Page 70 of Forbidden Secrets
“Hey.”
“Melanie.”Gage’s voice instantly grounded her, stopping the spinning thoughts.“Want some company?”
“This is becoming a regular occurrence.”
“Is that a problem?”
“I’m having a hard time keeping an emotional distance from you.”The words were easier to say over the phone than if he was standing in front of her.
“Yeah, same.Doesn’t keep me from wanting to be with you, though.”
“Come on over, but Addy won’t be happy if she finds out you were here or, god forbid, Pancake.”
“We’ll be quiet.”His statement was followed up by a knock at the slider.“We’re here.”
She couldn’t stop her grin as she slid open the door.“That was mighty quick.”
“We were counting on you saying yes.”
Pancake nosed her way past Melanie.Gage slid the door shut behind them, shutting out the cold.His gaze on hers, he pulled her into a kiss so dreamy it made her sigh when he finally released her.
Judging by his heavy-lidded gaze, Gage was equally affected.“I missed you today.”
“I texted you.You texted me.About a dozen times.”
He shook his head.“Not the same.”He nipped her lips again before she moved back.It was then that she noticed the bag decorated with a smiling apple in his hand.
“Is that what I think it is?”
“If you think it’s apple pie cinnamon rolls from Cider Mill Farm, you’d be correct.”
“We better hide the evidence or we’ll be in trouble.Addy and I brought some home when we visited the farm and Addy’s decided they’re her favorite treat, even better than the cider donuts, which were also a hit.”
“I’ve got the kid covered.There’s one for her too.”
Melanie filled the electric kettle while Gage got mugs and plates from the cupboard.Pancake planted her butt next to the table, head moving back and forth as she watched them.
Melanie ripped open a treat pouch she’d picked up at the grocery store.“Hey there, Pancake.I’ve got something for you.”She picked out a bone-shaped dog cookie and offered it to Pancake, who settled with it on the rug in front of the slider.
“How did your meetings go today?”Gage had texted that morning to say he had back-to-back-to-back video conferences scheduled with his team and prospective clients.
“All good.One of the potentials is a solid yes, the other is considering her options.I’m confident she’ll go with us.”
“Why’d you choose this line of work?”She eyed the huge rolls he took out of the bag.“Half for me.”
He shrugged as he got a knife.“I know myself well enough to know it’s a way of doing what I couldn’t as a kid.”
She poured hot water over teabags, then leaned back against the counter to study him.“A way of protecting people?”
“Yeah.”
“Who needed protection when you were a boy?”
He leaned against the counter beside her.“My dad died when I was a little older than Addy.Killed by a drunk driver.”
“Oh no.Your family must’ve been devastated.”
“We were.It was hardest on my mom.I was old enough to realize she was struggling, but couldn’t figure out how to help her.”
