Page 83 of Tattered and Torn

When I hear a quiet knock, I slip the matching short silk robe on and go answer the door.

John’s eyes widen a bit when he sees what I’m wearing. “Wow.” He steps inside, closes the door, and reaches behind himself to lock it. “As pretty as that robe is, I’m a bit more curious about what’s underneath it.”

I feel myself blushing. “This is me being presumptuous.”

“Honey, you can presume all you want.” He pulls me close, running his hands down my arms to capture my hands in his. He brings first one hand, then another to his lips to kiss.

Then he surprises the daylights out of me when he scoops me up into his arms and carries me down the hall to my bedroom.

* * *

I’m lying with my head pillowed on John’s shoulder. He has one arm around me, and his other hand is lightly stroking my back.

“Mm, that feels good,” I say, shivering when the cool air hits my heated skin.

He kisses the top of my head. “That’s my job—to make you feel good.”

“Well, you certainly succeeded just now.” I stretch, moaning with pleasure. “I definitely feel good.”

He chuckles. “Glad to hear it.” He rubs my back a little while longer before saying, “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to invite my parents to the restaurant’s grand opening.”

I raise up on my elbow to face him. “That’s a wonderful idea. I’d love to meet them.”

“That’s sort of the whole reason for inviting them. I want them to meet you.”

“You do?” I can’t help smiling.

He nods. “Yeah. Unless you’re uncomfortable with the idea.”

“No! Not at all. I’d love to meet them.”

“I’ve mentioned you to them, and of course my mom wanted to know all about you. When I told them about the renovations at the restaurant, they were begging to come.”

John and I haven’t known each other that long, and yet somehow it feels like I’ve known him forever. I never gave any credence to the idea of love at first sight, but now I’m not so sure. I remember how fast and hard my friend Beth fell for Shane when they met. Honestly, I think he fell for her even faster. So maybe there is something to it.

“Speaking of the grand re-opening, I’m going to invite some friends from Chicago—Shane and Beth. I’d really like for them to meet you.”

John rolls us suddenly so that he’s lying half on top of me. “I’d love to meet your friends.” He kisses me then, gently, almost reverently. “Thanks for letting me sleep over tonight. I really didn’t want to leave you.”

I brush back his hair. “I didn’t want you to leave either.”

“Be careful, Gabrielle,” he says with a grin. “If you give me an inch, I guarantee you I’ll take a mile. You might get sick of seeing so much of me.”

I slip my arms around him. “I don’t think that’s possible.”

Chapter 27 – John

Finally, after waiting three weeks, the kitchen renovation is underway. Fortunately, I don’t have any trail rides scheduled for today, so I’m hanging around the restaurant so I can be of help to Gabrielle.

Today’s the day. The new appliances are being installed. There are half a dozen trucks and vans parked in front of the lodge—delivery trucks, two electrician vans, two plumber vans, and a van from the kitchen supply store. The project manager is here to oversee the installation.

Poor Gabrielle is runnin’ around like a chicken with her head cut off—trying to be everywhere at once, answering questions, directing traffic. Somehow she manages to maintain her composure through it all.

The restaurant is closed to guests today, of course. Instead, Hannah and Killian are directing everyone to either Jennie’s Diner or Ruth’s Tavern for meals. Nelle and Betty are helping out at the diner.

All of the old, outdated—and mostly rusty—appliances have been hauled outside and are being loaded into a truck for disposal. The new equipment, all shiny and wrapped in plastic, is spread throughout the dining room. Right now the kitchen is pretty empty while the electricians and plumbers are rewiring and replumbing. It’s a huge undertaking.

Gabrielle rushes past me holding some drawings and schematics, which she takes to the workers in the kitchen.

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