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He was out of breath, as well, his body ready for her. Inhaling deeply, he tried to get oxygen into his lungs. Slowly, he sat down. “I want you—there’s nothing phony about that.”
She covered her face with her hands. “Don’t say things like that!” Dropping her hands, she glared at him. “This whole fake-relationship thing is getting a life of its own, and I really don’t need more difficulties in my life.”
He finished pouring the tea before he spoke again. “What’s going on? Can I help in any way?”
She shook her head, rubbing her temple. “Thank you, but I’ll sort out my own messes.”
“At least tell me what’s going on?”
“It’s no biggie. Up until now, a gallery in Missoula has curated my paintings, but the new manager, Bill Norton is...” She rubbed her arms. “To be honest, he gives me the creeps, and I’ve decided to move my paintings to another gallery in Livingston. What should have been an easy transition is turning out to be a problematic one. That’s why I’ve phoned Guy, our family attorney. He’ll try to sort it out. As I’ve said, I can handle my own problems.”
“How old is this attorney?”
“Why is that important?”
“You’ve promised him a kiss.”
The corners of her mouth lifted slightly. “I have, haven’t I?”
“Brooke, damn it...”
“He’s a friend of my mother’s. Old enough to be my dad.”
He exhaled audibly. “Good to know. So, is there anything I can do to help?” He already knew what her answer would be, but he had to try.
She shook her head. “No, thank you.”
“What about if I help you with the packing?”
She shook her head. “Thanks, but you really don’t have to. I can do this...”
“I know. You’re a strong woman—raising a kid on your own, making a huge success of your passion, but let me help with something as mundane as packing up.”
“It’s not something you volunteer for if you don’t have to.”
“What if I want to?” he asked as he stood up.
“Why would you want to do that?”
He walked over to where she was sitting and bent down to kiss her. “Because you need help at the moment, and we’re supposed to be a couple. Besides, that way I can be near you. And I like that. I can look at you, I can touch you and maybe even steal a kiss. And bonus”—he grinned before she could say anything—“I’ll cook.”
For the first time since he’d arrived, her eyes lit up. “Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse.”
And then he simply had to kiss her again. “See, my first kiss.”
The front door opened. “Mo-om!” Connor yelled. “I’m home. Is Uncle Gavin here? Is he going to cook?” He raced into the kitchen. “I’m hungry.”
Brooke got up, her breath not quite steady yet, and bent down to hug her son. “You’re always hungry.”
“Let me make you a sandwich,” Gavin said, smiling down at Connor. “And then you and I can go shop for food while your mom works a bit. What do you say?”
“Food! Yeah! I’m so, so hungry.”
Gavin looked at Brooke. “So am I.”
She covered her red cheeks with her hands. “I’m going upstairs.”
Gavin caught her hand. “I’ve missed you,” he whispered before his lips found hers.
