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Gabe inclined his head in his mother’s direction. His voice was calm and composed but steel glinted in his eyes. “I know you’re as committed as I am and want me to work where I can have the biggest impact.”
Gabe’s mother kept the smile on her face. Would she threaten him? He’d told me the tape had gone, but if it came out, then we’d have to handle it. I couldn’t allow Gabe to be blackmailed and bullied for the rest of his life.
Joyce Rivers’s smile widened. “Whatever makes you happy, darling. If that’s what you want, then that’s … delightful. You have my full support and encouragement.”
Gabe smiled. “I know I do, Mother. Thank you. I’m glad to hear it.”
Chapter 44
Miri
Iwenttohimwhen I was ready, when Mum was home and we had more stability. Any sooner and I wouldn’t be able to think straight. Gabe opened the door to his penthouse, dressed casually in a thick ribbed blue jumper and jeans. My heart took a perilous leap. All I wanted to do was throw myself at him. I needed his touch. It had been too long.
For a moment we drank each other in before he coughed and spoke in a soft voice. “We’ve missed you at training.”
“I needed some time to get Mum settled at home. Claire said it was okay …”
He nodded. “Of course. It is. How’s your mum? She’s back home then?”
“She’s doing better.”
He blew out a breath. “I’m glad.”
I stepped forward, needing to be closer. “I saw your press conference. I love that you want the women’s team, but I can’t stand you giving up your dream. You always wanted the men’s team—”
“And now I don’t. I meant every word of it. The women’s team is real football. It gives me a buzz to be part of what you’re doing together. It’s an honor. Besides, I want to be there the day you get scouted for England. I said I’d take you to the top. Nothing matters more to me.” He raised a sardonic brow. “Don’t you want to be on top, Forster?”
A tingle raced over my skin at his nearness.
He bit his lip and stepped forward hesitantly. “We have so much to talk about.”
I didn’t want to talk anymore. We’d said all the things that mattered. “I’m tired of talking.”
“Me too.” His eyes dropped to my lips. “I lied before at the hospital. I can’t be your friend.”
My heart hammered. I raised a questioning eyebrow.
“I need to be more than that. I’m going to die if I don’t touch you.”
With his hand at my waist he pulled me toward him. His lips found mine and he kissed me deeply. Entangled, we moved into his suite and he kicked the door closed behind us.
He broke off from my lips, breathless and panting. “I’m never letting you of my bed again. Can you deal with that, Forster?”
I laughed. “If you think you can handle me, Rivers.”
Epilogue
Gabe
Oneyearlater
“Park Lane? Is that one of yours, Gabe?” Mother sat stiffly at the kitchen table. She studied the Monopoly board in confusion, as though it was about to grow legs and walk off.
“No. It’s mine.” Frankie shook the dice and rolled them onto the table. “Come on, Joyce. Keep up. I thought you’d be used to all this.”
Mother flashed a tight smile. “I still don’t quite understand it.”
Miri’s mum dipped her head in encouragement. “You’ll get there. It won’t take long before we’re beating these youngsters.”
