My Gift To You

by Tracie Delaney

  He smiled softly and sat down beside her. His hand swept over her hair, his touch tender and comforting. “Okay. I’ll stay until you fall asleep.”

  Livvy grabbed a glass off the drainboard and filled it with water from the faucet. How long had Gabe stayed after she’d begged him not to leave her alone? Well done, Livvy. Great way to look needy and desperate.

  She took her water out to the balcony and settled down to watch the sun disappear over the horizon. Five days had passed since she’d met Gabe Mitchell. Five short days in which she’d changed beyond recognition. The reconciliation she now needed to make was between her attraction to a man who was clearly attracted to her, and the overwhelming sense of guilt that felt like barbed wire tearing at her insides.

  Her mind turned to the following day. She was due to Skype her best friend—and boy, was Livvy going to have a lot to talk about. Normally, their calls revolved around Ches regaling Livvy with what she’d been up to, who she was seeing, who she’d slept with, and what they were like in bed. It wasn’t because Ches had no interest in what was happening in Livvy’s life. It was because nothing ever did happen in Livvy’s life. Their calls always began with Ches asking, “So, Liv, what’s been going on with you this week?” And her reply was always, “Nothing much. What about you?” Then Ches would sigh, give Livvy that look, and launch into the details of her week. But this time, Ches wouldn’t get a word in edgewise.

  Livvy took a quick shower and dressed for bed, a little disappointed that Gabe hadn’t called her. But when she picked up her cell, she realized the battery was dead. It took about ten minutes before she remembered where she’d left her charger. She plugged it in, and as soon as the battery sparked to life, a text came through.

  You looked so peaceful sleeping. I hope this morning was as wonderful for you as it was for me. Truly a time I will never forget. Call me when you wake.

  G

  Livvy shivered as a thrill ran through her. She reread the text once more. With a steadying breath, she pulled up Gabe’s number and hit dial. His phone rang twice before he answered.

  “Hey, how are you feeling?” His voice was deep, smooth, and downright sexy.

  “I’ve only just woken. I can’t believe I slept all day.”

  “You needed it after all the excitement from earlier.”

  “I wish you’d been here when I woke up.” She surprised herself with her honesty, especially when she realized she meant every word.

  After a pause, he asked, “What are you doing tonight?”

  “Nothing. Why?”

  “Good, because I’m coming over. I’ll cook. See you at seven.”

  Chapter Seven

  Livvy peered through the peephole then opened the door. Gabe had a large tote bag slung over his shoulder, two other bags in either hand, and he was alone. No cook or butler followed him. Shit, he’d meant it when he said he would cook. Livvy surreptitiously gave him the once-over. He was dressed casually, in faded jeans and a black T-shirt that clung to his firm, hard chest, leaving little to the imagination. Here was a man who took care of himself and found the time to work out despite his busy life.

  “Can I come in?” Gabe asked with a smirk and an arched eyebrow.

  Livvy’s face heated as she realized she’d been gawking without actually saying a word.

  “Yes, of course you can.” She stepped backward as Gabe entered. Even though she was sure she’d given him enough room, his body brushed against hers, causing a delicious shiver to run down her spine. He dropped the bags on the kitchen countertop and turned to face her. His gaze skimmed her from head to foot, almost invasive in its intensity. She averted her eyes and willed her flushed skin to settle down.

  “You look lovely, Livvy.”

  Livvy laughed. “What, this old thing?” She smoothed down the material of her lemon sundress. She’d never been very good at receiving compliments, and she was finding it even more difficult when they were from him. He moved closer and traced his knuckles down her cheek. A swarm of butterflies set up camp in her belly at his gentle touch.

  “The color really suits you. It brings light to your eyes.”

  Livvy stepped back, causing Gabe’s hand to fall to his side. She mourned the loss of contact, even though she’d been the one to cause it.

  “Thanks,” she muttered, feeling off kilter. Why did he make her feel so gauche, like a teenager? She was twenty-nine years old for goodness’ sake, and she should be able to hold her own, yet she couldn’t. He paralyzed and dazzled her.

  “Why don’t you organize the drinks, and I’ll get started in the kitchen? A gin and tonic for me, please. I wasn’t sure whether you’d have any alcohol so I brought some along. They’re in that bag.” He pointed with his chin as he grabbed two other bags and moved them to the opposite side of the kitchen, where she had her food-preparation area.

  “You’re really going to cook?” Livvy asked. “You weren’t joking?”

  Gabe chuckled. “No, Livvy. I wasn’t joking. I am really going to cook. I think you’ll find I’m very handy in the kitchen. In fact, I love to cook. It’s soothing and a good de-stresser at the end of a long, hard day.”

  Livvy poured herself a vodka and prepared a gin and tonic for Gabe. She set down the drink next to where he’d already started chopping vegetables.

  He placed the knife on the chopping board and lifted his drink. “Cheers.” He held his glass in the air, and she clinked hers against his.

  This felt so normal yet surreal at the same time. What the hell was she doing there? More importantly, what the hell was he doing there? Even though she’d thought about this several times, she still couldn’t work out why he seemed interested in her. Surely, he could have whomever he wanted—and already had if the images on Google were to be believed. Yet there he was, in her kitchen, cooking a meal for them both. Livvy was having real trouble getting her head around it.

  “Why are you here?” The words were out before she could stop them, and when he glanced over at her with a furrowed brow, she wished she could take them back.

  “Haven’t we had this conversation?” He raised his eyebrows in enquiry. “Why do you think, Livvy?”

  “Well, if I knew the answer to that, I wouldn’t have asked, now, would I?” Her words came out harsher than she’d intended, and his eyes narrowed, although a smirk lurked around his mouth.

  “It’s good to know that you have claws,” he said with a laugh. He placed his drink on the counter and moved towards her, but his approach was tentative, almost as though he wasn’t sure whether she would run or knee him in the balls.

  Livvy held her ground and met his gaze. He cupped her face in both of his hands and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “I’m here, Livvy Hayes, because you are quite simply the most beautiful, interesting, kind, sensitive, funny, and frustrating woman that I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. And quite frankly, I can’t stay away from you. Does that answer your question?”

  Well, she hadn’t expected those words to fall from his perfectly formed lips. Her knees trembled, and she sucked in a steadying breath as, once more, her stomach flooded with desire. She searched for an appropriate response.

  “Yes,” was the best she could manage. She stared at her feet, mortified. Way to go, Livvy. She seemed to be struck dumb every time he spoke to her. If she carried on like this, he would begin to think she was an imbecile, incapable of having an adult conversation.

  Gabe tucked a finger underneath her chin and applied a little pressure until she had no choice but to meet his gaze. His eyes bored into hers, the green inflected with specs of aqua, like the sea on a stormy day.

  “Someone as lovely as you should never spend any time looking at her feet. Look up with confidence, Livvy. I mean every word. You’ve bewitched me. You’re so different from the sycophants that follow me around like puppies without a mind of their own. There’s an innocence and yet a wisdom about you. The conflict is intoxicating.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. The blazin
g look in Gabe’s eyes scorched her, and she couldn’t tear her gaze away from his. She didn’t have to, because he made the first move by dropping his hand and turning his attention back to chopping vegetables.

  Livvy swallowed her disappointment. She’d been sure he was about to kiss her, but something had changed his mind. Maybe he’d seen a hint of panic cross her face.

  She moved to stand beside him, watching as he prepped the food. “How did you learn to cook?” she asked as he wielded the knife like a professional chef.

  He shrugged. “I’m self-taught. I’d love to take a course, but I can’t commit to such a length of time. My work takes me all over the world. I’m not in the same place long enough to attend a series of classes.”

  Livvy internally winced. She hadn’t thought about the fact that he might be there one day and gone the next, but he didn’t exactly have a nine-to-five job. She was falling for his charms, yet any day, he could be gone. By the time he got back, her visa would probably have expired and she would be back in England.

  A wave of depression washed over her. “When are you away next?”

  Gabe glanced sideways at her. “Not sure yet. Why? Will you miss me?”

  “No. I’d enjoy the peace,” she lied.

  Gabe chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. He returned his attention to the chopping board.

  “What are you making, anyway?”

  “A one-pot chicken recipe I created myself. It’s got a bit of everything—peppers, onions, cheese, lots of herbs and spices.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry. I should have mentioned that I’m a vegetarian.”

  Gabe turned to her with an expression of horror on his face. “Shit.” He sifted through the bags on the floor. “If you have any pasta, I can throw something together. Or we can go out.”

  He was so earnest that Livvy couldn’t keep up the pretense. She started to laugh. “For a worldly wise guy, you’re pretty gullible.”

  Realization crossed his face. “Oh, you play dirty.”

  He stalked towards her. Livvy backed away, still giggling. Gabe’s arm shot out, and he snagged her around the waist. She found herself pressed up against him, so close that she could feel every single muscle. Her pulse jolted as Gabe lowered his head until his mouth was only an inch from hers. She parted her lips in anticipation of his kiss, her heart thudding in her chest. Excitement caused dampness at the apex of her thighs. She could have sworn a spark of electricity passed between them.

  Gabe stared into her eyes. “Breathe, Livvy,” he whispered, then his mouth closed over hers.

  Her arms curved around his neck of their own accord. Her fingers found their way into his hair, and she clung to it as her knees trembled. A quiet moan eased from her throat as Gabe deepened the kiss. His tongue briefly swept inside her mouth, but then at the most inopportune moment, her stomach rumbled.

  He drew back. “Sounds like I need to get back to cooking. You’re very distracting.”

  Livvy made an attempt to pull herself together as Gabe started to add ingredients to the pan. Within seconds, the food was sizzling and the most delicious smell made its way over to her. Livvy sipped her drink as she watched him move about her kitchen, looking as far removed from a top-notch businessman as she could imagine.

  After several tasting sessions, Gabe served up the food, and they sat down to eat at Livvy’s small glass dining table.

  She dipped her head and sniffed the food appreciatively. “This smells incredible.”

  Gabe nodded his head at her plate. “Let’s hope it tastes good too.”

  Livvy forked a piece of chicken. The minute she put the food in her mouth, her taste buds were flooded with intense flavor. She chewed slowly, savoring the best-tasting food that she’d eaten in a very long time, including the pasta she’d eaten at Giovanni’s.

  “Wow! You weren’t kidding about being able to cook. This is fabulous.”

  “Glad you like it.”

  “You can cook for me every day, if you like.”

  “Deal.” The look in his eyes smoldered with an intensity that made her toes curl.

  After they finished eating, Livvy cleared away the dishes. “I’ve got ice cream if you want dessert,” she said as she piled the plates in the sink.

  “I can’t eat anything else.” He rose from the table and settled on the couch, patting the space next to him. “Come sit with me.”

  Her pulse jolted as she settled down beside him. Every time she was within touching distance of him, her heart rate increased and her palms became clammy. Gabe crossed one leg over the other. He looked as though he were about to say something but then changed his mind.

  “What?” Livvy asked.

  Gabe shook his head. “Nothing.”

  She laughed. “Isn’t that usually a woman’s line? Saying nothing when there’s clearly something?”

  Gabe took a sip of his drink before fixing his gaze on her. “Look, I don’t mean to pry…” he said before he broke off.

  Livvy’s spine stiffened as she guessed what subject he wanted to discuss. Was she ready to tell him? Maybe it would do her good to share with someone who hadn’t known her back then. She was feeling much stronger, much more able to think about Mark and Daniel without a searing pain ripping apart her insides. She didn’t owe Gabe an explanation, of course, but he also didn’t deserve a brush-off.

  “You can ask me,” she said.

  His gaze softened, his green eyes deepening in color. She could drown in those eyes when she finally removed the sackcloth and ashes she’d worn for the last two years. Maybe that time had finally arrived.

  “What happened to you?” he asked.

  Livvy took a deep breath and steeled herself to share the most heartbreaking, painful time of her life.

  “I had a husband, a really wonderful man named Mark. We met during my first year of university, and as soon as we graduated, we got married. Mark was training to be a lawyer, and I went to work for a marketing firm. We didn’t have a lot in the beginning, but we were really happy. I desperately wanted kids. We started trying, but after two difficult miscarriages, I couldn’t quite dredge up the emotional strength to try again, so we decided to take a break.”

  She reached for her drink and took a sip. Gabe’s eyes never left her face, but he made no move to interrupt or ask any questions.

  “About a year later, I fell pregnant for the third time. The first few months were awful because I couldn’t relax, couldn’t enjoy any part of my pregnancy. I felt no joy, only fear and panic of it all going wrong again. But it didn’t. We found out we were having a little boy, and we named him Daniel.”

  Livvy briefly closed her eyes as the memories crowded in, as clear today as they’d ever been. She felt Gabe’s hand on her arm, and he gave her an encouraging squeeze.

  “You don’t have to go on.”

  She shook her head. “It’s fine.” She inhaled a deep breath and continued. “When I was eight and a half months pregnant, I accompanied Mark to a work function. He wanted me to stay at home, especially as I was huge by that time, but I was going stir crazy sitting around the house all day. So after I nagged him—a lot—he gave in.” She smiled at the memory. “I always could twist him around my little finger.”

  Gabe raised an eyebrow. “I’ll bet.”

  Livvy chuckled at his teasing, but then her smile fell. “We were on our way home at about eleven in the evening, and we almost got there. Almost.” Her vision blurred, and she blinked back tears, but despite her best efforts, they spilled down her cheeks. She dashed them away with the back of her hand. “We were hit by a drunk driver. Mark died instantly, so they told me later, and I had to be cut from the car. They rushed me into hospital and performed an emergency C-section, but it was too late for Daniel.” Her voice broke as more tears fell. “He didn’t make it. My baby didn’t make it.”

  She found herself in Gabe’s arms. His embrace was warm as he whispered in her ear. “I’m so sorry, Livvy. I’m so very sorry.”

 
She let herself absorb his strength for a few seconds before she pulled back and rose to grab a box of tissues. She blew her nose and wiped the tears away from her face before sitting back down.

  “That was quite cathartic, actually,” she said, meeting Gabe’s concerned gaze. “It felt good to talk to someone who wasn’t there at the time, someone who’s not a family member waiting for me to throw myself off the nearest building, or a shrink watching for signs of a complete mental breakdown.”

  “How long ago did this happen to you?”

  “Two years.”

  Gabe reached for her hand. He turned it over so the palm was face up and gently traced the scars on her wrist with his thumb. “And these?”

  Embarrassed about what she saw as weakness, Livvy tried to tug her hand from his grasp, but he tightened his hold and continued to trace the red and silver lines.

  “I did that about a year ago. I couldn’t go on. After the hospital released me, my best friend sat me down and gave me a few hard truths as only best friends can. She made me face up to the fact that I had to find a way through. That’s when I sold everything back home and came here.”

  “And where are you now on the road to recovery?”

  Her mouth creased in thought. “I’m doing okay. In fact, in the last five days, I’m doing better than okay.”

  A smile edged across Gabe’s face as he realized what she meant. “Glad I could help.”

  “You should know I’m messed up. I still have very dark days where I find it difficult to imagine a life without them, and I can sink into a pretty deep depression when those times come.” She inadvertently touched the back of her neck.

  Gabe’s gaze followed her movement, and he grimaced. “The tattoo. It’s for them?”

  Livvy dropped her chin to her chest. “Five stars for all the people I’ve lost. Mark, Daniel, my two other babies… and me.”

  “Oh, hell,” Gabe muttered. He shuffled closer to her, and once more, she found herself encased in his arms, her head resting against his broad chest as he stroked her hair. “I’m glad you told me.”