Page 121 of Taking the Heat

“I didn’t think you would,” he said, his gaze going pointedly toward Benton’s hand. Naomi put her hand over Benton’s and laced their fingers together.

Gabe nodded and turned Veronica toward the door.

“Are they an item?” Veronica whispered as they walked away.

“Maybe. They’ve been talking a lot over the past few weeks. They had a thing a few years ago, and I guess the spark hasn’t died.”

“That’s nice.”

He shrugged. “I suppose. Benton’s a bit of a player, but when I pointed that out to Naomi she reminded me that she hasn’t exactly been a wallflower. She’ll give him a run for his money.”

“They’re cute together.”

He shot her a smile. “True. And it won’t be hard for me to keep an eye on my best friend.”

“But who’s going to watch your sister?”

“Good question. Maybe it’s Benton’s heart I should be worried about.”

The night was quiet and warm, but thunder rumbled beyond the mountains. As they walked, Gabe looked over the town square, which was still bustling with people. “It’s starting to get busy around here. Feels like I’ve been gone a long time.”

She nodded. It had felt like months.

He breathed in deeply as they drew closer to her apartment. “God, it smells good. I can’t believe I was going to give this up.”

Now that she wasn’t kissing him, it was a little easier to think, to consider what he’d said and what he’d done. She turned it over in her head, trying to figure out if she was making a mistake. He’d betrayed her, yes, but his heart had been in the right place. He’d wanted to do the right thing for his family, even though it was wrong to keep the truth from her. Still, she hesitated at her door.

“Gabe, this is only a chance. I’m not promising anything. It’ll take me a while to trust you again.”

“I know,” he said.

“How will I know when you’re telling me something I want to hear and when you’re being truthful?”

“I’ll be honest to a fault.”

She eyed him doubtfully.

“I’m serious. Like, I’ll tell you right now that I’ll deny being your boyfriend if it will save me getting beat up by Jake Davis.”

She laughed and let him bend down to kiss her before she shoved him away and unlocked the door.

“And,” he continued as he followed her inside, “I’m really not a fan of your dad. Sorry. That’s just the truth.”

“Oh, that’s a shock.”

“Lastly—and this is tough to say...”

“Yes?” she pressed, though the word was a little breathless because she’d just realized they were now alone in her apartment. And they hadn’t really come here to talk.

“The truth is,” he said, his breath warm against her neck as he slipped up behind her, “I think your bedroom skills need a little work.”

“What?” she cried.

“I know. It’s really one of the main reasons I came back to Jackson.” His fingertips whispered down her bare arms and Veronica shivered. “It wasn’t fair to abandon you in the middle of our lessons. I was thinking I could give you a few more pointers. Try it out again. See how it goes.”

She laughed in scandalized delight. “You really are the worst, Gabe MacKenzie.”

“Really? Then maybe I’m the one who needs a few pointers. In fact, we could start right now. If you’re willing to give me another shot.” Yes, she was willing to give him another shot. She’d risk her heart for this man.

Standing behind her, he slid his arms around her waist and unbuttoned her jeans. Veronica choked on her own laugh. “I guess we could...try it again.”

A few minutes later, she was deadly serious and gasping out instructions. Gabe was an incredibly quick learner. And she was the happiest teacher in the world. The truth was she trusted him with everything. Her body, her heart, her happiness. She didn’t need time.

She decided right then and there to add a new note to the collection on her fridge.

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