Page 67 of Gideon's Gratitude

Slow down.

Except I wanted to hurry and get where we were going to so we’d be safe. I wasn’t as much concerned about myself as I was about my companion. Gideon had kids. I had my family, and they’d miss me, but it wouldn’t be the same thing. No one relied on me. And between my bank account, my investments, and my life insurance policies, my siblings would do just fine, were something to happen to me.

Upon being served divorce papers, I’d consulted with my accountant and my attorney. I didn’t wish Thea ill, but I wanted to ensure she wouldn’t be the beneficiary on any of my policies.

We needed to get home.

Home?

Notmyhome. Gideon’s home. A place that, despite its age and general state of disrepair, was welcoming. The man made it so.

As I made the turn onto our street, the anti-skid system kicked in. I hadn’t appreciated things were getting so treacherous. We were several klicks in from the main road, but our road was decently paved. Just a few potholes that, frankly, annoyed me a little.

I pulled into Gideon’s driveway, and as I crested the bump, the house came into view. I put the SUV in Park but didn’t cut the engine. “I believe I should take my leave.”

Gideon met my gaze. “You said you’d stay for dinner. Hell, you prepared dinner.”

“I put meat in the crockpot and turned it on. I’m glad to see your house hasn’t burned down.”

My companion snorted.

“Look, the roads are getting treacherous.”

“The roads are already treacherous,” he corrected. “You’d be crazy to head back into town at this point.”

“Are there any roads that might get washed away?”

Gideon scrunched his nose. “I don’t think so, but what’s that worth on a night like this? A landslide can take out a road so easily.”

“Whether I go now or go tomorrow —”

“I don’t want you to go.”

My jaw snapped shut, the argument left unsaid. “Are you saying…?”

“That I want you to come inside. That I want you to spend the night. That I don’t want to worry about you and be overcome with grief and guilt if something happened to you. It’d be my fault.”

“How do you figure that?”

“You would’ve left hours ago. Like when Riley and her crew packed up. But you stayed. You stayed to help me with my kids, and then you drove me to counseling.” He pressed a hand to his forehead. “Which reminds me that I told Kennedy I’d return the same time next week. I’ll have to see if she can fit me in during the day.”

“I’ll take you next week.”

Gideon shot me an indecipherable look. “You’re saying you’ll be here next week? You know that for sure?”

Well…point made. “I can arrange for someone to take you. I’m certain someone on the crew will want to earn a few extra bucks. And if they enjoy Rainbow’s company, they’ll be well-compensated.”

“There you go with the money thing again. I can get the appointment moved. I might have to wait a few weeks, but it can be done. Or I can ask her if we can do the call over the phone.”

“Or you can ask if she’d make a house call. But those options allow you to hole yourself away. You got out today. You met people and, shock, you survived.”

A biting look. But, after a moment, a small smile. “Yeah, I did that.” He pressed a hand to his forehead. “I’ll call Monday and see if they can move my appointment. I’m sure something will work out.”

“I’m certain it will as well. Now, I must go—”

Gideon seized my arm. The grip was vise-tight. “No. Just, no, okay? Come inside, and have some dinner, and stay where it’s dry and safe.”

I wanted to ask about sleeping arrangements, but they didn’t matter. I’d sleep on the floor, if it alleviated Gideon’s stress. I’d do anything to wipe the look of worry from the man’s brow. “I accept your offer.”

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