Page 18 of Heal Me

“Then our fathers sound the same in that regard.” Trying to picture Gabe following in his dad’s footsteps as a mercenary reminds me of his gun and his guarded facade, and suddenly it doesn’t seem so far-fetched. And why does that turn me on just a little?

We finish our meal and I rinse out the bowls and stick them in the dishwasher. Gabe washes out the pot for me and places it in the dish rack. “Your mama has a well-mannered son,” I inform him.

“Yes, ma’am, she taught me well.”

I open a box on the countertop. “My mom’s world-famous brown butter chocolate chip cookies. You’ve got to try one.”

“I’m not a sweets man, but chocolate chip cookies are my favorite,” he says, grabbing a cookie and taking a bite. He makes a rumbling sound deep in his chest, quite possibly the sexiest sound I’ve ever heard. “Tell Debbie I said these are amazing.”

“Wait, how do you know my mom’s name?”

“Aubry mentioned it when telling me about the séance that led to the possession,” he smoothly replies.

“Oh. Yeah, I still can’t believe my mom did that.”

“We will do anything for the people we love.”

It sounds like he’s speaking from personal experience, but I don’t press him. Finishing up in the kitchen, we move to the living room. “I’m going to watch a show before bed. I need to unwind. Want to join me?” I ask nonchalantly, but I’m secretly hoping he’ll say yes.

“I can stay for a little while longer.”

My phone chimes, and Gabe floats it over to me. Closing my gaping mouth, yet again, I check the message as he takes a seat beside me.

Vivian: Love Bites is coming on. Everyone’s gotta watch.

Julia: Can’t. Busy.

Vivian: Busy biting? Do tell.

Aubry: I’m silencing notifications for this group chat.

Vivian: Go ahead, prude. More fun for us. Charlotte, whatcha up to?

I’m not about to tell her I’m with Gabe, even though he and I are just friends. No way, no how.

Me: Worked at the hospital earlier, and now I’m home. I might give the show a try.

Vivian: Hospitals make me think of playing doctor. Doctor/patient fantasy. Yeah or nay?

Aubry: Oh my Goddess, NAY. Night, Charlotte.

Shaking my head with a smile, I close my phone screen. “Have you seen the show Love Bites?”

“No.”

“Me neither. Vivian recommends it. Granted, it is Vivian, so I’ll just put that disclaimer out there.” Vivian Brooks is Aubry’s grandma and part owner of Memphis Magic. She’s also a self-professed past life voyeur. There’s no telling what’s going to come out of Vivian’s mouth. I find her hilarious. Aubry, not so much. I guess if it were my grandma, I’d feel the same way, as she’s all up into Aubry’s business. I’m not joking—she sends out Team Daubry status updates.

“Understood.”

I find the show and hit play. Gabe scoots closer, putting his arm on the back of the couch behind me. My stomach’s twisted up in knots, just like some nervous teenager. I glance over at him and we lock eyes. “Okay?” he asks with a smile that could melt panties right off a woman.

I try to swallow the thick lump in my throat. “Yes.” My voice sounds strained, even to my ears.

“You seem tense.”

“Just a long day.” True, but that’s not the reason I’m “tense.”

“May I?” he asks, moving his hand and placing it on my right shoulder as he begins working on a golf ball-sized knot of tension. I try not to groan in a very unladylike manner. “Come sit right here,” he pats on the couch, scooting back.

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