Page 20 of The Flame of Carson
“Speaking of heroes, how was your weekend with Gage?”
“It was great.I missed him so much Kris, it was like a part of me was missing you know.”
Krista nodded.“Yes, I know what you mean girl.”She then got quiet and began nibbling her bottom lip, “Um, is everything okay back in New York?”
Stacey sat up a little straighter.“Yeah, why?”Krista rubbed the back of her neck; a gesture Stacey knew meant the woman was nervous.“Spit it out Krista, why do you ask?”
“Fine.I swung by Blackout this morning to take Ethan a file he left at home.As I passed Gage's office, I overheard him talking to Walt and he sounded pissed, Gage I mean.I only heard him saying that Walt should have told him something, then I was passed the door and didn't hear anything else.”
Stacey shoved out of her chair and moved to her window.“God damn it.He couldn't just let it go.”
“Stace, what's going on?”Krista pushed.
“Damn it, I didn't want you to know.Not after what happened with Ingram...”
“Stacey Carlin you better start talking.Now.”
“Fine,” Stacey huffed, pushing out of her chair again.“About seven months ago this guy sent me an email talking about how I would know pain, fear, blah, blah.Walt and I kept copies, and they started coming every week, each one elaborating on the last.In June, he sent me a dozen roses spray painted black.I came here to hopefully get away.Walt had offered me the position before, a few weeks after Jerry was...but I couldn't take it then.I wasn't ready.When this all started, Walt offered again.I said no, but a month ago when I saw those damn roses waiting...”Stacey was pacing now as she tried to stamp down the anger and frustration, she felt about the whole mess.She closed her eyes, breathed in, held it for a three count, released it and faced Krista again.“I couldn't stay in New York anymore.I missed Gage, I hated how mad I was getting there.On top of missing Jerry and my parents, I needed to get out.”
“Oh Stace,” Krista sighed.She stood and moved to Stacey, pulling her into her arms.“Honey, why didn't you tell me when this started?”
“Because of the shit that Ingram put you through.Walt and I both didn't want to remind you of that.”Stacey answered.
“I appreciate that, but I'm your friend.You shouldn't have had to go through this alone.”Krista stated.“As for what happened before, that's different.Ingram was making physical contact from the onset.Sounds like this creep isn't, other than the flowers I mean.Did he ever send anything to your home?”
“No, just to my office.The emails only came through my work email.”Stacey replied.
“See, not the same.Look, we can talk about this later, or not, but just know I'm here for you and so is Gage.”Krista said.
“I know.He was pissed I didn't tell him at first.I shouldn't be surprised he called Walt though.Gage and I agreed that we wouldn't do anything unless this guy finds out I'm in Austin.That happens, I agreed to go with Gage to those two feds that worked your case and then we would tell Ethan.”Stacey explained.
“Good.Well, I'm out.I promised mom and Mama Ruby, I'd meet them for lunch since Ethan's out on a job.”
“Tell them hi for me.”Stacey smiled, giving Krista one last hug.
She moved to retake her seat when the door opened and Gage walked in, nearly bumping into Krista.“Whoa, sorry Krista.”
“It's okay, I was just leaving.See you later Stace.”Krista giggled, waved, then left.
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Gage stood in the centerof Stacey's office and just drank her in.She looked in her element here.Confident.Strong.And sexy as hell.When she smiled at him, his feet began moving.In three strides, he was around her desk and hauling her up into his arms.He stroked her cheek before kissing her.He felt her sigh as she returned the kiss.
“Hi babe,”
“Hi yourself,”
“I came to see if my woman's free for lunch?”he winked, making her laugh.
“It just so happens I have an hour free.Aren't you lucky,” she teased.
“Well, let's go then.I'm starved.”He grinned.
Stacey rolled her eyes as she grabbed her purse, “Why doesn't that surprise me.”
About ten minutes later, Stacey and Gage sat across from each other at the bistro he took her to, promising she would love it.So far, he was right.She picked up her sweet tea and took a swallow, moaning in pleasure.“Wow, that's some delicious, sweet tea.”
