Page 10 of Tempting Gabe
Right. At least her logic wasn't entirely gone near him. She licked her lips and tried to ignore the tingles. "You're Hawke Inc. The only thing I know about your company is that you do computer-based stuff. So how did someone like you serve in the military?"
"My parents own an oil company, but in family tradition, the sons always serve. I grew up in New York, but my parents had me understand what was expected of me since birth.”
Her mother had been dirt poor in comparison, but they always said middle class. "So it was a rich man’s way to prove himself to the world. Got it."
A small laugh escaped his lips. He reached out and hugged her. His arms around her gave her a sense of safety. He pulled away and straightened his spine. "Speaking of, I want to call my sister to check on my parents."
"Of course." She stepped away. His family mattered. She said a silent prayer that he heard good news.
He reached into his pocket and dialed. She returned to the sink and finished with the dishes.
"They're what?"
She dried the plates.
"That's amazing."
As she put it back on the rack, he smiled at her. "Be right there."
A second later she returned to his side and waited. He clearly had good news. Without warning, he hugged her and she swayed with her, like he wanted to dance. "My father is out of the coma. My mother is responding to his voice. I have to go.”
"Thank God,” she shouted and hugged him. Her brother had failed. On impulse, she kissed his cheek. "I'm so happy for you."
He let go of her. "I want you to come with me to the hospital."
A tremble rushed through her and her face heated. "I don't think I should."
"I don't want to leave you here alone."
Now coldness returned and she straightened. "Don't trust me with your tapestries?"
"I want you with me. I'm slightly nervous."
Want? Goosebumps grew on her arms. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
With security all around them, there was no way her brother would find them at the crowded hospital. She nodded. "Okay, let's go."
She lowered her head, until he brushed the skin of her cheek and his lips met hers for another mind numbing, needing more of him kiss. Though it was brief, she was now fueled with energy. If his parents were alive, anything was possible, including the two of them dating.
Chapter 5
Gabe heldMegan's hand while they rushed through the hallways. Orderlies pushed patients on beds in front of him in a line for a CT scan, but with luck the crowd dispersed the moment they tried to maneuver around them. He held Megan closer and guided her past the security people he’d placed near their private wing.
As they made it to the entry, Gabe nodded to two other men he served with overseas, Conner and Harrison, who each took a job in helping him protect his family. His sister, Olivia, walked out of the room and wiped her eyes. She took a deep breath and motioned for him to go.
Gabe took a step forward, but held Megan's hand and refused to let go. He held the door for her but his gaze immediately fell on his mother and next to his father who sat beside her sipping a small water cup. He let go of Megan's hand and hugged his mother. "Mom. Dad. I'm so happy."
As his mother's wrinkled arms wrapped around his neck, he felt like he could breathe. These two days had been horrible, but now that they were awake and responsive, he could live again. They seemed healthy. He let go of his mother and walked around the bed to hug his father. From behind him, his sister said, "Mom’s doctor said the infection is over its worst and she’s responding to medication and Dad woke up thirsty and demanding water, now."
Now was a word his father enjoyed saying. The moment his father let him go from the hug, Gabe stood taller and asked his burning question. "Mom, why were you both wearing bulletproof vests that day?"
Megan's face went white as she leaned against the wall.
His mother glanced at Megan who she stared at quizzically and answered, "Your father told me to."
He turned toward his father and asked, "Why, Dad?"
