by Cindy Kirk
Mine.
The thought took her by surprise and sent waves of shock rippling through her body. But she didn’t have time to think any more about it because suddenly he was there, standing beside the table, smiling, his eyes filled with warmth.
“Have a seat,” she said, never taking her eyes off Gabe.
“I assume that invitation extends to me, too,” Tripp said.
Michelle shifted her gaze. “Of course it does, you goof.”
“Did you hear what she called me, Davis?” Tripp protested. “I’m the hospital administrator. Her superior.”
Michelle raised one eyebrow and gave him a long, measuring glance.
“Perhaps that was a poor choice of words.” Tripp pulled out a chair and sat down.
Gabe chuckled.
Michelle cleared her throat. Loudly.
“Okay it was a poor choice of words and totally not true,” Tripp said. “Except the part about my being a hospital administrator. That part is true.”
“How’s your day going?” Michelle asked Gabe.
“Be careful how you answer, Davis,” Tripp warned. “Or Michelle will nail you to the wall. She’s in a testy mood.”
“I’m in a fabulous mood,” Michelle snapped.
“You ran Adrianna off,” Tripp pointed out.
Gabe’s eyes widened with surprise. “What happened?”
“I didn’t run her off.” Even to her own ears, Michelle’s protest lacked conviction. She still wondered what she’d said that had gotten her friend so upset. “She had errands.”
A softness filled Gabe’s eyes at the slight tremble to her voice.
Her heart rose to her throat. She shoved it back down.
“What are you two doing here?” Michelle asked, desperate for a change of subject.
“Right now?” Tripp grinned. “Harassing you.”
Gabe shot him a quelling glance. “Tripp and I just got back from his father’s ranch.”
“Dad needs a new stable,” Tripp informed her.
“Stable?” Michelle leaned forward, her gaze focused on Tripp. “As in horses?”
“Lots of pretty horses.” Tripp appeared amused by her sudden interest. “All different colors and sizes.”
“I take it you like to ride?” Gabe asked.
“I do.”
“You and Finley have that in common. There was a riding academy not far from where we lived in Philly.” A smile lifted Gabe’s lips. “Finley took lessons and rode as much as she could.”
“Why don’t you—” Tripp pointed to Michelle “—and you—” he pointed to Gabe “—come to my dad’s place this Saturday afternoon. You can ride, then stay for the barbecue. And of course, bring your daughter.”
Gabe glanced at Michelle, a question in his eyes. “Sounds like fun.”
Michelle hesitated. “Adrianna and I were planning to go to a movie.”
Of course, because of how lunch had gone, those plans might have changed.
“Bring her along,” Tripp said.
“You don’t mind?”
The hospital administrator looked puzzled. “Why would I?”
Could he really be so clueless over the mixed signals he sent out? “It’s just that sometimes I get the feeling that you and she aren’t on good terms.”
“Adrianna and I are friends,” Tripp said, his eyes daring her to disagree.
The safest course seemed to simply smile. “I’ll ask her. Unless you want to—”
“You had plans.” Tripp wrapped his fingers around the bulging sandwich. “She may still want to go to the movies.”
“Maybe,” Michelle said vaguely, but she knew that nothing would keep Adrianna away from the barbecue. Even though they’d both deny it, Adrianna and Tripp were drawn together like two powerful magnets. “If I had to guess, I’d say she’ll pick horses over a movie.”
“Great,” Tripp said. “It’s a date.”
Gabe smiled at Michelle. “Like the man said, it’s a date.”
* * *
“Are you sure it’s okay if I come?” Finley asked Gabe for what felt like the millionth time.
But the anxious expression on her face reminded him that everything was a big deal when you were thirteen. And at that age you didn’t want to be somewhere you weren’t invited.
“Tripp specifically mentioned you,” Gabe said over his shoulder as he backed the truck from the garage. “You and Michelle are the horse lovers.”
With Michelle going to the same place, it didn’t make sense for them to drive separately. Of course he had to promise if Michelle got called to the hospital they’d leave immediately.
“I’m sure she doesn’t want me along,” Finley said from the backseat while they waited for Michelle to come out.
Gabe turned in his seat toward his daughter. “Why would you say that?”
Finley lifted one thin shoulder in a slight shrug. “I don’t think she liked it that I went to Addie’s house when you were sick.”
“I told you to go,” he reminded her gently.
“I know, but I think she thought I should have stayed with you,” she mumbled.
“I was fine.” Gabe shot his daughter a reassuring smile. Finley had always been such a sensitive child. “I can make sure Michelle understands—”
“No, Dad, no. Do. Not. Say anything to her. Please.”
For a second Finley looked as if she was about to cry, which didn’t make any sense. Of course, Michelle getting so upset at Hill of Beans the other day hadn’t made any sense either. Thinking back, Gabe wondered if Michelle and Adrianna had gotten in some kind of argument.
He’d meant to ask her about it, but the last time they’d planned to get together at the cabin had been postponed. What Michelle called a “precipitous” delivery had demanded her attention.
“Dad.” Finley interrupted his thoughts. “She’s coming this way. Promise you won’t say anything.”
“Scout’s honor.” Gabe lifted his fingers in a familiar salute. In the rearview mirror he saw Finley roll her eyes.
He grinned and hopped out of the truck, reaching the passenger side door at the same time as Michelle. Dressed simply in jeans, boots and a white button-down cotton shirt open at the neck, she reminded him of a citified cowgirl. A very appealing cowgirl.
“You look nice.” He opened the door with a flourish.
Instead of stepping inside, Michelle smiled at Finley, then turned back to him. “I can sit in the back.”
“Don’t waste your breath.” Finley spoke before Gabe could respond. “You’re the adult. You sit in front. Those are the rules.”
Gabe shot his daughter a warning glance.
“And you’re our guest,” Finley added hastily.
“Well, thank you,” Michelle said to Finley, then turned to Gabe. “Adrianna said she’d meet us there.”
“Is the ranch far?” Finley leaned forward while Michelle fastened her seat belt.
By that time Gabe had jumped back behind the wheel. “Fifteen minutes max.”
“I hope I remember how to ride.” The worried frown was back on Finley’s face. “It’s been a long time.”
“As long as I don’t fall off, I’ll be happy,” Gabe muttered.
“Oh, Dad, you’re not that klutzy.”
“I bet your father is a good rider,” Michelle said loyally.
Finley gave a little snort. “Yeah, just wait.”
* * *
After Gabe’s comments, Michelle had been prepared for him to be a tenderfoot. Then she realized she should have known better. The man was too athletic and coordinated to be anything but a good rider.
“I’m going to be so sore tomorrow,” Michelle groaned as she repositioned herself on the log bench. She and Gabe had taken a seat around the large fire pit with a group of Tripp’s parents’ friends.
Gabe lowered his voice for her ears only. “Next time we’re alone, I’ll give you a massage, guaranteed to ease those sore muscles.”
“Shh.” Michelle flushed. �
�Someone will hear you.”
“They’re too busy comparing surgery stories to pay any attention to us.”
Most of the guests Tripp’s parents had invited were older. That’s why it was no surprise that after a dinner of grilled T-bones and corn on the cob, the talk turned to recent surgeries and doctor’s appointments.
“What about Adrianna and Tripp?”
“They seem to be involved in a rather intense conversation.” Michelle gestured with her head toward the couple who sat on another bench closer to the fire.
“What do you think they’re talking about?”
“No idea.” Michelle didn’t really want to discuss Adrianna. Things had remained strained between them since the conversation in the coffee shop. She glanced around. “Where’s Finley?”
“Playing a game of horse with Tripp’s sister up by the house. They have a lighted court.”
“I didn’t know Tripp had a sister,” Michelle stammered. “Or that Finley liked to play basketball.”
“Sounds like there’s a lot you don’t know,” Gabe teased.
“I’m beginning to believe that,” Michelle said with a sigh.
“What’s the matter?” Gabe took her hand. “You haven’t been your normal happy self this week.”
“Do you think I’m judgmental?” The question popped out before Michelle could stop it.
Gabe’s eyes widened. “Of course not. Why do you ask?”
“Not important,” Michelle mumbled.
“Tell me.” His thumb caressed her palm.
“Forget it.” She pulled her hand back. “Let’s talk about something happier.”
“Hemorrhoids?” Gabe said, picking up on a nearby conversation.
“Definitely not.” Michelle punched him in the side and he laughed.
“How about the moon? It’s beautiful and the light makes your hair look like spun silk.”
“Stop. You’re going to make blush.”
“I like to see you blush.” Gabe lowered his voice. “All over.”
“It seems like forever since we’ve been to the cabin,” Michelle said with a sigh. “I miss it.”
“I miss you.” It was true. As much as Gabe enjoyed making love to her, it was simply being with her that he missed most of all.
Yet, the second her lips pressed tightly together, he knew it’d been the wrong thing to say.
“Our hanging out like this probably isn’t a good idea.” Michelle’s gaze dropped to her hands.
Instead of responding, Gabe waited. He had a feeling he’d go wrong with either agreeing or disagreeing.
“It’s too easy to forget that we’re simply—” she lowered her voice to a mere whisper “—sleeping together.”
“That’s because it’s not that simple. Making love is only part of what you and I share.” Even though he wasn’t sure this was the place to discuss such a sensitive matter, he was glad she’d brought up the subject. He’d been thinking a lot about their relationship recently. “I think we both made too big a deal about not dating. So what if neither one of us are looking for anything serious? Lots of people date without marriage in mind.”
Michelle nodded and the tension in her shoulders appeared to ease. “That’s true.”
“What’s wrong with simply having fun together?” His tone turned persuasive. “We could go to parties together. Have dinner, attend events like the upcoming groundbreaking celebration as a couple. What could it hurt?”
Michelle chewed on her lip and Gabe’s stomach did a slow roll. He wasn’t sure why it mattered so much to him that she agree. Except he wanted more. Not a lot more, just a little bit of a relationship. Yes, that was it.
“I suppose that makes sense.” The doubtful look in her eyes told him she still wasn’t fully convinced this was the right move. “We’d just have to keep in mind that the only thing between us is friendship.”
“I won’t have trouble doing that.” He kept his tone light. “Will you?”
“Trust me, wanting more isn’t going to be an issue with me.”
It was exactly what he’d hoped she’d say, but her response left a sour taste in his mouth. How could she be so sure she wouldn’t want more? He was a good guy. He had a lot of positive attributes.
Still, it didn’t matter, because now he’d be able to enjoy her company without worrying about her expecting more from him than he was able to give.
Chapter Fifteen
“Oh, my” was Michelle’s first response when Gabe’s truck approached the outside of the microbrewery in downtown Jackson. Even through the windows she could hear the sounds of music and laughter coming from inside.
The ground breaking of the veterans memorial garden project had been a whopping success. Now the celebration had moved downtown.
The lot just south of the building was already full. Seeing all the cars made her glad the committee had chosen this venue. The wine bar could have never accommodated this large a crowd.
Gabe dropped her off in front, then left to look for a parking space down the street. From the number of vehicles circling the brewery, he’d have to go a ways down the road to find an open spot.
He’d told her to go indoors and he’d find her. But Michelle didn’t mind waiting outside. The temperature was still in the mid-seventies, unusually warm for a late-June night. The breeze was light and pleasant. All in all, it couldn’t have been a better evening for a ground breaking and the party.
Even though Michelle was glad she’d come, part of her still wished she was back in bed with Gabe. Before the ground breaking they’d met at the cabin for a brief interlude.
She’d never known such a lover. While he was caring and sensitive, he was also the most adventurous. He’d mined depths to her that she didn’t even know existed. Unfortunately he’d also brought emotions to the surface that she’d prefer to keep under wraps.
The door opened and Tripp stepped outside. A startled look of pleasure crossed his face. “You’re finally here. I was beginning to think you and Gabe weren’t coming.” He glanced around. “Where is he?”
“Parking the truck.”
His gaze slowly surveyed her formfitting blue dress. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you at the ground breaking how lovely you look.”
“Thank you.” She noticed for the first time his gray dress pants and thin-striped shirt. “You look pretty spiffy yourself.”
He grinned, showing a mouthful of perfect white teeth. “I aim to please.”
Michelle realized that Tripp was a very attractive man, with his artfully disheveled blond hair and lean muscular body. While he might not make her heart beat even the tiniest bit faster, she could see why Adrianna was so enamored. “Where is she?”
His smile faded.
Her heart skipped a beat. “Is something wrong?”
“No.” Tripp spoke quickly, as if wanting to reassure her. Or was it himself he wanted to convince?
His blue eyes, which normally sparkled with impish delight, were dark and troubled.
Michelle met his gaze. “Should I go find her?”
He shook his head. “The last I saw her she was talking to Betsy. Really, she’s fine.”
Betsy was Adrianna’s best friend. If she was with her, then everything really was okay. Or would be soon.
“Why don’t we sit down?” Michelle gestured to a decorative bench in front of the brewery. “I don’t know why I wore these shoes. They always hurt my feet.”
“Because they’re stylish and make your legs look...incredible.”
Michelle’s lips twisted in a wry smile. “Oh, yeah, that was the reason.”
“When you get inside take them off.” Tripp sat down beside her.
“I’ll think about it.” Michelle already knew there was no way she was taking off her shoes at the party while the mayor was in attendance. “Tell me what’s going on with you and Adrianna.”
“Nothing.” A shuttered look came over his face. “Like I’ve always said, we’re just friends.”
�
��Your choice? Her choice?”
“You’re her friend,” Tripp pointed out. “Next to Betsy, one of her best friends.”
“True,” Michelle acknowledged. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll tell her what you say. Anything you say to me stays right here. And that goes for what she’s told me about you.”
His eyes widened. “What has she said about me?”
Michelle couldn’t help it. She laughed. “Didn’t I just say I wouldn’t tell you?”
“Give me a hint.”
“Forget it.” There was no way she’d betray any of Adrianna’s confidences. That was, of course, assuming that she knew any secrets. “The fact that you’d like to know her thoughts tells me that you’re interested in her.”
Tripp’s eyes took on a distant look. “Even if Adrianna hadn’t been a good friend of Gayle, we both have too much baggage to make a relationship work.”
“So what do you want? A twenty-two-year-old who is just out of college and doesn’t have a clue what life is really about?” Michelle gave a little laugh. “Good luck with that.”
“What’s between me and Adrianna would be complicated.” He placed an arm lightly around her shoulder. “Now something between you and me—”
“Tripp, honey, there is no—”
“I had to park about a half mile down the road.”
Michelle resisted the urge to groan aloud. From the look on Gabe’s face he’d clearly misread the situation.
“You should have gotten here earlier.” Tripp pointed to his red BMW sports car parked out front.
Gabe ignored the car and glanced at Michelle. For a second she saw the man who kissed and caressed her only hours before. Then the look vanished, replaced by a polite mask. “Shall we go inside or do you prefer to stay with Tripp?”
Michelle refused to let this misunderstanding linger. Once they got inside there would be little privacy.
“Tripp, up.” She put her hand on his back and he reluctantly stood. “Go inside and find Adrianna. Gabe and I will be in shortly.”
“But—”
Before Tripp’s protest could fully form, Michelle fixed her gaze on him.
“I’ll see you later.” He punched Gabe in the shoulder as he walked past.