Page 82 of Shelter from the Storm

“Four,” he repeated. “An even number.”

Gretchen’s eyes widened. “You added me to the interview list so it would be an odd number for Nora?!”

Theo nodded.

Gretchen laughed so hard she had to wipe her eyes. “Oh my God. That’s insane!”

“I basically reached into the ‘no’ pile and picked one at random. It was yours.”

“Holy shit. How lucky is that?”

Theo shook his head. “Luck didn’t have a damn thing to do with it.”

Gretchen tilted her head. “Hate to disagree, but that was all luck.”

“Nope.” Theo kissed her forehead. “It was fate, plain and simple. You were meant to be here, meant to be mine, and fate made sure it happened. You and me…we were inevitable, kitten.”

Her expression was pure awe and delight when she whispered “inevitable” back to him. “I like that word.”

“I love you.”

Gretchen blinked rapidly, and he saw her lashes were now wet with tears. Sadly, he also saw a shadow of fear.

“You don’t have to say it back. I know you’re not ready, and that’s okay,” he reassured her. “I don’t want you to say it until…” He ran his thumb under her eye. “Until you can say it without being afraid or worried. Until you know beyond a shadow of a doubt in your heart that you’re safe with me, with my love.”

She nodded slowly. “I want that.”

He kissed her gently. “I know you do, kitten. Don’t worry. I’m a very patient man.”

She giggled. “No, you’re not.”

Theo laughed. “No, I’m not. But I’m trying. Let’s go to sleep.” He gripped her knee, tugging it over his thighs, loving the way she snuggled against him.

This time, sleep did claim her, and Theo wasn’t too far behind her.

Just one last thought floating through his brain as he drifted off.

Thank God for fate.

Chapter Fourteen

Gretchen and Remi bumped hips as they passed each other, Remi returning to the bar with a tray of empty glasses, Gretchen delivering a couple of flights to Kasi and Levi, who were on a date.

It was a beautiful November Saturday, sweater weather for sure, but still warm enough to sit outside. The fall leaves were in full color, and the brewery was hopping. Gretchen had volunteered to help wait tables when her driving lesson with Theo was cut short by a call from Nora, who informed him they were down three servers between the brewery and winery, due to a stomach virus.

Theo was currently parked behind the bar, pouring flights and pints, and talking about the different brews. Lark was singing on the makeshift stage again. She was their most popular entertainer, so it wasn’t unusual for the place to be even busier, thanks to her.

Gretchen delivered the flights before making the rounds of her other tables. Fortunately, everyone was good for the moment, so she could grab a few minutes of downtime.

And she knew exactly who she wanted to spend it with. The line at the bar consisted of one guy, and since Jace was also manning the taps, Theo sauntered toward her, leaning over the bar to steal a kiss.

“Looks like we’ve finally hit a lull,” he observed.

“Yeah. I was thinking that too.”

“Another hour, and I think you and I can clock out. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you helping.”

“I like being here,” she admitted. “Like being busy and needed.”

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