Page 38 of Gator's Gambit
“Right, you bunch of reprobates, looks like it’s time for Fancy and me to head on out. It’s been a long day of travel for her, so I’m going to take her home and get her settled for the night.”
Almost as one, the guys get to their feet and, before I know what’s happening, they’re taking turns hugging me goodnight. When Knight, as he insists I call him, is the last one, he hugs me.
“My Indie would love to meet you. It would be great if you guys could come over for a barbecue or something while you’re here.”
“That’s sounds lovely.” I smile at how nice the man’s being and am taken aback at the look on Godric’s face as I spot him over Knight’s shoulder.
The man looks like he’s about to swallow his tongue. The look he gives Knight is not a happy one. Then, as quickly as it came, the expression is gone. Stepping into the protection of his arm, I wait quietly beside him as he says his own goodbyes, his hand resting on my waist.
I know it’s just a simple gesture, but it lights me up inside. It makes me remember that day we spent together before Godric left on his mission. Memories of the hand at my waist roaming up and down my naked body, the things that hand did to me, has me blushing what I’m sure must be a bright red if the heat of my cheeks is anything to go by. Barely aware of it, I rest my head against his shoulder as the memories continue to play in my mind like a movie.
Godric shifting beside me brings me out of my memories and back into the present with a bit of a bump. I look up right into Dutch’s face and find him studying me. Then he gives me a soft smile, to my fanciful mind one that looks a lot like approval. And I hug it close to my heart.
It would appear, if appearances are to be believed, that his teammates like me, and that makes me happy. It would break my heart for us to have finally found our way to each other only for these people that mean so much to him not to approve of me.
I know I shouldn’t care what they think, but I’m only human, and it’s important to me. Not just because I know it would be hard for Godric if they didn’t, but also because Iwantthem to like me. Not usually one to crave someone else’s rubber stamping, I find I do with these men. The stakes are high this time around.
Making our way to where we’re parked, Godric is quiet. Contemplative almost. So quiet, I jump when he speaks.
“I’m sorry if the guys were too much. They don’t mean anything by it. It’s just how they are.”
“No need to apologize. They were actually quite sweet to me. And I know they don’t mean anything. They care about you, and they want what’s best for you. I can’t fault them for that. In fact, it gives me peace of mind knowing you have friend so invested in your best interests.”
“Yeah, they are a great bunch.”
“Knight says we should get together and barbecue or something while I’m here. I’m not sure who Indie is, but I’m assuming she’s his girlfriend. I didn’t say yes or no. I didn’t know how you’d feel about it.”
“Indigo is his girlfriend, yes. She’s like our Mama Bear. Checks in on us, makes sure we’re doing okay. I think you’d really like her.”
“Funny you should say that. Knight said the same about her.”
“So, you interested? I can set something up if you are.” I think about it for a minute, then nod. No time like the present, right?
“Sure, let’s do it.” A ball of nerves takes up residence in my belly. But the look on Godric’s face at my words makes it all worthwhile.
“Thanks, Pooks. That means a lot.” The soft look he gives me makes my heart sigh and my girlie bits tingle. “Ready to head to the bed and breakfast? Or would you like to take a stroll along the beach?”
“I’m absolutely exhausted, but a stroll along the beach sounds heavenly. Let’s do that before you take me to the B and B. Please?”
“You’ve got it. And if you’ve got space for an ice cream, I know just the place.”
“Come on now, this is me you’re talking to. There’salwaysroom for ice cream.” That rich laugh of his rolls out, and the tingle turns to an ache, making me reconsider going to thebeach. I wonder if he’d consider me too forward if I suggested ditching ice cream for a bit of sexy times.
We’ve been friends for so long, always felt comfortable talking to each other about almost anything, yet now that the dynamic has changed between us, it feels weird. Like now. I have no idea how he’d react if I said to him I’d rather go back to his place. Or mine.
Ugh. Whyisit so hard? He’s still Godric, no different today than he was yesterday, or last week, or last month. It’s me. Something’s shifted for me.
My thoughts are interrupted when he pulls into a parking lot beside the ocean, and I get my first look at the view. So beautiful. What is it about the sea that calms and soothes a soul? He finds a spot and comes around to my side, offering me his hand to help me out of the car. Leading me over to a food truck, he asks, “So what will your poison be?”
We stop in front of a board listing all the flavors available, all of which sound terrific and making it difficult to choose. Until I spot the pecan butter ice cream. Sold.
“Pecan butter, please.” He grins.
“I figured you’d say that, but I wanted to see if I was right.”
Godric orders and pays for our creamy treats, and we head off down the beach once we receive them.
We stroll along in silence, taking in the view, enjoying our ice creams, but there’s a subtle vibe between us that wasn’t there before.
