Page 9 of The Flame of Carson
Chapter 3
––––––––
Gage had just set thebread on the table when he heard the engine outside.Smiling like a fool, he turned from the table and hurried to the front door.He opened his door just as Stacey slid out of the midnight blue Maserati Gran Turismo that her parents had bought her in '09 when she had graduated from college.Gage drank her in as Stacey sauntered toward him.She wore a simple dress of lavender that hugged her curves.God she was beautiful.Her hair was pulled back in a French braid and her only jewelry was the matching amethyst and diamond necklace, earrings and bracelet set her grandmother bought for her sixteenth birthday.The jewels twinkled in the fading light, but her smile shone brighter than the stones.
“Hi,” Stacey said, stopping in front of him.
Gage pulled her to him, his hands resting at the base of her spine, “Hi.”
He leaned down and tenderly pressed his lips to hers.He felt her lean into him, her arms wrapping around his waist.Gage wanted her but was content to stand there and kiss her all night at the same time.It was he that broke the kiss first.Rather reluctantly, biting back a groan of frustration.“Dinner's just about ready.Let's head in.”
“Dinner.Yeah.”she sighed, her voice sounding airy as her eyes flitted open.
Chuckling, Gage led her inside.The moment the door closed behind them Stacey moaned at the smells wafting from the kitchen.She looked up at Gage with the most beautiful look in those green eyes, that it pierced his very heart.Keeping his hand on the middle of her back, he steered her toward the kitchen.
“You made my favorite.”Stacey spoke in surprise when he walked over to the stove.
“Yep.I thought you'd like it,” Gage nodded, as he poured them both a glass of wine.
Stacey felt her heart skip as her favorite Pinot Grigio flowed over her tongue.Gage Carson wasn't like most of the men Stacey had gone out with.He was first and foremost a true southern gentleman through and through.It was refreshing in a day and age where men seemed to have lost their balls and thought being chivalrous was a sign of weakness.But not Gage.Hell, none of the men of Blackout were like that.They were all true gentlemen.At least in public.In bed it was a whole different ballgame.At least with Gage, and from what she had talked about with Krista and Lance’s girl, Alora.
“How are your folks?Are they enjoying retirement?”Gage asked, straining the pasta over the sink.
“Oh yeah.They said to tell you hi and they hope that I can persuade you to visit the Vineyard with me this summer.Mom said last summer she and dad renovated the cottage and are looking forward to their two weeks visit in the summer.They just renovated the house in Tarrytown also and want me to bring you next time I visit.”Stacey giggled.
“Ahh, I seem to have the approval of the parents.”he joked, dumping the pasta into a bowl.“Honestly though, I like your parents.Your dad plays a mean game of chess I'll say that.”
Stacey leaned on the bar, cupping her chin.“Mom and dad really like you too.I know I kind of blindsided you when you met them, but...”
“Babe, I told you then that it was cool, and I meant it.What were you really scared of?That your family's rich?”
She sighed, “Yeah.It's scared off a lot of guys, but it also seems to attract the money grubbers too.”
Gage was at her side and lifting her chin, so she was looking into his eyes.“Sweetheart, so I don't come from money, and you do.That's nothing to be ashamed of.Your family worked hard for all their success.I'm not with you for your money or your family's money.I'm with you because you look fucking sexy naked.”
Stacey burst out laughing and slapped his arm.“Pig.”
Gage wiggled his brows.“Oink.Oink.”His smile faded a little as he grew serious again.“As true as that is though, I'm with you Stace, because I enjoy being with you.We have fun in and out of bed yes, but I like being with YOU.”
Stacey licked her lips at the intensity reflecting back her in those brown eyes of his.“Gage....”
Gage's lips covered hers.Sensually making love to her mouth, leaving her feeling lost in him.Just as slowly, he pulled away.“Let's eat babe.We can talk after.”
“Okay,” she agreed breathlessly.
––––––––
––––––––
An hour later, Staceyand Gage had finished eating, cleaned up the kitchen and were now sitting on the sofa in his living room with their wine.“Gage, there's something we really do need to talk about.”
“What's wrong babe?”
