Page 28 of Silver Secrets

“What?”

“I’ve never been here before.”

His stomach growled as he took a step closer to the counter. “You’re in for a treat. Their chopped Italian sub is one of the best things I’ve ever had.”

“Well, with that resounding endorsement, how could I not try it? Is it spicy?”

“Do you not like spice?”

“I can handle some heat. But if it’s atomic, then I won’t really enjoy it.”

“You’ll be okay with this. The only real heat comes from some pepperoncinis.”

“Perfect.”

“Next!” The kid standing behind the counter called out, and Gage waited for Sloane to step up and order.

The chime for the door rang behind him as someone else walked into the shop. Gage passed his credit card to the cashier and turned to see who had walked in.

“Hey, Cap. Emma.” Sebastian and Emma stood behind them, their eyes bouncing between Sloane and Gage. He knew what it looked like, and watched as the smile spread across Emma’s face.

“Oh, are you two out on a date?” Emma’s eyes lit up.

“No,” Sloane all but yelled. And damn if that didn’t hurt a bit. “We were supposed to be on a group outing, but everyone canceled at the last minute.”

“Hm. Did he buy you lunch?” she asked.

“Of course I did.”

“And did he open the door for you when you came in here?”

“Yes.”

“And are you about to go somewhere quiet to eat lunch, just the two of you?”

“Uhh…”

“Mm. Okay, sure. Did you hear that, Seb? Our friends are here doing date-ish things, but they are very much not on a date.”

“Emma,” Gage growled, with what he hoped was just enough bite to get her to back down without getting punched in the throat by Sebastian.

“If I didn’t know any better, Gage, I’d say you orchestrated that to get this beautiful woman all to yourself.”

Sloane’s cheeks turned the color of strawberries under a hot July sun and she dropped her eyes to the counter top, still fidgeting with her pendent.

“If I was smarter, I would have. As luck would have it, our friends made this happen for me all on their own.”

That certainly got her attention, and he couldn’t help but smile as her warm brown eyes settled on him.

“Well, we won’t hold you up. Emma and I have lots of plans ahead of us since Addie is with friends and we have the apartment to ourselves for a few hours.”

“A veryfullitinerary, indeed.” The wink Emma gave Sloane had Gage hiding his laughter.

“Right, Cap. Enjoy your afternoon.”

* * *

“Sorry about Emma.”

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