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“Have a good evening, Sage, Gabriel,” Dani said before walking away.
Gabriel watched her walk across the floor with Allyson at her side. How was he going to make it up to Dani if she wouldn’t even talk to him?
“Looks like you messed up good,” Sage remarked, gesturing to the quiet area of the club.
“I can’t argue that.” Together, they found an empty sofa and sat down. “How have you been, Sage?”
“Fine. Life has been a little busy.” Sage eyed him up and down. “You’re not a stupid man, so what is going on that Dani is practically ignoring you?”
While he’d talked some of this out with Zeke, maybe having a woman’s opinion would help. A woman and a Dominant. “We were lovers in college. I tried to introduce kink, and she freaked out. I didn’t do it right back then. I know that now. We graduated and went our separate ways.”
Sage frowned. “That doesn’t sound like the Dani I’ve seen.” She rubbed her fingers over her chin. “But it also doesn’t explain why she won’t talk to you now.”
Gabriel had figured out the answer, just like he’d known the answer in college. “Commitment.”
“Ah, as in she wants it or doesn’t?”
“She wants it from me.” Gabriel looked at Sage. “In my experience growing up—and as an adult—showing commitment doesn’t mean anything. My dad is on his fifth marriage and my mother on her fourth.”
“Well, aren’t they a pair? That doesn’t mean you can’t commit to one woman.”
“You’re right, but the fear is there. I don’t want to hurt Dani.”
“And aren’t you hurting her right now?”
“What?” Shock went through his veins. “The last thing I want is to hurt her.”
“You’re doing it without even trying. Let me tell you about the Dani I see. She’s a brave woman who is embracing her sensuality, and she loves her job and her family. She’s loyal to her friends and enjoys coming to the club to relax.”
“I didn’t even know she was a member until a few weeks ago. Hell, she’s kept her distance since she came home. It’s apparent she doesn’t want to be around me.”
“Yet you’re both moping over each other.” Sage sighed. “Listen, sometimes you need to take the reins, so to speak, but other times, you need to be gentle and easy going.”
“Nothing is easy with Dani.”
“Are you sure about that?”
Gabriel opened his mouth and shut it. They got along the night they had pizza…up to a point. Even during the lunch at Sweet & Savory. It was when things got a little too personal, a little too emotional that they had issues. Correction. He had issues, and she reacted to that. Oh yes, now he could see it. Well, damn.
“Thanks, Sage.” He leaned toward her. “May I?” She nodded, and he kissed her cheek. “You’ve been a big help.” Gabriel stood. While Dani might have left, he could still talk with Allyson and some of the other subs. He had some things to figure out and quick.
Chapter 4
Dani stared at her phone screen Monday morning. Unknown number. Not unusual. “Hello.”
“Hi, Dani, Gabriel here, in case you didn’t know by the sound of my voice.”
The laughter in his voice was nice. It had been a while since she’d heard him sound so carefree.
“What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to invite you to dinner Thursday night.”
“Is that a good idea? Our last couple of meals didn’t turn out so well.” She shifted from one foot to the other.
“Please.” When she stayed silent, he continued. “This will be the last one if you tell me to leave you alone.”
Her heart stopped. Did she really want him to leave her alone? She wasn’t sure. “All right.” She had trouble resisting Gabriel. Always had. Plus, she needed to clear the air with him one last time before she totally gave up on a relationship with him.
