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Hell, he wouldn’t allow it.
In the almost seven weeks since I’d left him at camp, he’d texted me daily, left numerous voicemails, and sent me a gift every Friday.
The first week it had been a bucket of Red Vines, which made me smile. Then came the sunflowers, the Bluetooth ear buds, a Blu-ray copy of Man of Steel, a delivery from Papa John’s pizza, and a floatation device, which had me fall to the floor laughing when I opened it.
I was trying hard to work through my thoughts and feelings about him, and everything that had happened. I had hoped distance would cool my attraction to him and make the possibility of walking away easier, but he was doing his damndest to make it impossible.
I hadn’t spoken to him since I left, and I’d barely spoken to my sister, but I’d spent time with Christopher, as usual, his questions getting harder and harder to deflect.
I knew the paternity test came back positive. Gabe had left a voicemail and sent a text when he’d heard, and I’d gotten a call from Chloe confirming that Gabe was Chris’s father. Chris didn’t know yet; Gabe and Chloe had decided to wait until Gabe was there in person, which I could understand, but I felt awful keeping such a thing from my nephew.
I didn’t want to be a part of my sister’s lie.
“Sorry about that,” Jen said as she sat back down at the table.
We finished up our meeting, discussing the upcoming tour for the last book in my paranormal series, and we left it with her promise that she’d begin shopping my new manuscript right away.
The driver took me back to the airport. The flight home was quick and painless, but all of my attempts at reading were dashed by thoughts of Gabe’s impending visit.
The seven weeks were almost up, and with the news he had to share with Christopher, I knew he wouldn’t waste any time in flying out.
I wasn’t ready to see him.
I knew that any walls I’d put up, and claims I made to myself about pushing him away, would all crumble at the first sight of him. And I was afraid. Afraid that I wouldn’t be able to handle the emotional upheaval that was about to commence. That I wouldn’t be strong enough to stand by him when he needed me the most. Especially since my initial reaction was to run and hide in my writing cave for the next year.
Pulling up the long drive of my over two-acre home, I looked around at the large expanse of space and wondered if I should get a pet. Maybe a dog, pot-bellied pig, or even a pony. I’d always wanted one as a little girl, and I definitely had the space.
Then I drove passed the basketball hoop I’d had put up for Chris, and into my garage, and talked myself out of it.
When I was home, I was usually locked away. I barely even came outside and used the rocking chairs I had sitting on my wraparound porch. Any animal I got would probably die of starvation and loneliness, if it didn’t run away first.
With that depressing thought lingering in my head, I walked to my mailbox and found my weekly package from Gabe waiting.
I was ripping through the paper, even as I told myself I shouldn’t open it, then stopped in the middle of my driveway, a gasp escaping my lips as I pulled out a long bronze chain with charms of a parchment and quill on it.
It was so thoughtful, and perfect for me, and without another thought I clasped it around my neck. My hand was on the necklace as I took out the note folded inside.
See you Sunday. Love, Gabe
Shit, I thought, guess I can’t hide forever.
It looked like I’d be facing the music the next day when Gabe came to town. If only I knew what I was going to do.
Chapter Thirty-Three ~ Gabe
I’d only meant to give her a kiss hello…
As soon as the last camper left for the season, I’d given my cousin Dillon, who’d come down to take over the task of closing the camp for the season, a hug of thanks and a promise to call him as soon as I landed in North Carolina.
Deciding to hold off on checking into my hotel until later, I drove my rental car straight to Zoey’s house.
I needed to see her, desperately.
When she’d opened the door of her rambling ranch-style home, her hair piled on top of her head, wearing yoga pants and an oversized tank, I’d gathered her surprised form to me.
God, how I’d missed her face.
I grabbed her by the waist with one hand, bringing her in close, while my other hand wrapped around her neck, and I brought my lips crashing down on hers. I’d taken her off-guard, her lips parted with unspoken words, so I took advantage and swooped inside.
