Page 37 of Absinthe Minded

Watching Justin turn and walk out, Gabe drew me to his side. “You okay?”

“I think so.”

Denise gave Gabe one last, longing look, glared at me, and followed her husband.

“I can’t believe you hit him.” My voice cracked.

Gabe looked down at me and winked. “I can’t believe you didn’t.”

If anyone walked into the room, they’d never have guessed a fight had broken out moments before. The music played, laughter filled the air, and life went on. I blew out a relieved breath and pressed closer to Gabe. As much as I wanted to be irritated with him for resorting to violence, I couldn’t. No one had stood up for me before, in a strange way—I felt safe.

The short drive home gave me enough time to wrap my brain around Justin cheating on his wife with me.

How could I have been so wrong about him? He seemed so nice. Why am I always someone’s second best? Why am I never good enough?

“He’s an idiot.” Gabe shifted the car into fifth gear and sped down the highway.

“I’m the idiot.” I rubbed my eyes.

“Bullshit. Even if you’d known he was married, and obviously you didn’t, he’s the one that made a vow, not you.” His eyes on the road, Gabe squeezed my hand.

“Thanks.” I turned to him. “You shouldn’t have hit him. We should have left. What if someone would have called the police?”

“I couldn’t stand there and let him disrespect you. And I’m not worried about the cops.”

Because he’d bought their cooperation. I pushed the thought from my mind. “Jessie offered me a job.”

“You were great when you used to help me out. Interested?”

Thankful to have something to think about besides cheaters or fights or bribes, I smiled. “Maybe. I could use the money. I’d have to work days and find a sitter for Ryan.”

“I can take him with me to my folks. My mother’s already watching Ella. I’m sure she’d love having both of them.”

“You need help during the nightshift, don’t you?”

“Not necessarily. Most of my staff hate working before the sun sets. The tips aren’t as good.” Gabe pulled into the driveway, cut the engine, and brushed his fingers across my cheek. “Look at me.”

I turned and before I talk myself out of it, I kissed him. Be it the stress of the night, Justin’s dishonesty, my mother’s comment, or the fact I’d wanted to jump him from the moment he’d rang my doorbell, I wanted this. I wanted him—if only for the night.

13

Gabe

What the hellare you doing, Marchionni. Slow it the fuck down.

As much as I wanted to carry Maggie into the bedroom and make her forget the name of every man on the planet except mine, it was wrong. So damned wrong.

Sure, she’d kissed me, and judging by the way her hands shook when she tried to unlock the door, she had sex on the brain. However, I wasn’t the kind of guy who enjoyed screwing a woman who had someone else on her mind.

I took the key from her. “Let me.”

Once inside, she wrapped her arms around my neck and tugged me down for another kiss. I had to put a stop to this before I gave in and did something she’d regret.

“Slow down, sweetheart.” I ran my fingers through the length of her hair.

My words seemed to sober her. She took a step back and nodded. “You’re right. I’m just…”

I drew her into my arms. “You’ve had a rough night. Let’s go watch a movie.”

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