Page 124 of Mr. Infuriating

“No, it’s fine. My parents have a crib for Jake and their couch is really comfy.”

I wasn’t looking forward to the drive in the morning, especially with traffic. West Lancastle had been growing and was busier than our little town. I’d gotten spoiled living so close to the school and Jake’s daycare. But I could handle getting up earlier than usual for a few days.

“That’s silly. Gabe has plenty of space—he’s got two guest rooms, plus a giant playroom in the basement that Jake would love.”

“I’m not staying with Gabe.”

Finally, the man in question offered his two cents. And it was not what I was expecting.

“Beau’s right, you should stay with me. I’ve got plenty of room. And since I’m the one who screwed up your water; it’s the least I can do.”

I shook my head as I watched Beau wring the mop into the bucket.

“My parents are in West Lancastle; it’s not that far. It’s fine.”

“Gretchen, I live ten minutes from here. It’d be much more convenient than driving from West Lancastle, especially in the morning.”

“I don’t mind, honestly. I’m used to the drive.”

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist.”

My hand went to my hip on its own and my eyebrows shot up to my hairline.

“Excuse me?You’re going to have to insist?”

Beau’s grin widened. He was obviously enjoying the show. Meanwhile, Gabe nodded unapologetically as he moved the towels around the floor with his foot.

“Yeah, I am. I’m the one who screwed up, so until your water gets fixed, you’re my responsibility.”

I scoffed, “I’m not your responsibility.”

“You are until you have running water again. So, go pack a bag. As soon as we get this cleaned up, we can head out.”

I was just about to let him have it when I noticed Brayden standing outside the plastic doorway, along with Brittany who had Jake planted on her hip. All three were waiting for my response.

“You can sleep in my room if you don’t like the guest room bed,” Brittany offered.

“Jake needs a crib,” I countered. “It’s not safe for him to sleep on a bed yet.”

End of argument. I win.

But Gabe countered, “I have a brand-new playpen. I bought it when my college roommate was going to bring his family when he visited last summer. It’s still in the packaging because he ended up coming alone.”

Gabe looked at me with raised brows that seemed to suggest,what else ya got?

When I didn’t respond, he added, “I can probably get my plumber here tomorrow. It’s one night, Gretchen. Do me this kindness; I feel terrible.”

I stared at him for a long beat, then finally sighed, “Fine. I’ll go pack an overnight bag. But if the plumber can’t get here tomorrow, I’m going to my parents.”

The arrogant jerk simply replied, “We’ll see.”

There’s Mr. Infuriating.

I should not find his bossiness hot. And yet…

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Gabe

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