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Yeah. I don’t think Marina’s mother likes me very much at all.
Marina
Iknew my mother wouldn’t like very Gage much. I don’t think she’d like any man I brought home. She has these certain expectations I’m afraid no guy could ever meet.
So I pretend her cold disdain doesn’t bother me. Throughout the afternoon and into dinner, she acts disinterested in him. But he does seem to get along with Dad. Now that shocks me. I figured my father would hate him on sight, considering Gage wants nothing more than to buy as much property from him as possible.
They have things in common, though. They’re both savvy businessmen. My father’s only downfall is that he owned too much, too fast. It’s been hard for him to recover from the economic crash.
And they both love cars. In fact, their conversation revolves mostly around cars from the time we arrived. Gage even took Dad outside to check out his Maserati, which was love at first sight. At first I thought it was cute. After a while, I got bored.
Last, I’m hoping that they both care about me. Well, I know my dad loves me because, hello, he’s my father. But Gage? He’s never said the words to me, not that I think he would. He’s never even admitted that he cares about me, but what can I expect? We haven’t been together that long.
But Mom said something to me years ago, and I’ve never forgotten her words.
Sometimes, when you know, you just know.
That’s how I feel about Gage. It scares the crap out of me and makes me want to punch him—because near violence is my usual mode of operation when it comes to Gage—but really, I’m excited. Nervous.
I’m falling in love.
Finally, I was able to drag him and my father apart, and we left long after dinner. Mom gave me a look that said she expected me to come right back. Dad told Gage to come by the office any time, or at the very least, call.
So strange. I thought my father would hate him. I thought I would hate Gage, but look at me. Maybe it’s not such a bad thing, letting the bakery go. Gage could buy the strip of buildings, and my family would be in a better financial position. I know that’s been my father’s goal for a while. Maybe I’m the selfish one, wanting to hold on to a business that’s nothing but a drain for my family.
“You’re awfully quiet.”
I glance up to find Gage flashing me a quick smile before he returns his attention to the road. It’s near ten o’clock andhe has the windows cracked, letting in the cool fall air. The roads are virtually abandoned, the night sky is like dark velvet dotted with brightly twinkling stars shining from above, and I haven’t felt this content in a long time. If ever.
“I’m glad you and my father got along so well,” I say.
“Truthfully? I’m surprised,” he admits.
Laughing, I shake my head. “So am I. I thought he might hate you... or love you.”
“I know.” Gage chuckles. “He’s a good guy, though. I like him.”
“So are you. A good guy,” I say softly, drinking Gage in, arousal heating my blood. It doesn’t take much for me to want him. And seeing him behind the wheel of one of his powerful cars always makes me want to jump his bones.
When it comes to Gage, I’m incredibly weak. But I don’t mind, because when I’m with him, I feel strong. Like I can do anything.
“Archer called yesterday.” He sends me a quick look. “He said the two of you met a few days ago.”
“We did.” I nod. “He wanted to hammer out the details.”
“That’s amazing. I’m happy for you. Why didn’t you tell me about it?” He sounds a little incredulous.
Leave it to Gage to get right to the point. Not that I can blame him. He deserves to know what’s going on. “I was afraid I’d jinx it.”
“Even to me?” He looks wounded. Silly man.
Leaning over the console, I press a kiss to his cheek, resting my hand on his muscular thigh so I can give it a squeeze. “Especially to you. You’ll pump me up and get me so excited, I’ll believe I can do no wrong. What if it didn’t work out?”
“I would never let it not work out.” His expression goestight and his lips thin. “I’d kick Archer’s ass before that would happen.”
“That’s exactly why I didn’t tell you,” I say, laughing. “This is not about you kicking Archer’s ass. This is about Archer and me coming to a business decision. I can’t have you glowering in the background, out to tear anyone apart who dares defy me.”
“Why not? I can’t help it if I’m protective of you.”
