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He stopped short of pulling the cork out. “That floral shop you worked at. The owner’s son was murdered in a botched robbery. He was falling apart emotionally and neglecting his shop. You swooped in to help him back on his feet and regain a little life in him—while still working as a detective, I might add. Or the bakery shop you worked at. Again, helping out when the owners lost two of their best employees in a hit and run accident.”
She watched as his face lit up with a magnificent glow. As if in awe of her. Yet, his eyes held concern she didn’t understand.
“You worked all those jobs, not because you needed to for the money, but because you wanted to. You say I work too much, but I don’t think I work as much as you do. Or for the same reasons. And my favorite of all? Recommending a wonderful, talented, hard-working, oriented individual for a secretary position even though she had no background as a secretary. Ms. Wallace has been great since the moment I hired her. I would have never given someone like her a chance if it hadn’t been for your recommendation.”
Gabby swiped a lock of hair behind her ear as she thought about everything he said. “You wouldn’t have given someone a chance who lives in a rundown neighborhood, a prior arrest for possession when she was eighteen and had a husband who was so abusive he could’ve killed her?”
Dane finally removed the cork and poured them both a glass of the sweet red wine. “The prior arrest would have been enough for me to pass, and the fact she has no experience with what I needed her to do. But I can see how great of an employee she is. She works hard, doesn’t complain when I do get snappy at her, because let’s be honest, I can’t help myself.”
She smirked as he laughed and then continued. “It would never occur to me to give someone like her a chance. You’ve opened my eyes to see the world differently. I’m glad I’m able to help her out. She’s a very nice woman, and she loves her son. It’s good she got herself out of that relationship before something tragic happened.”
She grabbed the offered glass of wine and took a sip. “It wasn’t easy. Her husband isn’t someone who’s going to go away politely. He hasn’t been around the office, has he? He will be in violation of the restraining order if he has been.”
He leaned into her body, pressing her against the counter in an intimate embrace. “Nope. I’ve notified security, who has a picture of his face and a copy of the order. He’ll be arrested immediately if he takes one step inside the building. I also made it known that Ms. Wallace is to be escorted to the bus stop and safely inside the bus before they leave her. She’s safe while at work. It’s the going home part that worries me.”
“You’re getting the hang of this helping people out just fine. She’s a tough woman. Plus, she’s taking defense classes, like I suggested to her. Everything is starting to look up for her.”
He set his glass of wine on the counter, brushing a hand across her cheek. “You still look like you’re a million miles away from me. I didn’t mean what I said in a bad way. You like to help people, and that’s great. I worry it puts too much on your shoulders. Are you sure you’re okay?”
She pressed a kiss to his palm, smiling. “I had a small argument with Jaxson. I hate when that happens.”
A muscle ticked in his cheek. “What was the argument about?”
“Do you really want to know?”
“No lies, remember?” He sighed as he frowned. “But by that question, I can take a good guess.”
“You two don’t seem to like each other. I don’t understand why.”
“I feel like I have to share you with him. I feel like sometimes I misjudged him. Maybe he likes you and not Mia. That’s what worries me.”
She set her glass to the side, running her hands through his silky hair. “Well, forget those worries because I want you. He’s my best friend, but that’s it. It will never be anything more than that. I only want you.”
He gave her an adorable pout before kissing her. “I want to be your best friend as well.”
She chuckled. “You really don’t like sharing, do you?”
“No.”
“Well, try. Because he’s not going anywhere, Dane. Please try to be nicer to him.”
Like he was born to do it, he scooped her into his arms with one fell swoop. “For you, I will.”
“Where are you taking me? I thought you cooked me food,” she asked as she wrapped her arms around his neck as he headed down the hallway.
“To the bedroom. The food can wait. I was trying to think of a nice dessert to make you when you walked in. I need time to think about that before we eat.”
“So we’re going to think about dessert, is that it?”
“Yep. I like dessert. Don’t you?” he asked as he kicked the bedroom door closed.
Her response was muffled as he claimed her lips and laid her on the bed.
12
He couldn’t get out of work fast enough. The week had been long and tiring, and it was finally over. He had to work late last night, as did Gabriella. Something he hated to think about because that meant she was with Jaxson instead of him.
But he promised he’d be nicer, give the guy a chance.
