AllFreeNovel
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Dom drew his brows together, studying his friend before realization hit, stepping back, he put a hand over his mouth and grumbled into his palm, “Oh shit.”
Gage glanced at Dom and saw the look on his face. “No,” Gage quickly replied. “It’s not like that. We’re just friends.” He told him, rapidly defending himself.
Dom looked from side to side and edged in closer to Gage. “Dude, what are you doing?”
“I’m not doing anything, I told you that,” Gage said with a harsh tone.
Dom put his hands up. “Slow down, buddy, it’s me.” He ended with patting himself on the chest. “I got you, you know that.”
Gage looked at his feet and took in a heavy breath. Shit, was he doing something wrong? It sure as fuck didn’t feel wrong. All they did was chat, that was it. Okay, there were times they left flirty comments, but Jesus, that was just human nature between men and women. Wasn’t it? Gage said in a low voice, eyes focused on the asphalt below his feet, “Met her on that game, Friendly Words, when I first started playing.”
“Didn’t you start playing that gameweeksago?” Dom asked, emphasizing weeks.
Gage lifted his head, meeting Dom’s glare. “Yeah.”
Dom blew out a breath. “You talk to her everyday?”
Leveling his eyes on Dom’s, he confessed, “Pretty much.”
Dom lifted his hand, wiping his cheek and looking around. “Jesus, Gage.”
“I know,” he whispered, but added, “But we’re just friends, friendly chats, you know?”
Dom gave him that look. The one that said that’s always how these things start. And Gage knew that. Felt it in his gut every time his damn phone went off. Even if it wasn’t her notification tone, he’d still snatch up his cell like a teenage girl.
Dom put a hand on Gage’s shoulder. “I know things between you and Heather have been rough, but—”
“I fucking know, Dom.” Gage spat out, turned on a foot to walk away, but stopped and said, “Sorry, man.”
“No sorry needed, I get it, brother.” They both started for the front of the truck. “If it means anything, it’s good to see a smile on that ugly mug of yours.” Dom offered.
Gage chuckled and got into the truck...the conversation over.
_______________
Fuck, thought this week would never end. Got your coffee?
He typed out his message after he grabbed the first fresh cup of coffee from the pot. He and Tilly had a standing date. Getting up early on Saturday mornings and having coffee together. It was cheesy, he knew it, but fuck, he still liked it. With a smile on his face, he quietly opened the back door, let Velvet over the threshold first before he walked to the intimate area in the back of his yard, where he sat in front of the fireplace, feet up on the stone.
Tilly was outside on the patio with her coffee, sharing an early morning with Gage. The kids were sleeping. Luke was working. Her conscience nagged at her at times that it wasn’t her husband she stole moments with, but the difference was Gage wanted to steal those moments, too.
She looked down at her cranberry orange scone, took a pic and sent with the message,
Coffee and breakfast. Is Velvet, your little shadow, exploring the yard?
Gage looked at the pastry and smiled then brought his eyes to Velvet sniffing around a tree. He took a pic of her and sent it along with.
Damn, one upping me, I see. ;) Looks good.
Tilly took a bite of her scone before she replied,
I couldn’t resist. I like a little sweet in the morning. Have you all decided where you’re going tonight? Last we talked, you were hoping for Italian. Velvet really is adorable, and I love that she follows you wherever you go. I think I might be a little jealous.
Gage didn’t even think when he typed out.
I love something sweet in the morning too. ;) (shrugs) Now, I’m hoping the dinner will be canceled. I can think of better things to do. You all still going to Luke’s mother’s house? I’d have no qualms with you following me everywhere. ;)
Gage took a gulp of his black coffee, looking out into the yard. Somewhere in the past week since his talk with Dom, the guilt he had felt subsided. That or he’d just gotten used to the nagging feeling. Not to mention, his wife had been spending more time at work than at home. This had him wondering if she was having an affair. Look how easy it was for him to cover the fact that he was chatting with another woman. The worst part of it all was that he didn’t spend much time on the thought.
