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But Brooke grabbed her mother’s arm. “Come on, Mom, let’s go to Lindsay. I want to see the baby’s room before I go and check how my house is doing.” And with a wave, the two women started down the short path toward the house where Lindsay and Blake lived.
With a last glance at the gorgeous woman who’d managed to turn his world upside down within a week, Gavin took Connor’s hand. “Lead away. I can’t wait to see the horses.”
His thoughts chaotic, he tried to listen to what Connor was saying, but he kept looking back over his shoulder, and the hole inside of him got bigger.
He should leave for Seattle sooner, rather than later. What he’d experienced with Brooke last night had been so much more than merely scratching an itch, but she obviously didn’t feel the same way. Maybe he would stop thinking about her all the time when he was in another state, another city.
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By late afternoon,the men were barbequing outside. Brooke was in the kitchen with Charlie and Lindsay, making a salad.
She’d been aware of the way Gavin’s two sisters and her mother had been watching her and Gavin all afternoon. Hopefully, they wouldn’t say anything because she was afraid she might just burst into tears if anyone were to ask about yesterday.
Last night had been magical, extraordinary. She’d never been good with words, but she knew she’d be able to express with her brushes and oils how deeply she loved Gavin, how intensely she wanted him. In her mind’s eye, images, shapes, and colors were already forming, pressing her to pick up her brushes.
She needed him, not just to find her phone or to step in when she was struggling, but because he somehow got her, accepted all her foibles in his stride. Even the fact that she couldn’t cook didn’t seem to bother him at all.
And she’d also discovered he was the only man who’d ever be able to bring her the kind of pleasure she’d experienced last night. He’d taken her to heights she’d never experienced before.
No wonder she’d been painting kissing him, way before she’d even known how she felt about him. She’d loved him all along. Probably since the day she’d met him. Her heart had known long before her brain had caught on.
What still blew her mind was that they’d been so in tune with one another: her body had instinctively known how to respond to his every touch, while her hands had been strangely familiar with every nook and cranny of his muscled body. Her intuition showed her what he’d wanted, what he’d needed.
Making love with Gavin had been a life-changing experience.
And his only take from the night?I can stay with you for the rest of the week.
As it was, it would break her heart to let him go. Spending more time with him would only prolong the agony, make saying goodbye so much harder.
But how was she supposed to carry on with a normal life after last night? How was she supposed to...?
“So, you wanna tell us about the hickey on your neck?” Charlie teased.
Blushing, Brooke folded her hand around her throat. She’d tried to soften the clear indication of an ardent kiss with makeup, but she’d forgotten these two never missed a thing.
“It’s just a scratch,” she said vaguely. “What can I do?”
“You and Gavin—come on, spill the beans.” Charlie grinned. “We’re leading dull, married lives in comparison to yours; we need some juicy details.”
“There’s nothing to tell. We’re together. Now. But he’s leaving for Seattle soon.” Brooke shrugged. “Not sure what will happen then.”
“Oh, yes, I’ve forgotten about that,” Charlie said. “I remember now Logan talking about it. He and Gavin will be taking turns to be at the office in Seattle,” she explained to Lindsay. “But there’s nothing that says you can’t join him there, Brooke. Schools are closing, your mother would love to have Connor here to stay, and next week, you’re moving to the farm anyway. If you go with Gavin...”
“Don’t be silly. We’ve barely been together a week. This is all very new, and there is no guarantee it would last. Anyway, I have so much to do before Connor and I can move in next week. And once I’m here on the ranch, there would only be about two weeks left in which I have to finish at least another three paintings. So, there is no way I can go away now.”
“You paint anywhere, don’t you?” Charlie asked. “Logan has a huge apartment, as you know. There are more than enough rooms to choose from to use as a temporary studio. And then you’re right there in Seattle when your exhibition opens. Why don’t you...?”
“Not this time,” she cut Charlie off. “I’ll work faster here, even with the move. Anyway, I’ve already made arrangements to stay at an Airbnb closer to the gallery, for the exhibition, months ago; it’s just easier for me.”
The salad was done, and picking up the bowl, she motioned to the back porch. “I’ll take this out.”
The silence behind her followed her all the way to the table. She should never have agreed to this silly idea of a fake relationship.
––––––––
They’d just finisheddinner when Logan slapped Gavin on the shoulder. “So, have you decided when you’ll be leaving for Seattle?”
Everybody else stopped talking and looked at Gavin and Brooke. Brooke was sitting next to Gavin but when all eyes moved in their direction, she pulled her hand out of his, stood up, and began picking up empty plates.
