Page 102 of Fierce-Gabe

At least she was more relaxed now, so that was one good thing.

Until she pulled into Jim and Stacy’s house and then all the heart palpitations started again.

30

BIG SIGN OF COMFORT

If Gabe wasn’t so annoyed over his brother busting his ass, he would have noticed how nervous Elise was when she came in the door.

He wasn’t expecting that and then tried to get her to relax.

He was pretty sure she was now...at his expense.

As much as he wanted to know why she was laughing over the thought of him being a male stripper, the other part was he was glad she found it funny.

No fucking way he was doing what she suggested.

Yep, it was sexist and he knew it. If she didn’t want to dance for him, he’d never say another word about it because he’d never make someone else do something he wasn’t willing to do.

Speaking of willing to do, he’d been surprised she accepted the Easter dinner invitation so quickly if she was going to be this nervous.

“Let me get the pie out of the back,” she said once she parked. He’d unfolded his long legs and just started to move toward the front door.

“Guess I would have forgotten,” he said.

“Yes. And it’s your favorite.”

“You made a berry pie?” he asked.

“I did. You said you liked it. I made it last night. I’ve got vanilla ice cream too.”

He saw her open a cooler and then pull everything out. He took them out of her hands.

When they got in the front door, he said, “Mom. I’ve got a berry pie and ice cream.”

He heard Elise snort next to him and his mother came to meet them as they made their way to the back of the house.

“I’m sure it was Elise that made it and not you bringing it in,” his mother said. “It’s so nice to see you again, Elise.”

“Thank you for the invitation. Yes, I made the pie last night.”

“It’s Gabe’s favorite,” his father said. “But I’m sure you know that, right?”

“He said it enough times when I suggested bringing a dessert.”

Jocelyn laughed. “That’s Gabe for you. He loves to eat if someone else is doing the cooking.”

“You live to feed me,” he said.

“I do,” Jocelyn said. “It’s my life ambition to put food in your belly. And since my big brother has no manners, I’m Jocelyn.”

Shit. That was twice now he’d done that. “I thought you two had met.”

“No,” Elise said. “We haven’t. I know of her, as I’m sure she knows of me, but that is it. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Oh no,” Jocelyn said. “Trust me, it’s nicer to meet you.”

He caught the smirk his sister was sending him and wanted to scowl but didn’t. He knew he could trust her to not say a word about what he’d told her weeks ago. But she’d ask questions today in herintrusiveway too.

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