Page 44 of Silver Secrets

“You’re not getting off the hook from telling me exactly what happened last night.” Emma pointed her finger at Sloane before turning around to face Gage. “But you aren’t going anywhere, handsome. I’m here for you this morning.”

“I thought you two were having girl time?”

“No. I just said girl time can happen anytime. But it’s not happening right now for us. I’m going over to see Lily and Sage before my clients this afternoon.”

“You need to take today off, Sloane,” he warned.

“Not a chance. I’m perfectly fine to work. Lily already agreed to drive me home so I could change in a little bit before taking me to pick up a rental car. I’ll wash these…” She pinched a corner of fabric from his sweatshirt and wiggled it around. “And return them to you tomorrow.”

Before he could think, Gage walked across the living room, until he was standing toe to toe with Sloane. He leaned in, close enough that only she would hear his whisper.

“I don’t like the idea that you’re going to work today, but I understand. And keep the clothes, Sloane. I want to imagine you sleeping in them again tonight.”

Her eyes went wide as she bit down on her lip. “I-I have to go. Lily’s waiting.”

“Have a good day, Red. I’m around if you need anything.”

Emma laughed from somewhere behind him as Sloane waved, closing the door and leaving Gage to wonder why the hell Emma was there to talk to him.

* * *

Breathe.

Her whole body felt overly sensitive. She’d been trying to hide how close to the edge she was from Gage. But as Sloane walked up the stairs and down the hallway to get to Gunner and Lily’s apartment, she felt like there was no hope of keeping her shit together.

She hesitated to knock, the hot ache in her throat threatening to overwhelm her. There was no doubt in her mind that Gage had either called or sent a message to Gunner to make sure she arrived there safely, as if someone was going to be able to attack her in the most secure building she’d ever been inside of. So that meant she needed to knock and just get it over with, because if she was about to fall apart, she didn’t want him to see.

Everything from the last few days started rushing towards her. Kimi’s call had started what felt like a free fall for her anxiety. What happened in the woods, and then the accident… she wished the FBI agent would return her calls. Give her something that would help her put all of her anxiety behind her. Because it couldn’t behim. She wouldn’t let that thought overwhelm her until she knew for sure.

The door opened before she ever had a chance to knock, and Gunner greeted her with his usual reserved nod, which was perfect. A chilly reception she could do. She had refused to stay in Gage’s bed and cry. Refused to break down and force him to comfort her when she knew every inch of him would have been torn open from the memories he’d shared with her. God, he was so incredibly strong. And she could never reciprocate with that level of vulnerability.

What had she been thinking? Telling him she wanted to explore what was building between them. It had been such a comforting and exciting thought.

But in the light of day, outside the bubble of his apartment, she knew exactly why it could never happen.

“You coming in?” Gunner’s gruff voice startled her. Sloane cleared her throat, trying to box up everything she was feeling.

She thought she was holding it together until she saw Gunner’s head turn, his eyes crinkling up and a smile washing over his face as Sage laid her sleepy head down on his shoulder. It was probably the same way he smiled at Gage’s son.

And in an instant, everything she’d been holding in since the night before poured out of her. With her back pressed against the wall, Sloane slid down, wrapping her arms around her legs and burying her face in her arms as she completely lost it.

The pain from hearing Gage talk about his loss, about everything he went through on his own before the team was there to help him, how she had reminded him of that horrific tragedy. God, why had she called him? How could she do that to Gage?

Sobs wracked her body.

“Christ! Sloane! Are you okay?” She wiped at her eyes, just in time to see Gunner reaching out for her. She flinched, hating the way her heart pounded at the thought of him touching her.

“Gunner, no. Don’t touch her.” Lily’s voice called from behind him. “Put Sage in her high chair. Her breakfast is at the table.”

Gunner didn’t move.

“Did he hurt you?”

Sloane’s eyes moved from the floor up to meet Gunner’s. “Who?”

“Gage. Did he hurt you?”

“God. No. I-I hurt him. I shouldn’t have called him last night. The accident… his family…”

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