“That’s great,” Gavin murmured then shook his head at her frown. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean it’s great for you. It’s not great that you have to deal with that, but I thought you were blowing me off.”
She inclined her head as soft pink tinged his cheeks. Was Gavin Fortunado blushing?
“I wouldn’t blow you off,” she whispered, her voice sounding husky to her own ears. “Ever.”
He drew in a breath like her words meant something to him. As if she meant something to him, which was impossible because before Saturday night they hadn’t done much more than speak in passing throughout the past ten years.
Except he remembered the first time they’d met. He’d told her she’d helped convince him he could make it to law school.
Something tiny and tentative unfurled in Christine’s heart. It felt a lot like hope. Possibility. Her chance for something more.
The same unfamiliar streak of boldness that had prompted her to act at the reception flashed through her again. She stepped forward, placed her hands on his broad shoulders, rose up on her tiptoes and then kissed him.
Their mouths melded together for a few seconds. She wouldn’t allow it to go any further, not in her office. Even though the door was closed, several of her coworkers would feel no hesitation about knocking and walking right in.
When she started to pull away, Gavin gripped her hips with his big hands and squeezed. The touch reverberated through her body, sending shock waves of desire pulsing through her.
She moaned and then felt him smile against her lips. “I can’t wait for lunch,” he said, the rough timbre of his voice tickling her senses. “Suddenly, I’m starving.”
Then he let her go, and she had to place a hand on the corner of her desk to steady herself.
Good gravy, the man could kiss.
“I’ll meet you at the reception desk in twenty minutes?” he asked over his shoulder.
“Sure.” She held up a hand to wave then pulled it to her side. What kind of a ninny would she be to wave to him like he was a knight heading to battle? He was going to talk to his father, and Kenneth Fortunado loved each of his six children and wanted their happiness above anything.
She only hoped Gavin’s happiness wouldn’t come at the expense of her heart.
* * *
“You look chipper today.”
Gavin tried to wipe the grin off his face as he entered Maddie’s office, which was currently occupied by their father. Kenneth sat behind the computer, a pair of wire-framed reading glasses perched on his nose. Although he’d officially retired last year, Kenneth was still in his prime and Gavin knew his dad was plenty capable of holding down the fort until Maddie and Zach returned.
One of the things Gavin missed most about living in Texas was spending time with his family. Despite occasionally wishing he were an only child, he truly loved being part of the Fortunado brood. His childhood had been idyllic, tons of love and laughter provided by the close bond his mother had fostered among all the siblings.
“It was nice to have everyone together for the wedding.” He dropped into the chair across from the desk. “I also like seeing you in your natural habitat. Do you miss the daily grind of the agency?”
Kenneth smiled and shook his head. “I’m having a great time cheering on Maddie and Zach from the sidelines. It was one of my more genius moves to arrange for them to work together last year.”
“Among a lifetime of genius moves,” Gavin murmured with an exaggerated eye roll.
“Smart boy.” His father steepled his fingers. “The smartest one remains marrying your mother. We’re thrilled that Maddie’s found so much happiness with Zach. It’s what we want for each of our children.” He raised a brow. “If you know what I mean?”
“As a matter of fact...” Gavin’s stomach knotted even though his father had given him the perfect opening to discuss his relationship with Christine. He hadn’t felt this nervous since he’d sat before his dad and explained that he was taking a position with a firm in Denver instead of the offer from one of his father’s friends at a prominent Houston law firm. “I’m dating someone and thought—”
“That’s wonderful, son.” Kenneth’s wide smile made guilt seep through Gavin’s veins like poison. “Is it serious? Why didn’t you bring her to the wedding?”
“Actually, it’s serious and she was at the wedding.” Gavin cleared his throat. “We’ve been keeping things private because she was worried about—”
“Worried?” Kenneth interrupted.
“About you,” Gavin said softly. “What you’d think of our relationship.”
“Why would I have a problem if she makes you happy?” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk, the gold band on the third finger of his left hand shining. “Does she make you happy?”
Gavin thought about Christine’s sweet smile and the way she looked at him like he was the only man in the world. “Yes,” he murmured, almost more to himself than his father. “Christine makes me happy.”
“Christine?” His father’s expression went blank. “You’re not talking about our Christine?”
“I am.” Gavin drew in a deep breath as Kenneth frowned. “Although I wouldn’t exactly say she belongs to the family.”
“Would you say she belongs to you?”
Gavin thought about that then shook his head. “She’s her own person. I like that about her.” He held up a hand when his dad opened his mouth to speak. “But she’s dedicated to you and to Fortunado Real Estate in general. Your approval of our relationship is important to her.”
Kenneth inclined his head. “And you?”
“She’s important to me,” Gavin said immediately, surprised to find how much the statement resonated in his chest.
“Why haven’t I heard about the two of you dating before now?”
“As I said, she wanted to keep things private at first to ensure it didn’t impact her working relationship with anyone here.”
“What’s changed?”
Gavin fought the urge to grimace. It felt vaguely like facing a stiff cross-examination. “It’s more than just dating, Dad. Christine and I are engaged.”
“To be married?” his father asked, thick brows rising.
“That’s the plan, and I’d like your support. You know I’m going to be spending the next few weeks in Austin. I don’t want to have to hide anything or skulk around playing cloak and dagger if I want to see her. Plus, Schuyler is insisting Christine come to the reunion she’s planning.”
“I’m glad you talked to me,” Kenneth said with a nod. “I don’t like secrets.”
Gavin chuckled. “Like discovering we’re part of the famous Fortune family?”
“Some things even I can’t control,” his father admitted, almost reluctantly. “But you don’t have to hide a relationship from us, son. I’ve told you we want your happiness above all.”
Gavin didn’t bother to explain how unhappy it made him that his family took such an interest in his love life. That feeling as though he were under the microscope had forced him into this arrangement with Christine in the first place.
But that wouldn’t do any good at this point. Besides, he wasn’t ready to end things before they even really got started. Pretending to be in love with and engaged to Christine might be a farce, but he liked her and knew they’d have a great time together over the next few weeks until he returned to Denver.
“Does that mean you approve?”
“You don’t need my approval.” His father smiled. “But of course I’m happy for you. Your mother will be, as well. You know how much we like Christine. Frankly, she’s quite a step up in quality from the women you normally date.”
Gavin rolled his eyes. “Schuyler said almost the same thing. I date decent women.”
“Not in the same league as Christine.”
“My girlfriends
have been in Colorado,” Gavin protested. “You haven’t met most of them.”
“Connor keeps us updated. He’s ridiculously good with details.”
“Connor should learn to keep his mouth shut. I’m not even sure he knows many of the women I’ve dated, so I’m not sure what makes him such an expert.”
“He cares about you. We all do.”
“I know.”
“We care about Christine, too. Take care of her, Gavin. You aren’t known for your staying power in relationships.”
Ouch.
“Well, I’m committed to Christine now.” Gavin smiled even as another wave of guilt crested inside him. His dad was right. Gavin didn’t do long-term. It hadn’t been a conscious decision, but he certainly had a habit of dating women who felt the same way about no-strings-attached as he did.
Christine was different. He knew that, even though their relationship was pretend. It was crucial he make sure they both remained on the same page so that she didn’t get hurt.
“I’m glad to see it,” his dad told him with a wide smile. “Your mom and I want you to be happy.”
“Thanks, Dad. I am happy.” He made a show of checking the Rolex that encircled his wrist. “I also need to get going. Christine and I are going to lunch.”
“Enjoy,” his dad answered, sounding pleased. “Let’s plan a dinner with the two of you and your mom and me. I’m sure she’d be happy to come up from Houston to celebrate your engagement.”
“Sure.” Gavin walked toward the door. “I’ll talk to Christine and we’ll figure out a night that works.”
“I’m really happy for you,” Kenneth said, and Gavin left the office, trying to ignore the acid that felt like it was burning a hole in his stomach.
Chapter Six
Christine felt her smile falter as Gavin approached the reception area. He’d been sweet and flirty in her office earlier but now looked like a black cloud was following him. Had the conversation with his father gone badly? Was Kenneth angry that she and Gavin were supposedly dating?
“Lord, he’s hot,” came the appreciative whisper from behind Christine.
She looked over her shoulder toward Megan, the agency’s young receptionist, who was staring at Gavin like he was the best thing on the menu at an all-you-can-eat buffet. “Um...yeah.”
“Ready?”
She turned back to Gavin. “Sure. Is everything okay?”
“Fine,” he snapped then closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, the cloud had disappeared and a smile played at the corner of his mouth. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Don’t mind me.”
She heard Megan’s gasp and felt color flood her cheeks. With a simple buss to the cheek, Gavin had effectively outed them to the entire agency. She knew that by the time they got back from lunch, everyone would know.
Maybe she’d order a drink with her meal. If only it was that easy.
“Be back in an hour,” she said to the receptionist, purposely avoiding eye contact with the pretty brunette.
“I’ll be waiting,” came the reply. “We’ll have a lot to talk about.”
A drink couldn’t hurt.
She and Gavin walked out into the hazy sun of the January afternoon, and she tightened the belt on her Burberry knockoff trench coat. She earned a decent salary with the agency but most of it went toward the monthly mortgage on her condo. She liked having a place to call her own more than she needed designer clothes.
“There’s a new barbecue place a couple of blocks from here,” she offered.
He stopped, inclined his head as if studying her. “I love barbecue.”
Christine willed herself not to blush again. She wasn’t about to admit she knew his taste in food from his sisters and from listening to stories of their family vacations over the years. That would make her seem like a total creeper.
“Me, too,” she answered and started down the sidewalk in the direction of the popular restaurant.
Gavin fell into step beside her but didn’t say anything more. When they stopped at a crosswalk, the silence became too much.
“Is your dad angry?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. “Does he hate the idea of the two of us? We don’t have to do this. I mean, if it’s—”
He reached out a finger and pressed it to her lips, effectively silencing her. She could barely remember to breathe when he touched her, let alone speak. “I’m sorry I’ve been quiet,” he told her. “My dad is happy about our relationship.”
The light changed and they began walking again. “Is there another problem?” she asked, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.
“Everything’s fine.” He flashed a smile that didn’t come anywhere near to his eyes.
Christine sighed. What now? Did she push him for the truth or let it slide? As much as she’d admired Gavin from afar for so many years, she didn’t truly know him well. For all she knew, he had a toothache or had argued with his father about the Texans’ chances in the playoffs this year.
They arrived at the restaurant, and he held the door open for her. She walked to the hostess stand and tried not to grimace as the woman looked between Christine and Gavin then did a double-take when he placed a hand on Christine’s back, as though she couldn’t imagine a man like him would be out with someone like her.
Sadly, Christine didn’t blame the woman.
They followed the hostess to a table near the back of the crowded restaurant. Austin had plenty of barbecue joints but this was her favorite.
Christine made a show of studying the menu, almost disappointed when the waitress quickly took their orders.
She slipped the paper wrapper from her straw and tied it in a knot. As usual with this little ritual, the knot held when she made it but tore as she tightened it, and she sighed as the paper ripped.
When she glanced up, Gavin was smiling at her. “What’s that about?”
She scrunched up her nose. “You never played the straw wrapper game?” She laughed when he frowned. “If the knot rips, someone is thinking about you. If not, you’re out of luck.”
“Yours tore off center,” he pointed out.
“It always does.”
“I’m thinking about you.”
“You’re sitting across from me,” she said with a laugh.
“I thought about you all day yesterday,” he continued. “About how much fun I had on Saturday night, especially the part where you curled against me in your sleep.”
Her breath caught in her throat. “I don’t remember that.”
“You were asleep,” he whispered and his voice took on a sexy edge.
“What exactly happened with your dad?” she blurted, somehow unable to let the subject go. “You haven’t done a great job of convincing me he approves.” Gavin’s expression went from flirty to subdued in an instant. Way to ruin a moment, she chided herself.
At that moment the waitress brought their food. Gavin picked up his glass of iced tea, gripping it so hard his knuckles turned white. “He doesn’t want me to hurt you.”
“Oh,” Christine breathed, knowing if she said anything more her voice would reveal that she shared the same fear.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” Gavin said, and somehow the words sounded like a promise. “I’m not going to hurt you,” he added, almost like he was reassuring himself as much as her.
“Gavin.” She reached across the table and placed a hand over his. He released his death grip on the glass and she saw his shoulders relax slightly. “We both know what this is,” she said, even though it already meant so much more to her. “You aren’t going to hurt me.”
He nodded as if bolstered by her confidence. “I like you, Christine.”
Warmth spread through her body at the simple pronouncement. “I like you, too.”
“Do you think we could focus on that part?�
� He curled his big hand around her fingers. “We’re friends who are getting to know each other better over these next few weeks. It doesn’t have to be forced. I’m excited to hang out with you.”
She swallowed. “You are?”
“Don’t look so surprised,” he said with a smile. “You’re way more fun than you realize.”
She laughed. “That might be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I have a reputation for being organized, not fun.”
“Then we’ll work on your reputation.”
She liked the sound of that.
“Is there anything else you need?”
Christine yanked away her hand and glanced up at the hostess, who’d returned to the table in place of the waitress who had taken their order.
The raven-haired beauty was looking directly at Gavin as if he was the only one sitting at the table. “We’re fine,” he answered with a polite smile.
“Are you new to Austin?” the woman asked. “I haven’t seen you in here before and I would have noticed.”
Christine frowned as she picked up her chicken sandwich and took a bite. She couldn’t believe the woman was flirting with Gavin right in front of her. Not that she could blame her. It was still almost difficult to look him in the eye some of the time. His gaze on her made her feel like her skin was on fire.
The hostess hooked two fingers in the waistband of her low-slung jeans, revealing the top edge of some kind of tattoo on her hip. She looked like she knew plenty about adventure and probably would have been friends with Christine’s sister during high school. Certainly a woman who wouldn’t have noticed Christine, unless she’d needed tutoring.
“I’m here for work,” Gavin said, letting a bit of Texas drawl seep into his voice. “Originally from Houston.”
“I could show you around,” the woman offered with a sexy little half smile.
A Deal Made in Texas Page 6