by T. M. Cromer
Unease tickled Margie’s nerve endings. The hurt, she could somewhat understand because of the number of times she’d turned him down, but what did he have to be resentful about? She scooted closer to Gabriel and drew comfort from his size. A girly move other independent females would scoff at, yes, but she wasn’t beyond employing it.
Trying to appear casual and failing abysmally, Don offered Gabriel a business card. “My company installed and monitored Opal’s system. If you wish to continue or upgrade, I’m your man.”
“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind,” Gabriel returned smoothly, pocketing the card. “Don’t let us keep you. Margaret and I have things to discuss.”
A muscle twitched along Don’s jaw, and his gaze darted back and forth between them. The reluctant interest in their relationship was obvious, but he didn’t ask. “Mind if I let myself in?”
“Not at all. We’ll be right there.” She smiled.
“I’ll start with the front sensors.”
“Thanks, Don.”
Neither she nor Gabriel said a word until Don was free of earshot.
Gabriel got right to the point. “What’s going on?”
“Call it a feeling, but I…” How did she explain the warning? He’d think she was losing her mind.
“Say no more.” He tossed what remained in his mug onto a nearby azalea bush. “Come on. You can make me a second cup of coffee while he installs your system.”
“Thank you.”
He slipped his hand in hers and tugged her toward the open front door. “Don’t thank me yet. When he leaves, I’m going to do my best to convince you to make out with me. Maybe even before he leaves. We can give him an eyeful.”
She laughed, and the tension between them disappeared as if it had never existed.
“Am I making you late for work?”
“No, I don’t work Fridays. It’s reserved for pro bono or as a volunteer day for a local boys’ club.”
“Gag. Could you be any more perfect?”
He halted in his tracks and confronted her. “If I’m so perfect, why won’t you go out with me?”
“Because you are perfect, and no one woman could live up to that.” Also, she had a major hang-up about her age, and she strongly suspected she had him by a few years.
“Would it make you feel better to know I sometimes throw my dirty socks on the floor?”
“Liar.” She giggled; she couldn’t help herself. The idea of the impeccable Gabriel throwing his socks on the floor—dirty or otherwise—was amusing.
“True, I don’t. But I had to come up with something. Give me a little time to think about it, and I’ll make you a list of my flaws.”
“It had better be good.”
“If worse comes to worst, I’ll drag my brothers over to talk to you. They are always quick to point out how imperfect I am.”
“Fair enough.”
They continued their way to her kitchen. Gabriel went straight for the cabinet with the dishes while Margie prepped the coffee machine. She marveled at how easily they fell into a rhythm. As natural as breathing.
“How’s Kaley? Headaches gone?”
“Yes. She’s back to normal. Oddly enough, I think the incident was the best thing that could have happened to our relationship. I’m no longer the enemy.”
“Will wonders never cease?”
Gabriel’s dry tone elicited an amused snort from Margie. Smiling, she busied herself, preparing their drinks. She hadn’t spent one second in his company that didn’t leave her day brighter and lighter. For a second, self-doubt snuck in. Was she sabotaging her own chance at happiness? She mentally pushed aside her angst. Right now, she would live in the moment and enjoy a cuppa Joe with him. Tomorrow would take care of itself. And if it excited her to have him lean back against the counter next to her, with his muscular thigh mere inches from touching hers, well, she had to take her thrills where she could get them.
“It helps that I told her she could date Dalton after she turns fifteen in a few weeks, but he has to show up like a real man, and no sneaking out.”
“Pot, meet kettle.”
He smirked when she gave a cry of mock outrage.
“You know that night was all your fault, Gabriel James! You can’t show up like some fairy-tale prince and sweep a woman out of her bedroom window then expect her not to run away with you.”
His deep laughter warmed her insides, as did the way he entwined their fingers to draw her closer. “I’ll remember to recycle that move for a later date.”
“Better not. I don’t know if I can handle the fright if Jamie catches us again.”
“Pfft, you’re fearless. I already know that much about you.”
Don’s voice broke through their conversation and intruded on their little bubble, effectively disrupting their flirtation. “May I have a glass of water?”
“Oh, yes. Sure.” Margie had forgotten he was there. Odd, since her plan to use Gabriel as a buffer was the primary reason she’d called him over. “There’s bottled water in the fridge, but you’re more than welcome to share a cup of coffee with us.”
“Don’t mind if I do.”
Don grinned happily, and Gabriel glared at her over the other man’s head.
She was forced to bite her lip and turn her back to keep from breaking up.
Once they were seated all around the dining room table, with Gabriel taking the dominant position at the head to separate her from Don, they settled in to converse over their coffee. An uncomfortable tension filled the air, as if each man recognized the other intended to stake a claim.
While she’d never given Don any encouragement, he still managed to work up the nerve to ask her out every four weeks. As if he stuck to a schedule these last two years. The first Monday of the new month, like clockwork, he made a point to invite her to dinner.
Margie had been careful to remain kind but firm in her refusal. The sexual chemistry was nonexistent on her side. He was a decent man, but a far cry from exciting and miles away from how fascinating she found Gabriel to be.
Her focus was drawn by Gabriel—the man she’d long ago claimed as her soulmate. How many lifetimes had it been? She thanked her lucky stars to have always been chosen as the object of his affections. Should she just give in this time, too? Forget her hang-ups and all the other ridiculous reasons she used to avoid a relationship?
Don’s words faded into the background, reminiscent of Charlie Brown’s teacher. “Wa, wa, wa, wa. Wa, wa, wa.”
The conversation was meaningless as she concentrated on Gabriel. And when he cut her a sideways glance from those dancing gray eyes, she was lost. She sat like a teenager mooning over her favorite rockstar; chin firmly cupped in the palm of her hand, eyes dewy and locked solely on him. It took an effort, but she quashed a heavy sigh when he smiled her way.
Without breaking visual contact with her, Gabriel said, “I’m sorry, Don, is it? Don, I don’t mean to cut this short, but Margaret and I have a lunch date. How much longer do you think it will take to install the system?”
She could’ve jumped up and kissed Gabriel for the direct approach to get rid of him.
“A lunch date?” The coldness in Don’s tone was enough to give a person frostbite.
The coward in her wanted to avoid what came next. As much as she hated hurting anyone’s feelings, she refused to give false hope.
“Yes, Don.” She smiled to ease her rejection. “Gabriel and I are heading out to lunch soon. Opal had been trying to set us up for ages. We thought we’d get together to reminisce about her. She’s dearly missed.” Her explanation made it appear more like two friends discussing a loved one, and she hoped it helped to soothe Don’s ruffled feathers.
A tense minute passed with him saying nothing. Based on the ugly glare between the two men, Don wasn’t buying it, and Gabriel didn’t care if the other man did or not.
“We’ll finish our coffee on the deck and let you get back to work, Don. I’m sure you have other clients after this.” Margi
e stood up and gave a not-so-subtle tug of Gabriel’s arm. It was like trying to relocate Mount Rushmore, and she grunted when he refused to budge.
Without breaking eye contact with Don, Gabriel reached for her hand and brought it to his lips, effectively staking his claim. And although Margie didn’t appreciate the tactic, she was grateful it resulted in Don leaving the room.
“I don’t like him.”
“I think you made that fairly obvious,” she returned over her shoulder as she placed the mugs on the counter. “Don’t you think you were a little mean?”
“No, I don’t. You should use a different company, Margaret.”
“He’s harmless, Gabriel. I’ve known him for years.”
His frown deepened, and his mouth turned down at the corners. His displeased look meant a change of subject was in order.
“Are you coffee’d out, or would you care for another cup?”
“I’m good. Come swing in the hammock with me.” His request had an edge of demand about it, and perhaps she should’ve been concerned, but she wasn’t. A territorial Gabriel made her soft inner female preen.
As one, they sat with their legs dangling over the edge. Because it was a hammock and there was little to no stability, she rolled into his side. He curled an arm around her shoulders and dropped a kiss on her forehead. If they stayed this way forever, Margie couldn’t say she’d mind.
“So, you basically trapped me into a date.”
His laugh rumbled in her ear. “You know you want to go out with me. Our kiss was—how did you put it—fucking amazing. If we go out, there’s more where that came from.”
“Anyone ever tell you, you’re an arrogant sonofabitch?” There was no heat in her words.
“All the time, love. All the time.”
* * *
Gabriel enjoyed the quiet moments spent holding Margaret in the hammock. Having her snuggled against his chest made everything seem right with his world. It was a stroke of luck when his pro bono client had called this morning to reschedule. Gabriel had needed the break. He’d spent every day either working, unpacking household items, or helping his brother get settled into the condo. When he wasn’t doing any of the other things, he spent his time dreaming up ways to get Margaret to stop avoiding him.
Today had worked to his benefit. He almost couldn’t believe it when she waved him over. Yet having met the little pissant installing her alarm system, he could understand why. As a man obsessed with Margaret, Gabriel easily recognized another. Part of her did, too, if she didn’t want to be alone with the guy. Did she even understand why she’d turned to him for assistance?
Speaking of the dweeb, Don glared at them from the other side of the glass as he took an inordinate amount of time attaching a sensor to the sliding door.
The little fucker really was on Gabriel’s last nerve. He wouldn’t put it past the guy to rifle through Margaret’s underwear drawer and take a collectible.
For a brief second, he was sidetracked by the idea of Margaret’s underwear. What did she go for? Lace? Hip-huggers? Comfortable cotton? While Gabriel preferred the image of her in lace or, better yet, nothing at all, he doubted it was her clothing of choice.
“Margaret.”
She sounded half asleep when she answered. “Hmm?”
“I’m curious about something.”
Her dark head lifted, and she peered up at him through drowsy eyes.
He was correct; she’d been ready to doze off. A smile played about her lips, taunting him. He abandoned his intended question regarding her panties, and gave in to the urge to taste her. In one fluid motion, he rolled on top of her, careful not to capsize their little nest.
All trace of sleepiness disappeared from her wide sapphire eyes.
When she laughed up at him, breathless and a little stunned by his move, he lowered his lips to hers. Exploring her mouth was nirvana. Gabriel never wanted to stop.
“Ahem!”
Ah, yes. Don—the pain in his ass. Right on time.
“I’m done with the installation, Margie. It’s time for keypad programming and instruction.”
As Gabriel stared down into her face, he saw a flash of chagrin. He gently rubbed his nose against hers and helped her to her feet.
As they listened to how to arm and disarm the system, Gabriel observed Don trying to get cozy.
Anger began to simmer below Gabriel’s seemingly calm exterior. He didn’t care for how the other man would not-so-innocently touch her back or shoulder. Margaret’s uncomfortableness came through as she tried to sidestep or shift away without being rude.
Don didn’t know it, but he was about to have his arm ripped off and shoved up his ass—sideways.
Deciding he had no problem with rudeness, Gabriel stepped forward and placed an arm around her waist. “I think it’s pretty cut and dried. Does she need to sign anything for you to go?”
Raw hatred flared to life in Don’s eyes, and the ugliness shone hot and bright before he could temper his emotions.
Having dealt with criminals on a daily basis, Gabriel had a good idea who had it in them to transition into a monster or not. This seemingly ordinary, middle-aged man before him definitely fit the bill. Worry for Margaret stirred in Gabriel’s gut.
When they were finally alone, he escorted her into the kitchen and urged her to sit. Forming the perfect words of warning took finesse, and he didn’t want to offend her or get her defenses up. While she didn’t want to date the other guy—that much was obvious—she still viewed him as a congenial neighbor. Gabriel didn’t want to destroy her sense of security, but something was off with Don, in a big way.
“You don’t have to say it.”
Her quiet statement had him halting his pacing. “What?”
“I get you don’t like Don. You felt he was cock-blocking you. But he’s really very nice. I’ve known him for years.”
“Margaret, there is something seriously not right about him. I can see it. It’s like he’s unable to understand you don’t want to be with him. In his mind, you’re his. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Are you accusing me of leading him on?” she demanded, furious for some reason Gabriel couldn’t fathom. “I’ve given him no reason to believe that.”
He approached her as one would a wild horse—hands up and cautiously. When he reached her, he stroked her dark hair back from her flushed face. “Love, listen to me. I’m not accusing you of anything. I’m warning you to stay away from him. He could be dangerous because he’s the type who refuses to accept no.”
She sighed, closed her eyes, and nodded. “I’m sorry. Past baggage. When I feel someone is ordering me around, I get testy.”
“Understandable. I don’t care for it either. How soon before you can be ready for lunch?”
“Ten minutes.”
He grinned, back on his high because she’d agreed to the date. “Ten minutes it is. I’ll go grab my wallet and keys.”
As Gabriel swung open the door, Don flipped him the bird from behind the van’s windshield and slammed the vehicle in reverse. Gabriel waited until he’d driven off and backtracked to Margaret, who was in the process of wiping the counter.
“Hey, do me a favor.”
She lifted a dark brow in question.
“Change the code on the alarm system. Today. Before we leave. Will you do that?”
Her frown told him she thought he was being ridiculous, but she nodded all the same.
The relief he felt was profound, and he offered up a warm smile. “Okay. I’ll be back in ten. Don’t forget about the code.”
Don drove away in a towering rage.
Margie was his!
If Gabriel James thought he was going to come in and try to steal her away, well, Don would see him dead and buried first. With the way that overgrown dick had grabbed her hand and slobbered all over her in the hammock, Don was positive Margie had been disgusted by the overt display of testosterone. His woman didn’t care for Neanderthals like Gabriel. It was obvi
ous by how she’d invited him to join the two of them for coffee and how quickly she came running when he offered to show her the control panel. She didn’t want to be alone with the overbearing brute.
To make it easy on her, Don would move their relationship forward. He had a few things left to set up before securing Margie’s affections, and once they were in place, he would make his move. Women loved romance. He’d start with flowers and candy. Perhaps take her to a swanky place for dinner. The view from the twenty-ninth floor of the Top of Daytona would likely appeal to her. She was sure to be his before their date was over.
Chapter 11
“Do you have any preference where you want to go to lunch?”
“Nope. I’m all yours.”
Gabriel fought the desire to turn the car around, head straight back to his house, and whisk her into the bedroom. “You can’t throw around statements like ‘I’m all yours.’ You’re begging for me to go all caveman, Margaret.”
Her giggle pleased him. From anyone else, an actual giggle would put him off, but her light laugh had a sexy, breathy quality. He doubted he’d ever get tired of hearing it.
“How does the beach sound? Unless you were hoping for more formal?” she asked.
“Perfect. Subs or fried chicken?”
“Let’s go with the chicken and some macaroni salad.”
Together they strolled into Publix, grabbed one of the green shopping carts, and loaded up on supplies for their beach picnic.
Gabriel wasn’t a fan of shopping, and going with Tamara had been an exercise in frustration. But debating the merits of crispy versus non-crispy with Margaret brought a happiness he’d never experienced before. Odd, but he suspected he’d never tire of trailing her around the grocery store as she chatted happily about nothing.
After Gabriel paid for the groceries, ice, and a small cooler, they walked back to his car hand in hand. They happened to run into James, who was headed inside.
“Playing hooky?” James asked with a nod.
“Something like that,” Gabriel returned as he released Margaret’s hand to shake her brother’s.