Page 104 of The Reluctant Hero

I’m still gaping at him in confusion when the double doors open, and Cade comes in with food.

His mouth opens to make a comment but closes when he sees my expression. Or the swollen red lips I’m sure I’m sporting.

His eyes narrow, and a feeling of guilt crashes over me.

I don’t know what to say. They’ve seen Ace kiss me on the cheek or be affectionate. And here I am, looking guilty as hell with only Gabriel in the room with me. I couldn’t be more obvious.

“Lunch,” Cade announces in a carefully controlled tone.

Jake comes in behind him, notes my face with a glance, and makes me a plate.

I keep my head down and don’t speak. I barely eat any of it.

There’s plenty left over for Mikael when he and Ace come back in.

Shit. I know the lingering effects of that kiss are gone, but I still feel like he sees everything when he glances at me. But he maintains his happy smile. If anything, it gets wider.

I can’t be that guy, not after everything Loser has put me through. I have to tell him.

I’m so pissed at myself. I shouldn’t be kissing any of them. Even Jake is looking good with all the spoiling he’s giving me. A cushion for my back. Extra highlighters that he swears come from Sarah’s desk. A stress ball. Little things that amuse me or help me get through the day.

It’s like separating from Loser has turned me into a nympho.

The rest of the day goes by fast, but I’m too busy thinking to get much done.

“I’m drivin’ you home, darlin’.”

I startle and look up at Ace in horror.

Already? Do I have to confessalready?I didn’t even have a chance to convince myself he’ll never know.

“Ok,” I try to be brave about it as I gather up my things.

I don’t miss the sneer Cade gives me from behind Ace’s back. I can’t meet his eyes or give him hell over it, either.

22

Sail

Ace

My girl is adorable when she’s feelin’ guilty. I probably shouldn’t be enjoyin’ it so much, but this shows me that she actually cares. Enough to feel bad for whatever lip lock she had with Gabe.

As if none of us knew that was comin’.

He sends us out every day to investigate the names on her list, the lawyers, and how well they know Blake. Most of that can be done in the office, and we all know it. Yet every time Jake insists on getting lunch for Amanda and Cade follows him, Mikael and I have to leave, too.

We’ve been laughing our asses off about it all week, wonderin’ when he’s gonna make his move. It isn’t like him to be so hesitant.

She barely waits for me to get into the truck before she’s confessin’.

“I kissed Gabriel.”

I don’t think she meant to say it so soon because she gives me such a guilty look mixed with enough horror I’m expectin’ someone to sneak up behind me with a knife.

“Buckle up, darlin’,” I remind her. This is gonna be fun. I’ve watched them tease each other so long I’m startin’ to get jealous. I want to play.

Her jaw drops, but her hands fumble around to click the belt in place.

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