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“We don’t have to figure anything out right this minute,” he says, and I’m not sure if he’s talking to me or Gabe or both of us. “Finish your breakfast. I’m going to take a shower.”
Gabe licks his lips.
I grab my coffee and take a hearty sip before I dart away from Gabe’s animal magnetism.
18
GABE
“Try not to kill each other,” Alex says and then strides for the doorway.
“If he drinks my coffee again, no promises!” Katherine calls to his back.
Damn, she’s stunning when she gets that mischievous glint in her eyes. I knew she would be. This little tiger was always lurking under the sheet of ice she kept wrapped around her.
Why is she showing this side of herself now? Is it as simple as getting her away from the city? Surely, one night and a helicopter ride aren’t enough to change things between us.
The crease at the corner of her mouth is almost a dimple, and I have the sudden urge to make her smile flat out.
“I was half asleep,” I chime in.
From her spot by the bay window, she rolls her eyes, a grin tugging her lips. There it is.
My heart thuds in my chest, and I reach up to rub my breastbone. Why does that impish fairy make me so pleased?
Then she takes a sip from her cup. From the exact spot where my lips touched. Her small hum of pleasure goes straight to my dick.
Knock it off. She’s the enemy’s granddaughter.
“Excuses, excuses,” she teases, turning her attention to the ocean.
She can’t have any idea how her words have a double meaning. In the time we’ve been on the board together, she’s shown herself to be trustworthy, reliable, indispensable even. So why am I still hung up on Henry Chanler?
Is that all just an excuse so I can keep my distance?
I drag a hand down my face. Of course it is.
I can’t tear my eyes away, no matter who she is. No matter how many times I tell myself to keep this woman at arm’s length, I just can’t help myself.
I shove the rest of the bear claw into my mouth and chew. Fuck.
A new thought occurs to me.
Is it possible that her mood has shifted because of the auction? Because of the money? Was it a boost to her already healthy ego?
I hate that idea.
And as I watch her quietly enjoy her coffee, I know that’s wrong. It wasn’t the money. Katherine Montgomery isn’t wowed by riches.
So maybe it was the attention. Two men fighting over her?
I’m going to drive myself crazy speculating when I should just enjoy her softness. Her good humor. Those legs.
“Why are you over there stewing when you could be looking at this?” she asks a minute later.
Because I’m looking at you. Wondering what on earth you’re doing here, turning my well-ordered life upside down. Wondering why I’m going to let you.
I don’t say any of that, though. Instead, I grab my coffee, lick the frosting from my thumb and pad over to the window. We watch the waves roll toward the beach.
