Page 30 of Frostbite & Mistletoe
“You’re the best, Tyler!” Maggie ended the call, then shot Kymberlie a triumphant smile.“See? Problem solved. Will that work for your timeline, Gabriel?”
“If it’s installed correctly, I can inspect it right away. No reason to delay any longer than necessary.”
“But I don’t have any money left,” Kymberlie managed.“I can’t pay for this. You need to call Tyler back and tell him not to bother.”
“I’ll cover it,” Gabriel said in a firm tone.
She stared at him, momentarily speechless with shock.“B-but—” she stuttered.
“And don’t argue with me. Just nod and say,‘Thank you, Gabriel.’”
Relief flooded through her, so intense she felt light-headed.“Thank you,” she said to Gabriel, then turned to Maggie.“Both of you. I—I have no words.”
Maggie hugged her.“That’s what friends are for. And don’t worry about paying Tyler overtime for this. I’m sure he’d want to give you an early Christmas gift.”
As Maggie stepped away to send Tyler the information he would need to buy the hood, Kymberlie noticed Gabriel watching her with an oddly wary expression.
The realization struck her like a physical blow. She’d pushed him away just now. In her panic and frustration, she’d treated him like an enemy again, undoing all the trust they’d built over the past two weeks.
Her wolf whined in distress.
Kymberlie moved toward him, her heart aching.“Gabriel, I’m sorry for what I said earlier.”
“It’s okay. You were upset. I understand.”
But the careful neutrality in his expression told a different story. She’d hurt him. Badly.
“No, it’s not okay,” she replied.“I blamed you for something that wasn’t your fault. I’m sorry I made you feel you had to choose between your integrity and me.”
Gabriel’s expression softened slightly, but the wariness remained in his eyes. Trust, once damaged, didn’t repair itself instantly.
Maggie and Gabriel’s unexpected generosity had just saved her club.
But could Kymberlie save her relationship with Gabriel after the terrible things she just said to him?
Chapter Eight
Later that night
Kymberlie stared at her phone. Still no notifications. She’d made lasagna today to thank Gabriel for his generosity because he’d mentioned it was his favorite comfort food, and opened a bottle of the red wine he liked.
But he hadn’t called. Hadn’t texted. Hadn’t shown up for the first time in two weeks. The pan of lasagna and bowl of salad sat untouched on her dining table. The fancy candles she’d lit had burned down halfway.
“I’m such an idiot,” she muttered.
Call him.Her wolf stirred restlessly inside her.You hurt his feelings.
I need to give him some space,Kymberlie argued, knowing she was being cowardly.If he wanted to come over, he’d be here.
What if he hates me now? What if I ruined everything by yelling at him today?
He paid for that new hood,her wolf pointed out.It was a courtship gift. He doesn’t hate you. He just needs time after you almost drove him away.
With a sigh, Kymberlie blew out the candles and packed away the food.
Fine, I’ll be seeing him tomorrow. We can talk then.
Later, she ached at his absence from her bed. It was funny how quickly she’d gotten used to having him here every night. Outside, snow was falling. She shivered and burrowed deeper under her comforter, missing his warmth.
