“Get your mind out of the gutter. I’ve been at a friend of my father’s wood shop. Making something for you.”
“You’ve already done too much.”
“True,” he said, a smile warming his expression. “But I have to confess that the gift I’m about to present is partially for my own sanity.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Close your eyes,” he directed.
Abiding by his request heightened her senses, making her even more aware of his presence. She knew when he’d left the room, but she most especially knew when he’d returned. Her entire body hummed.
“Okay,” he said, “now look.”
She opened her eyes only to wrinkle her nose in confusion. The woodwork was gorgeous, but she wasn’t sure what it was. Part lap tray, part painter’s palette, only with dozens of ring-size holes. There were slots along each side and maybe a cup holder—but again, she couldn’t be sure. The smooth, dark cherry wood glowed with high-sheen varnish. Regardless of the item’s purpose, a lot of heart and thought had gone into its creation. Throat tight, wondering how long he’d been sneaking out to work on the piece, she said, “Dane, it’s amazing, but—”
“Lord, woman, can’t you tell what it is?” Snatching a handful of the embroidery floss scattered across her quilt, he took back her gift before having a seat in the comfy chair next to her bed. After he’d had the mystery object for a few seconds, she understood—which only made the item all the more dear.
“It’s an organizer,” she said, pushing up in the bed. “And all of the little holes are for my floss.”
“Ding, ding, ding,” he teased. “You win. Or, maybe I win, since I won’t have to look at your mess.”
“You’re awful,” she said, holding out her hands. “Let me do it. I want to load it with all of my stuff.” The slots were for everything from the TV remote to her craft pattern and embroidery hoop. And the hole she’d guessed to be a cup holder was exactly that.
“Sure,” he said, handing it over. “But after you didn’t even know what it was, I’m not sure you deserve the fruits of my labor.”
“You’re probably right, but I really do appreciate it.” Temporarily setting the gift aside, she held out her arms for a hug. “Come here so I can thank you properly.”
His normally handsome expression turned stricken. “Um, I’m good.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Come here. I want to give you a hug.”
He stood and begrudgingly leaned over her so that they could share an awkward series of pats. Disappointment made her eyes sting with tears, although she wasn’t sure why. What had she been hoping for? Disney animals parading out of the closet in song? The man was Ben’s brother. The only reason he was with her was his own honor. He wanted to make right all of Ben’s wrongs.
From the foot of her bed, Dane gestured toward the kitchen. “Mom gave me a frozen casserole. I’m going to stick it in the oven for an early dinner. Need anything?”
Yes! her body screamed. But what she craved went far beyond his self-assigned duties. “No, thank you.”
“All right, then. See you in a bit.” And just like that, he was gone. His leaving felt as if someone had turned out the light on her mood.
IN THE KITCHEN, DANE BRACED his hands against the counter, kicking himself for even thinking about wanting what he could never have.
Refusing to waste one more minute feeling sorry for himself over the fact that Gabrielle had been with Ben first, Dane charged into action, shoving their meal into the oven before making a simple salad. He washed the few dishes in the sink.
He’d just set up camp on the living room sofa, settling in for a long night of studying transcripts and notes, when Gabrielle shouted, “Dane!”
His heart skipped a beat. She sounded horrible. Was she having trouble with the baby? Tossing aside his work, he ran to her. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She sat pretty as you please, grinning from ear to ear, displaying her now-filled lap box with all the panache of a game-show model. “Look, everything fits.”
“You called me in here for that?” Hand over his still-pounding heart, he scowled. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“I thought you would be happy, seeing how you were the one all the time pointing out my mess.” Removing the tray from her lap, she set it on the empty side of the bed. Arms folded, she said, “Never mind. I should’ve known this new-and-improved Dane was too good to be true.”
“Oh, give me a break.” Shaking his head, he said, “I’m going to blame that irrational statement on raging hormones.”
“What else am I supposed to think?” she asked. “You won’t even give me a decent hug.”
“A hug? After all I’ve done for you, you’re bitching about the way I hug?” He turned to leave the room. Women. They were all nuts. No wonder he’d been out of the dating pool for a while. To preserve his sanity!
“Come back here!” Her voice wobbled, and Dane thought he heard her sniff. Oh hell, she wasn’t crying, was she?
“What?” he asked from a safe distance.
“Don’t you what me. Dane, you’ve been amazing, doing so much, but…I know this must sound silly to you, but the thing I miss most about Ben being gone is simple physical contact.”
Sighing, he said, “A hug, I can give you, but, Gabrielle, I’ve gotta put this on the table…if you’re wanting more from me—like for me to take Ben’s place in your life, I—”
“Of course that’s not what I want,” she said, sharply looking away. “And I resent you even implying such a thing.”
“Good.” Shoving his hands into his pockets, he said, “Now that we’ve got that settled, I’ll finish dinner.”
Is it settled?
In the kitchen’s quiet, the question thundered through Dane’s head. Slowly exhaling, he ignored his conscience’s answer.
Not, no. But, hell no.
Living with Gabrielle had only made her more fascinating. Everything about her from her silly pouts to her intelligent conversations to her sexy-wild hair just intrigued him more.
“Dane!”
Groaning, he put the heels of his hands over his eyes.
“I’m sorry, okay? Please, don’t be mad.”
Edging toward her room, he said, “Honey, I’m not angry, just frustrated. I’m giving you everything I’ve got, but apparently that’s not enough.”
“Of course it is. I’m just more touchy-feely than you, and a good hug means a lot.”
“Mmm-hmm.” Hands back in his pockets, he dared ask, “What constitutes a good hug?”
“You know, like generate some warmth. Hold someone long enough to know they’ve been held.”
Rubbing his aching eyes with his thumb and forefinger, he said, “Next time I hug someone, I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Someone? What about me?”
“We’ve been over that,” he practically growled. Why was it that he felt like he was on the wrong side of his courtroom?
“No, what you said is that you’re not up for taking Ben’s place. I’ve never once asked you to do that. You’re making a huge deal out of nothing.”
“Am I?”
The determined set of her jaw had issued a challenge. “You’re the one freaking out over a simple—”
“I’m not freaking out. Here,” he said, marching to the head of her bed, “is this what you want?” Before he’d gained enough sense to retreat to the kitchen, he’d perched beside her, wrapping his arms around her just like he’d been wanting to. The sensation was akin to easing into a sunlit pool. Easy, inviting and warm. Up close, she smelled so damned good. Like her flower-scented shampoo and lotions. After holding her a few agonizing seconds more, he tried releasing her, but she clung tight.
“Not yet,” she said, her voice unwittingly hot and moist in his ear. “Please don’t let go.”
“Gabrielle…”
She’d shifted position, exhaling her every breath on his neck. What was she trying to do to him?
As she leaned closer, her soft curves met his solid frame, connecting them on a level that had him confused as to where he left off and she began. He didn’t want to, but somehow all sanity escaped him, until he was leaning back, easing his fingers into her hair, pulling her in for a kiss.
Chapter Eight
“Whoa.” Head spinning, lips tingling, entire body glowing, Gabby fought for air. Had Dane really just kissed her? Had she really enjoyed it more than any other kiss—ever? Had she secretly wondered if perhaps she’d hoped for something like that to happen when she’d demanded that damned hug? “Um…That wasn’t in the hug description, but I like your technique.”
“Sorry,” he said, already away from her, safely in his favorite chair, gripping the arms tight enough to turn his knuckles white. “I never meant for that to happen.” Leaning forward, elbows on his knees, he cradled his face with his hands. “It was a mistake. An accident. I—”
“Dane,” she said softly, “it’s all right.”
“No, Gabrielle, it’s not. You’re my brother’s girl, and—”
“I don’t mean to interrupt,” she snapped, “but do you see your brother anywhere in this house?”
“You know what I mean.” As he lowered his hands, the look he cast her was heartbreaking. Tears shone in his eyes. As if he felt her stare, he looked away, and when their gazes next met the tears were gone. “My whole life has been based upon honor. Right and wrong. If you and I were to—”
He cleared his throat.
His vow to always be the responsible one weighed heavily on her. Only just now, in the unshed tears Dane hadn’t wanted her to see, did she grasp the depth of his sincerity. He intended to do what was noble—whether it was what he wanted or not.
“I understand,” she said, even though she didn’t. She wanted to think herself capable of this level of self-denial, but doubted she was.
“Well, then…” He stood. “I’d better get back to supper.”
“Right,” she said, fumbling with her needlework tray. “I’d offer to help, but…”
Though he laughed at her feeble attempt to make light of the moment, she was no fool. It was written all over his face how badly he wanted to escape. Far be it from her to prevent him.
“HE KISSED YOU?” DURING THEIR Saturday afternoon gin rummy marathon, Olivia at least had the decency to look shocked by Gabby’s confession. Dane was off playing football with friends.
From the foot of the bed, Stephanie clapped and giggled. “It’s about time,” she said. “What took him so long?”
Frowning, Gabby said, “Would you believe, honor?” After relaying the gist of Dane’s speech, she added, “What are the odds that the only decent single man left on the planet has made a Boy Scout oath to never touch me?”
Nibbling a chunk of raw cabbage, Olivia asked, “How’d he kiss you if he’s never going to touch you?”
“Good question,” Stephanie said with another giggle.
“Oh, stop.” Gabby threw her losing cards at them. “If you’d seen his face after the kiss—how disappointed he was in himself—you wouldn’t be laughing.”
“Aw, I’m sorry.” Stephanie patted Gabby’s feet. “I didn’t realize you were serious.”
“Of course I am,” Gabby said, pushing herself up in the bed. “I wouldn’t make up something like this.”
Ever wise Olivia said, “The first night we met, I could tell he was trying not to be smitten with you.”
“You could not,” Gabby argued.
“Sorry,” Stephanie interjected, “but I have to agree. You two seem made for each other. I can’t imagine you with anyone other than Dane. He’s the perfect grounding to your whimsy.”
“My whimsy?” Gabby wrinkled her nose.
Olivia interpreted. “You drive a Jeep, he drives an Escalade. You’re a massage therapist, and he’s a judge. Your house is charming, and from what you’ve said, his home is intimidating.”
“It’s not all that bad,” Gabby said. “Dane’s house. I went to a holiday party there with Ben. In its present state it’s a little austere and cold for my taste but it could be comfy. A little paint—warm hues—and some well-placed floral upholstered pieces, and—”
“Listen to you,” Stephanie said, eyes wide with her hands curved over her bulging stomach. “One kiss, and you’re moving in.”
Olivia followed up with, “What shade have you selected for the new kitchen curtains?”
“Are you two here to visit or torment?”
“Visit,” Olivia said, “but what’s the harm in trying to knock some sense into you while we’re here? Dane obviously adores you. Go for it.”
“Go for it?” Now, Gabby was laughing, but not in a good way. “I’ve just told you that I already practically threw myself at him, as much as I could in this condition, anyway, and the man is too honorable to start anything with me. Yet your advice is to ignore his nobility in favor of what I want?”
“Then you admit to being attracted to him, too?” Olivia was further probing into what Gabby considered a private matter. She’d thought her friends would be mature about her confession. Instead, they’d just poked fun.
“It’s not that simple,” Gabby said. “Of course I have feelings for him, but they’re complicated. You wouldn’t understand. He’s the brother of my baby’s father. My even being attracted to him is wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.”
Stephanie quietly asked, “Did it ever occur to you that you’re the one who’s mistaken?”
“What do you mean?” Gabby asked, notching her chin higher with self-righteousness on loan from her almost brother-in-law. “What could possibly be wrong about Dane and me having consciences?”
“Oh—I’ll be happy to tackle that,” Olivia said.
“No….” Swiping tears from her cheeks, Stephanie said, “I’ll handle this one. You forget, I’ve loved a man and lost him. Michael is never coming back. He didn’t just leave me, he’s dead, Gabby. Dead. I’m not saying this to be cruel, but to remind you to live in the moment. I’d give anything to steal a few more days of happiness with Michael, and yet, here you are throwing away a chance at a brand-new life with a wonderful guy.”
“But see?” Gabby asked, wiping a few of her own tears. “Even if I loved Dane—which I don’t—how could I ask him to abandon his core beliefs…for me?”
“IT WAS JUST A KISS.”
Dane glanced up from the brief he’d been struggling to read. “Excuse me?”
“Ever since we kissed, you’ve hardly spoken. You’re here, but not really—if you know what I mean.”
No, he didn’t. Nor did he care to.
“It’s Saturday night. Usually, we’re having fun.”
“Sorry,” he grumbled. “I’m not in a fun mood.”
“Because we kissed. And you feel guilty. But you shouldn’t. We’re both consenting adults and—”
Slapping his brief to his lap, Dane asked, “What in the hell has come over you? That kiss was a mistake. End of story. Why are you even bringing it up?”
“According to Stephanie, you—”
“You’ve talked to her about this?”
Nibbling her lower lip, she said, “Olivia, too.”
“What’s wrong with you?” he asked, teeth clenched. “This was a private matter.”
Shaking her head, she said with a forced smile, “You afraid they’re going to make a public announcement that might soil your flawless reputation?”
“Enough.” He stood, uncaring that his brief fell onto the floor. Pacing the small strip of wood floor between the foot of Gabrielle’s bed and the dresser, he said, “I don’t give a damn what anyone outside my family thinks of me. If you knew me—really knew me—you’d get that fact.”
“Dane, I—”
“Stop,” he said, not wanting to hear what she had to say, because it wouldn’t change a thing. “Did Ben ever mention a woman named Naomi?”
She shook her head.
“Not surprising.” Pausing, he gripped the w
rought-iron footboard, searching for what next to say. One part of him wanted to annihilate his brother. Show Gabrielle just what a snake Ben truly was. But another part of Dane wondered what purpose tattling on his brother would serve. Because Dane would never stoop to Ben’s level in stealing an already-taken girl.
“What about her?”
“Nothing,” Dane said. “Forget I ever mentioned it.” Struggling to find peace within himself, he tried changing the subject. “Your nightgown is pretty. New?”
“Olivia and Stephanie brought it this afternoon.” The ultrafeminine, filmy pink gown stayed within Gabrielle’s princess theme, only this time she resembled a knocked-up royal who’d lost her crown. “Tell me about Naomi. Reading between the lines, I’m assuming you two were an item? Before she met your brother?”
“I don’t want to get into this.”
“Then why did you bring it up?”
“I don’t know.” Gripping the top of his head, he closed his eyes, wishing from the first moment his mom had broached the subject of him helping Gabrielle that he’d refused.
“Yes, you do. Because you wanted to tell me that what Ben did to you, you would never do to him. But what your Mr. Nobility brain left out of the equation is the fact that you didn’t consciously steal me away from Ben like I suspect he did your Naomi. In watching over me, you’ve done everything right.”
“Kissing you wasn’t right. You don’t belong to me.”
“I don’t belong to anyone, Dane! Believe it or not, I do have my own belief system and sense of right and wrong. What Ben did in leaving me—that was wrong.” Our kiss…was beautiful.
Dane steeled himself against her words. What they’d shared for those few seconds had been amazing, but the sense of well-being had been an illusion. “Are you set for the night? Because if so, I need to get out of here.”
“Dane, please don’t go,” she said, her voice raspy. “I’m sorry I said anything, okay? Let’s just go back to the way things were between us. We were pals. We had fun. I promise I’ll never bring up that kiss again.”
From the room’s threshold, he shook his head sadly. “Trouble is, whether or not you broach the topic, I’m not bloody likely to forget.”
A Wedding For Baby (Baby Boom) Page 8