Текст книги "Torn"

Автор книги: Monica Murphy

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Chapter Ten

Gage

“I DON’T KNOW if I want to go to your bakery,” Ivy says with a laugh, making me glare at her. She waves her hand, dismissing me easily, considering she’s been doing it since we were kids.

But damn, I don’t want her to offend Marina. She’s sensitive enough about her family business.

They’re laughing though. Having a good time together. Archer leans back in his chair with an arrogant expression on his face. Like he has me all figured out and knows that I’m already halfway whipped when it comes to this woman.

Not that I’d ever admit he’s right.

“Trust me, I feel the same way sometimes! God, the things my aunt can create. Her breakfast muffins are to die for. If I didn’t watch myself so carefully, I’d end up fat as can be.” Marina laughs, the sound warming me deep inside, and I chance a look at her.

She’s beautiful. Her eyes are sparkling and her smile is wide. My sister looks happy. This was exactly what I wanted to avoid and look at the two of them. Hitting it off and acting like they’re old friends.

What a night it’s been. We’ve actually been getting along, making conversation that didn’t involve us calling each other names or me saying something infinitely stupid.

I had one minor slipup. Well, a few, if I count the most recent blunder me confessing that Ivy is my sister. I think that sort of blew Marina’s mind.

We’re getting along now. Everything’s rockin’. I still can’t believe the way she attacked me in my car. Talk about the hottest experience of my life. I’ve never done something that wild, never had a woman jump me after becoming aroused by my driving my freaking car.

I barely know her, and yet I feel like this woman sitting at my side was made for me.

Marina’s had a couple of glasses of wine, and the alcohol has loosened her up. Maybe the sex earlier did too, I don’t know. She’s pretty damn easygoing, and I like it.

I like her.

The scent of her hair drives me crazy. It wafts toward me every time she turns her head, her ponytail swinging. I love the sound of her laughter. I haven’t heard it very often, but I plan on changing that. I love her smile too. She’s very expressive, all that cool blonde mystery from the first night I met her seemingly evaporated. In its place is an open, smiling woman. Full of laughter and easy conversation, sexy as hell wearing that thin, glittery black top that dips low in the front, offering me a generous view of her cleavage.

Breasts I had my hands all over not an hour ago. Her nipples were in my mouth. I can still hear her ragged moans when I sucked them deep. I remember her naked body, wrapped all around me as she rode me hard.

Yeah. Fuck. This woman . . . she’s blowing my mind.

Ivy had been wary at first. I don’t normally bring women around her, and we threw her for a loop when she found out we’d only just met. She knows I haven’t been serious about a woman in a long time. If ever.

“We should definitely do that,” Marina says with an enthusiastic nod.

Her words bring me back down to earth. “Do what?” I ask her, glancing from my sister back to Marina.

She turns to look at me, those sparkling blue eyes trained on my face, making my blood burn. For her. “Oh, your sister suggested we go on a shopping trip together soon. I was just telling her how it’s been forever since I went clothes shopping, and she offered to go with me into San Francisco for the day. Sounds like fun, don’t you think?”

Reality butts its ugly head into my mind, and I frown. The two of them are almost getting too close when this . . . thing between Marina and I will go nowhere. Because that’s what always happens. Yeah, I’m into this woman more than I’ve been with any woman, but I know my patterns. This won’t last. It never does. “You’re not constantly shopping, huh? I thought that’s what all women do.”

“Oh my God,” Ivy mutters while Archer full-out groans.

Marina glares at me, her eyes narrow, her lips tight. “I cannot believe you just said that. Are you for real?”

There I go again, saying the worst thing ever and offending Marina. Thought I had it under control since we’ve been getting along so well tonight, but I guess not. I swear it’s like my brain shuts down when I’m around her, and I blurt out the stupidest things with absolutely no thought. “I was kidding?” I offer weakly.

“Yeah right,” she mumbles, her eyes hot with anger as they shoot daggers at me.

If looks could kill . . .

Hell, I can’t tell if she’s really mad or not.

Archer stands. “Hey Gage, come with me for a minute. I want to show you something.”

“What do you want to show me?” Now I’m confused. Maybe I’m the one who’s had too much wine. Or maybe I’m just drunk on Marina . . .

“Let’s go outside,” he says with a giant smile on his face, but it looks fake as hell.

I follow him outside wordlessly, the front of the restaurant still crowded with people waiting for a table. We end up around the side of the building, the cool night air washing over me as a breeze blows over us, relieving my overheated body and brain.

“What the hell is going on in there?” Archer asks.

Shrugging, I glance around, making sure no one is paying attention to us. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m confused. You seem way into Marina, and I thought you weren’t interested in her. Marina and Ivy seem to like each other. Which is great, I’m glad to see the two of them getting along so well so quick, but I thought . . . I thought this dinner was all about Marina wanting to talk to me about some proposition she has,” Archer says, running a hand through his hair.

“I think she’s nervous. That’s why she hasn’t mentioned anything to you yet,” I suggest. Hell, I’d told her not to say anything, and here’s Archer asking why she’s not. I’m just making up excuses, and it’s not like we can call her out on it at the table. That would just be flat-out rude.

Since when do you care if you’re rude to Marina or not?

It irritates that she hasn’t even told me what she wants to talk to Archer about. I’m just as much in the dark as he is. Doesn’t she trust me enough with the information?

Of course not, asshole. Remember? She doesn’t even know you.

“Well. She’s hardly said one word to me, but that’s fine. Maybe she doesn’t want to talk about it in front of your sister, which I totally get.” Archer pauses, studying me. “And then there’s you.”

“What about me?” I’m immediately defensive.

“If this is, and I quote, ‘a business proposition,’ and you’re just using her, and I quote again, ‘to get what you want,’ then you’re doing a damn good job of being the attentive, googly-eyed date.”

“‘Googly-eyed?’ Nice description,” I mutter. We’re obvious. I didn’t think it would matter in front of Archer and Ivy, but what the hell was I thinking? It didn’t help that we just had sex before we stumbled into the restaurant. I still had a postcoital glow going on, for fuck’s sake.

“It’s true! Every time you look at her, you’re like a lovesick puppy. I think you like her,” Archer says.

“I do not,” I answer way too quickly. Misery courses through me. Do I like her? I shouldn’t like her.

You fucking like her, moron.

“I’m attracted to her,” I finally say. “How could I not be? She’s beautiful.”

Archer shakes his head. “Then you better be up-front with her about this real estate deal you want to make with her dad.”

“No way. She’ll hate me for it.” She called me a scum-sucking shark or whatever the first time we met, when she discovered who I am. She finds out I want to sweep in on the property the Molinas hold on St. Helena’s Main Street—including the very bakery she’s running—she’ll hate me for life.

Shit. She probably already suspects this. She has to. Marina’s no dummy. She’s smart and beautiful and—

“She’ll hate you more if you keep the truth from her.”

I absorb Archer’s words, remaining quiet. Since when did he get so good at doling out advice? That’s always been my thing. Now I’m the one making idiot moves, and he’s the stable, secure one full of logic.

“You could always lease the property back to her,” he suggests when I don’t say anything. “Give her a deal and let her run the bakery that seems to mean so much to her.”

“How do you know what it means to her?” I ask incredulously.

“Weren’t you listening to what she said? She was talking about running the bakery, her aunt, and the amazing cakes she makes. I’ve tasted them, so has Ivy. She was totally engrossed in the conversation, offering Marina all sorts of marketing ideas to try.” Archer shakes his head. “Are you oblivious or what?”

I look at Marina and all I can think about is the next time I can get her naked. I guess . . . I was tuning her out like a self-absorbed asshole.

“I’m going back in there and asking her what she wants to talk about. I’m not in the mood for a bunch of pussyfooting anymore. I’m too damn curious,” Archer finally says, starting to head back to the front of the building.

I walk with him, the both of us striding side by side toward the restaurant entrance. “Come on. Let her segue into it on her own. I think she just needs to build up her courage.”

“She’s having fun with Ivy, and she’s probably had a little bit too much to drink. I think it’s time for Marina to grow a pair and tell me what’s up.” Archer throws open the door, and I follow him in, wondering at his change of mood.

He’s never been the most patient person. While I have no problem lying in wait, calculating my every move. Whether in business or personal matters, Archer gets too antsy.

“Give her time, damn it,” I mutter, earning a hard glare from Archer.

“Why are you so protective of her, huh? You’ve only known her a few days. What gives?”

I care for her. It’s the stupidest thing ever, but I do. I like her. A lot. The more I think about Archer’s leasing suggestion, the more I believe it could be the solution to the problem hovering over us. “I—”

“You like her,” Archer says again, not sounding surprised. “A lot. I get it, man. Sometimes when it happens, it takes a while like it did for Ivy and me. Other times, it happens so fast you just know.”

“I just know what?”

“You know you’re in love with her.”

I scoff. “I am not in love with her,” I say emphatically. “I’ve known her a week.”

“You have feelings for her, then.” Archer grimaces. “Christ, listen to me. I’ve turned into Oprah.”

“I blame Ivy,” I say with a grin, though deep inside my stomach is knotted, my head spinning. Fine. I like Marina. A lot. I’m not in love with her. Not . . .

Yet?

I banish the thought.

“Be honest with her.” Archer stabs his finger into my chest, making me wince. “If I can give you any advice, it’s to tell her the truth. Be up-front. Let her know about the real estate deal. Tell her you want her help in getting to talk to her father.”

“I sort of already did,” I say, rubbing at my chest where he poked me. Damn, that hurt.

He’s right though. I don’t have to take the bakery away from her. I don’t want to. If it means that much to her, I’m sure we could work something out. I could lease the building back to her and her aunt and they could keep Autumn Harvest open. Keep the business in the family.

That’s a freaking great idea.

“Great. Good. You’re on the right path.” Archer exhales loudly. “It’s just . . . I like seeing the two of you together. Don’t make fun of my ass, but you seem really happy with her. You’re always so wrapped up in your work. It’s nice to see you let loose and have fun.”

I run my hand across the back of my neck, contemplating his words. “You’re not saying this because of that stupid bet we made, are you?”

He rolls his eyes. “I already lost that fucker and you know it. Why would I want to sabotage your ass? I have no stake in it. This is between you and Matt.”

“I haven’t seen him in—forever.” Matt’s busy getting his new winery ready for its grand opening.

“Ivy’s with him a lot lately since she’s been working on the interiors. Ask her how he’s doing.” Archer smiles.

We head back to the private dining room. “What’s up with the shit-eating grin?”

Archer shrugs. “Ivy thinks Matt’s assistant has a major crush on him. He ignores her. I think it makes her want him more.”

“Who the hell would have a crush on Matt DeLuca?” I ask indignantly. Only the majority of the female population in California, let alone the entire United States. Back in the day, he’d been the star pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. Until a major knee injury put him into early retirement. Thank Christ for lucrative investments and endorsements. The guy sits on pile of gold bricks, he’s so damn rich.

Huh. There’s another reason why I’m not looking for a serious relationship. I don’t want Matt to win this stupid bet. But is that good enough reason to not want to pursue something more with Marina? So I can beat Matt in a million-dollar bet?

Shit. Am I really considering if Marina is worth more than a million dollars?

You are . . .

Archer’s out of the running with our bet. I’m close to being out without even realizing it. So that leaves Matt the winner?

Unless he finds himself attached as well in the next few weeks, months. Whatever. Then we’d have to call it a draw.

“You should have Ivy do some matchmaking,” I suggest casually, knowing Archer will see right through me.

“Good idea.” Archer nods as we stop at the open door of our dining room. “I’ll talk to Ivy. She can work some magic and hook them up.”

“And then I’m off the hook,” I finish, making Archer grin.

We enter the private dining room chuckling, Ivy and Marina silent as we resume our seats. “You two okay?” Ivy asks pointedly.

I slip my arm around the back of Marina’s chair, stroking her shoulder with the tips of my fingers. “We’re great. How are you two?”

Marina turns to look at me, her expression full of confusion. “I thought you were arguing or something.”

“I was just trying to set his ass straight,” Archer pipes up. I send him a hard stare. Wish he would shut the fuck up.

“So Marina, why don’t we discuss whatever it is you wanted to talk about with me?”

She fidgets in her chair, glancing down for a moment and breathing deep, as if for courage before she lifts her head, her gaze meeting Archer’s. “You want to talk about it now?”

“Now is as good a time as any,” he says with a shrug.

“Okay.” She rests her hands on the table, her fingers plucking nervously at the pale blue tablecloth. “Like I was saying earlier, my aunt Gina makes amazing cakes.”

“They are amazing,” Archer agrees. “I can personally vouch for that.”

She smiles. “Thank you. I’ll let her know. Well, I wanted to see if you were interested in featuring her cakes at the restaurants within your hotels.”

Archer studies her, doesn’t say a word. He’s thinking, I can practically see the wheels turning in his brain, but his silence is making Marina uncomfortable. “I like this idea,” he finally says with a small nod.

“You do?” Marina sounds so hopeful I can practically feel the excitement vibrating off her.

“I do. We can call the cakes ‘decadent desserts’ or something along those lines. Our resorts have an almost . . . hedonistic quality to them.” Archer smiles. “You and Gage should stay there sometime.”

Very funny, motherfucker.

“Gina is a creative genius. Not only do her desserts and muffins taste amazing, but they’re beautiful. Like little pieces of edible art.”

“Hmm.” Archer taps his finger against his pursed lips, then reaches inside his pocket and pulls out his cell phone, bringing up his calendar. “Can you meet with me on Monday? Come up with a written proposal, exactly what you want to provide, and I’ll consult with my restaurant managers, see if they’re on board.”

Marina’s mouth is hanging open. She looks totally shocked. “Are you serious?” she asks breathlessly.

“Absolutely. I was just telling Ivy how I wanted to stop by your bakery soon so I could get a cake. I have a not-so-secret sweet tooth and so does Ivy. Occasionally we indulge. And your aunt is amazing.” Archer smiles. “I’d be honored if I could feature her at the restaurant. There will be some kinks to work out, but I know we can make it happen if you’re both patient.”

Marina pushes out of her chair and goes to Archer, throwing her arms around him and hugging him so tight, I’m afraid her cleavage is going to strangle him. I refuse to get jealous. She’s so happy I can’t begrudge her or her happiness. Ivy’s laughter indicates she feels the same way.

“Thank you, thank you,” Marina says, jumping away from him, the smile on her face saying it all. “We’ll make this happen. I promise. You won’t regret it.”

“I know I won’t,” Archer says, smiling at her in return before he levels his gaze on me. “Hope everything works out for you and the bakery. If anything, your aunt could come and work for me if Autumn Harvest ends up getting shut down.”

That fucking prick. I can’t believe he would say that to her.

“Um, I’m hoping we can make it work, but I appreciate you offering a job to Gina. I know she would appreciate it too.” Marina smiles, though some of the light has dimmed. “Thanks, Archer.” The excitement has left her voice. She sounds disappointed and she glances down at the table.

Damn my friend for putting her on top of the world and then knocking her right off with a few choice words.

“Why would you say that to her?” Ivy slaps his arm, hard. “You give her good news only to bring her crashing down with bad stuff.”

“Hey, I’d hire Marina too.” Archer flashes her a smile, which Marina returns, but it doesn’t quite light up her eyes.

Jerk. Thank God my sister spoke up. He’s as bad as me, saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.

Hearing his offer makes me want to help her keep the bakery now more than ever. If I get my hands on those buildings, there is no doubt in my mind I will make that bakery hers. She can fight me all she wants, but I won’t take no for an answer.

I want to do right by her. It’s the least I can do.

Chapter Eleven

Gage

“I’M NERVOUS.” I tap my fingers against the steering wheel, nodding my head to the music playing on the radio.

Marina reaches over and grabs my hand, squeezing quickly before she releases it. “Don’t be. He’s going to love you. Maybe.”

Ha. How honest of her. The “he” she’s referring to is her father. The man I’ve been trying to see for months so I can make an offer hopefully he can’t refuse. Scott Knight has avoided me. Yeah, I know he’s been out of town a lot, but the least he could do is take my calls.

Now he has no choice. I’m going to dinner tonight with Marina at her house and meeting the parents. A big step for me, one I rarely make, but we’ve been seeing each other for over a month. Hopefully, Scott and I can discuss the real estate deal further. Maybe.

Funny how once I got involved with his daughter, that deal isn’t as important to me anymore.

“I’m pretty sure your dad hates me,” I say, because it’s true. The guy must despise me. He’s avoided me because he doesn’t want to make the deal. Now he probably hates the fact I’m with his daughter. His only child. God, I’d hate me if I were him.

Could I sound any more ridiculous? I’m anxious as fuck and acting like an idiot.

She doesn’t say a word in response to my dumb statement. Just sits in the passenger seat of my car with that blissed-out expression on her face. The one that says I just got laid, which she did since we had sex right before we left.

I frown. Hope her parents won’t know that look. They might want to kill me for touching their baby girl.

“Stop frowning.” She leans over the center console and gives me a soft kiss on the lips—while I’m driving. Thank God the road is pretty empty because I swerve a little when that sweet mouth brushes against mine. “You worry too much.”

Ha. I don’t worry enough. I’ve been letting myself forget everything and just enjoying my time with Marina. If we’re not working, we’re together. And lately, I’m not working much at all, which means . . .

“Turn here,” she instructs as she points her finger, breaking my train of thought, and I hit the brakes to slow down, turning right onto a long, tree-lined driveway. It seems to go on for miles and my stomach cramps with nerves at the thought of coming face-to-face with Scott Knight. I haven’t met a woman’s family as her boyfriend since I don’t know when. Ever?

This fact should make me feel like a twenty-eight-year-old loser, but damn it, I haven’t found the right woman yet. As crazy as it sounds, in the little time we’ve known each other, I’m starting to think she’s it. She’s the one. Marina.

Shit. I know my friends love this. Archer doesn’t fault me too hard because he’s hopelessly in love with my sister. Matt, on the other hand, revels in my lovesick misery. He’s also figuratively holding his hand out every chance he gets, demanding we hand over that one-million-dollar payout.

Jackass.

“How long is this damn driveway?” I mutter, earning a little laugh from Marina. Just as I ask, the thick trees disappear, revealing a circular driveway and a somewhat modest house with a spectacularly landscaped yard. I figured for sure Marina grew up in a sprawling mansion, the lone child who ran the house.

Guess I was wrong.

I park the Maserati in front of the four-car garage—the one sign of excess I see—surprised when Marina leans over and gives me another kiss. This one is longer, her lips lingering on mine, her hand curling around the back of my neck and holding me close. I exhale on a rough sound of pleasure and part her lips with my tongue, letting myself sink into her delicious, seductive mouth for a while. Forgetting all about my worry and the fact that I’m making out with Marina in front of her parents’ home.

You’re fucking making out with Marina in front of her parents’ house, you asshole! What the hell? Are you sixteen and can’t control yourself?

Well. That was like an ice-cold dose of reality.

Pulling out of the kiss, I smudge my thumb across her lush bottom lip, smiling at her as she glares up at me. I don’t think she likes that I ended our kissing session. “We shouldn’t be doing this,” I whisper.

She pouts. “Why? I can’t resist you. You know this.”

Her simple admission makes me smile, but I don’t let myself get too hung up on it. “We’re at your house. Your parents are waiting inside to meet me, and I want to make the right impression. Not be the guy who’s caught kissing and feeling up their daughter in his car.”

“You weren’t feeling me up,” she points out.

I grin. “Yet.”

Marina rolls her eyes. “Whatever. And don’t worry about my dad. He’ll take one look at your precious car and fall in love.” Smiling, she leans in for another kiss, but I dodge her at the last minute, making her pout again. “Come on.”

“Yeah, you got that right. Come on.” I open the door and climb out, rounding the front so I can open her door. “Let’s go meet your parents.”

I take her hand and pull her out of the car, hoping like hell she doesn’t notice my sweaty palm. She flashes me a sweet smile and leads me to the front door, her hips swishing seductively when she walks, her ass looking perfect in those jeans she’s wearing.

Yeah. I’m a total goner for her. And she knows it too. I never, ever thought a woman would have me so totally by the balls, but this one does. I don’t mind either. In fact, I like it, knowing she’s mine. Knowing I’m hers.

Archer finds my capitulation into couplehood amusing. My sister thinks it’s the cutest thing she’s ever seen, and that’s a direct quote. Matt laughs every time I talk to him, asking if I’m completely whipped yet. He knows how reluctant I was to let myself get caught by a woman.

Now I’m walking into the so-called trap and seriously thinking I never want out of it.

Marina doesn’t bother ringing the doorbell, and we walk inside to find the living area empty. It’s a wide, open space, full of comfortable furniture that has seen better days and lots of family photos on every available flat surface. On tables, bookshelves, hung on the walls, I’m surrounded by Molinas and Knights, all of them watching me, making me want to squirm where I stand.

Yeah. I think I’ve lost my damn mind. This is what a case of nerves does to a man.

“Dad!”

Marina lets go of my hand, and I watch as she hurries toward her father who’s just entered the living room. She practically throws herself at him, giving him a big hug, which he returns. I know they’re close. She complains that she hasn’t seen him much lately since he’s been out of town, working all the time.

He’s scrambling. Trying to sell off property and cars and whatever else he can get rid of to gain some cash flow. I know this through friends and acquaintances in the business. They all talk. Knight’s been going into San Francisco a lot lately to broker deals. Yet he’s still holding on to that one property I want.

And I think if I work it just right, I can make it mine.

You are such a complete asshole. Marina’s going to think you’re using her to get to her dad.

That had been true, once upon a time. Not any longer. I care for this woman. Hell, I’m falling in love with her. Being in the middle of this situation, not quite knowing what to do . . .

It sucks.

“Good to see you, sweetheart.” Her father gives Marina a kiss on the cheek, smiling down at her. “You look happy.”

I stand there, at a loss over what I should do. Approach them? Clear my throat? Yell that his daughter looks happy because I put that smile on her face and the glow in her cheeks?

Yeah. Can’t do that.

“I want you to meet Gage. Remember I told you about him?” She withdraws from her father’s embrace and leads him over to where I stand. “Gage, this is my father, Scott.”

“Nice to meet you.” I offer my hand and he takes it, somewhat reluctantly. Or maybe I’m overreacting. The guy sets me on edge just looking at him.

He’s tall, has a headful of salt-and-pepper hair, and his eyes are a pale, icy blue. Looking at me like he wants to hang me up by my balls too. “Gage. I believe you’ve been trying to get in contact with me.”

“Let’s not talk business today,” Marina starts, but I interrupt her.

“I have been. I know you’re a busy man, but when you get a chance, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

“Call my office. We can set up a meeting,” he offers breezily.

“I’ve been trying to do that for months,” I tell him, needing him to know I’m not in the mood to play games.

Marina shoots me a horrified glare. “Gage,” she whispers, trying to shut me up.

“Don’t get mad at him. He’s right.” Scott’s smile is easy. Too easy. “I have avoided his calls. I believe he’s asking for something I’m not quite ready to give up yet.”

Marina’s mouth drops open. “How do you—”

“Just like you know,” Scott says, smiling at her. “Everyone knows. This town is big, but it has a small-town feel, just like the gossip. And when a stranger comes into town, eager to buy up all the prime real estate he can, he gives everyone something to talk about.”

I can’t tell if this guy is merely tolerating me or hates my guts or . . . doesn’t mind that I’m here and dating his daughter. His only child who I know he’s very protective of.

Can’t blame him though. I’m feeling rather protective of her too. Something we definitely have in common.

“Ah, is this your young man?” Maribella Knight breezes into the room, a slight smile curling her lips. This is who Marina gets her looks from. Maribella is a beautiful woman, her features so similar to her daughter’s, I pretty much know what Marina’s going to look like when she’s older.

“Yes. This is Gage.” Marina smiles nervously. Just like her relationship with her father is so strong, the one she shares with her mother is a bit more fragile. “Gage, this is my mom, Maribella.”

“Call me Mari.” She extends her hand toward me, her gaze not as warm as her voice.

I take her hand and give it a shake, notice how limp it is in my grip. “A pleasure,” I say truthfully.

“I’m sure.” The smile she offers me is brittle, and her gaze narrows the slightest bit.

Yeah. I don’t think Marina’s mother likes me very much at all.

Marina

I KNEW MY mother wouldn’t like very Gage much. I don’t think she’d like any man I brought home. She has these certain expectations I’m afraid no guy could ever meet.

So I pretended her cold disdain doesn’t bother me. Throughout the afternoon and into dinner, she acted disinterested in him. But he did seem to get along with Dad. Now that shocks me. I figured my father would hate him on sight, considering Gage wants nothing more than to buy as much property from him as possible.

They have things in common though. They’re both savvy businessmen. My father’s only downfall is that he owned too much, too fast. It’s been hard for him to recover from the economic crash.

And they both love cars. In fact, their conversation revolved mostly around cars from the time we arrived. Gage even took Dad outside to check out his Maserati, which was love at first sight. At first I thought it was cute. After a while, I got bored.

Last, I’m hoping that they both care about me. Well, I know my dad loves me because, hello, he’s my father. But Gage? He’s never said the words to me, not that I think he would. He’s never even admitted that he cares about me, but what can I expect? We haven’t been together that long.

But Mom said something to me years ago, and I’ve never forgotten her words.

Sometimes, when you know, you just know.

That’s how I feel about Gage. It scares the crap out of me and makes me want to punch him—because near violence is my usual mode of operation when it comes to Gage—but really, I’m excited. Nervous.

I’m falling in love.

Finally, I was able to drag him and my father apart, and we left long after dinner. Mom gave me a look that said she expected me to come right back. Dad told Gage to come by the office any time, or at the very least, call.

So strange. I thought my father would hate him. I thought I would hate Gage, but look at me. Maybe it’s not such a bad thing, letting the bakery go. Gage could buy the strip of buildings, and my family would be in a better financial position. I know that’s been my father’s goal for a while. Maybe I’m the selfish one, wanting to hold on to a business that’s nothing but a drain for my family.

“You’re awfully quiet.”

I glance up to find Gage flashing me a quick smile before he returns his attention to the road. It’s near ten o’clock and he has the windows cracked, letting in the cool fall air. The roads are virtually abandoned, the night sky is like dark velvet dotted with brightly twinkling stars shining from above, and I haven’t felt this content in a long time. If ever.