that scan. They found a small spot of cancer on my pancreas.”

Lori gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “Oh my God, Dad. What did the doctor say about it?”

“He said I’m one lucky guy because pancreas cancer doesn’t usually show many symptoms. I’ve already called my doctor and scheduled an appointment for Wednesday. I’ll need to head back home today to start dealing with it.” Eddie paused, his face softening. “I need to give Jasper a big kiss for barking at me. He might’ve saved my life.”

“That’s incredible,” Lori said, her eyes welling up. “I’ll keep Jasper here with me. I’m leaving in a couple of days, so you don’t have to worry about him being by himself while you take care of yourself.”

Eddie nodded. “That’s a good idea. I was already worried about him. He really is an angel sent from heaven.”

“He sure is,” I added.

Eddie glanced at Lori. “Are you coming to my house when you’re discharged?”

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