Page 88 of Gideon's Gratitude

Do I have soda?

Cherry smiled. “Don’t worry, we brought lots.”

“What if I hadn’t come home?” Not that I’d seriously considered going back to Mission City. But I’d been tempted.

Cherish snorted. “We knew. We have our ways, but we knew.”

Not known for her psychic abilities, that meant either one of my family members spoke to my doctor or they’d hacked into my NAV system. I didn’t put either possibility past them.

Does it matter?

No, it didn’t. They were here now, and I’d just have to cope.

But I had one thing to do before the kids tromped up the stairs.

“I’ve met someone.”

Multiple heads tilted in interest.

“A man.”

All hell broke loose.

Chapter Fifteen

Gideon

This past week had been one of the longest in my life. Late Friday afternoon, I watched out the front window. We still had plenty of time to get to Kennedy, but I detested being late. I was always ten minutes early, while Leo would stroll in ten minutes after the appointed time. Except for his shift at the hospital. That he was never late for. His disdain seemed reserved for others. He didn’t respect our time as valuable.

I couldn’t relate.

Archer and I had exchanged numerous texts during the week. Often about inconsequential things. I hadn’t found the courage to ask if he’d looked into my custody case. Too chickenshit. Then came the call last night to confirm he was coming out tonight, the tentative inquiry if it was okay if he stayed.

No-brainer.

I’d actually gone down the mountain this week to stock up on necessities. I never had succeeded in giving back the cash, so I put some away in the bank, and used the rest to stock up on provisions. Fresh fruits and vegetables, some meat, and, uh, other necessary supplies. I was never going to be caught without a condom and lube again. Was I hoping to get lucky? Sure. Was I counting on it? No.

Headlights cut across the driveway, and Lucky let out a woof.

Absentmindedly, I petted the pooch. He’d been a loyal companion over the last week, and we’d taken many long hikes. My back ached, but it felt like a good pain. Getting out in the fresh air was a beneficial thing.

The weather had been unseasonably dry after the torrents of water the week before. Nippy air, but no precipitation. A delightful treat. Anticipated return to normal November rains by the end of the weekend.

I rose, snagged my coat, and headed for the door, Lucky hard on my heels. I grabbed the leash, stepped outside, shut the door, and then locked it.

The dog bounded over to the driver’s door, glancing eagerly at Archer. His tail swished so hard that fallen leaves flew.

Archer opened the door, and before he could move, Lucky was attempting to jump into his lap.

“Lucky.” Definite exasperation on my part.

The dog heard the warning and, apparently, decided this time I was serious. He plopped onto his ass, but kept his gaze firmly fixed on our guest.

Archer got out of the SUV, petted Lucky on the head, and pivoted toward me. “I like the welcome.”

When we stood within inches of each other, he stepped into my personal space, grasped my cheeks, and brought our lips together.

The stress from the week melted away as the achingly familiar sense of rightness settled. I opened eagerly to his probing tongue, and arched against him so our bodies aligned. My skin tingled as desire strummed through me. I’d believed this part of me dead. This man had resurrected it.

---