Page 11 of Gabriel & Skye

“You said you wanted it hot, no?”

Hartley almost spits her coffee across the table as Grayson hands her a napkin, chuckling to himself.

Gabriel’s eyes narrow.

I don’t have time to argue about him being an absolute asshat, because May walks back out and sees me over at the table.

I smile sweetly. “Enjoy. You might want to blow on it first, just so you don’t burn your tongue.”

I take off, ignoring the laughter from the other two as I join May back at the counter.

“Everything okay?” she asks.

I give her a bright smile. “Everything’s peachy. I think I’m really getting the hang of this now.”

What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her, right?

3

Gabriel

I want to facepalm myself over the whole coffee incident after the barista’s clear embarrassment. I didn’t mean to do that, but in my defense, it wasn’t great the first time around. Grayson and Hartley said theirs were fine, so obviously I’m the jackass for speaking up.

Still, she’s cute. I’ve got eyes.

I wonder who she is, and I’m about to ask Gray when my fucking phone beeps again.

It’s Geraldine, reminding me I’m picking up Trinity after kindy as she has a doctor’s appointment.

That reminds me. I need to send a message to Skye, then call Travis and find out when we can catch up for a drink. It’s been a while since I saw him last.

I thumb out a text as I listen to Gray talk about building on Coyote Run; the blessed land he’s had forever and where he plans to build his dream home. It’s all my brother talks about, and now that his cabin has burned down, it’s all the more reason to get things moving fast. Luckily, Hartley has a townhouse that they’re both sharing until the construction can begin.

Me

Hi. I got your number from my sister, Georgia. It’s Gabriel Bassett. I’m CEO of Bassett Brothers Distillery here in Stoney Creek. I heard you may be looking for some nanny work while you’re in town. Call me if you’re interested. We can set up a time to talk? I will need references.My daughter Trinity is five, so I need some before and after kindy care. Thanks.

Okay, it’s lame texting, but when I tried to call earlier, the phone just rang and I hate leaving messages because I sound like a dork.

I slide my phone back into my pocket and resume the conversation.

Now Gray’s nasty divorce is out of the way, he’s a free agent. As much as he annoys the shit out of me, and we both rattle each other’s cages, he deserves to be happy. Having your ex do what she did isn’t any feat to get over. I’d be put off women for life, and have been, after my marriage breakdown. I couldn’t even keep the mother of my child happy. The thought of a permanent woman in my life nauseates me at times, yet I miss having someone to come home to. I never brought any of the chicks I’ve slept with into my home.

I do have some moral ethics.

It’s my daughter’s childhood home.

Fucking in bathrooms wasn’t exactly my claim to fame, but it worked for a number of years until I woke up to myself.

I shake my head at the memories.

“How long is the building going to take?” I ask, as I sip on my new coffee. It does taste a lot better.

“We’re hoping to be in by next summer,” Gray replies.

I glance at Hartley. “You guys are all in.” It’s not even a question. They’re so loved up it’s not even funny, so I don’t even bother suggesting it may be a little too soon.

Gray has always known what he wants, and he’s never wavered from that. He’s not one to just jump into things, so I know what he has with her must be pretty special. I’m still trying to get to know my brother more, and after the recent spat we had some months back, the fire incident has brought us closer together and we’re no longer bickering.

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