Page 97 of Missing Marcus

She smiled at his ploy. “I don’t want to know.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to have something to look forward to,” Gabby said as she closed the towel and walked toward her clothes. “I need to hurry if you’re working on breakfast.”

Marcus stood and left the room as she dressed, applied her makeup and touched up her hair.

When she entered the kitchen, she inhaled the scent of eggs and bacon.

“Sit,” he ordered as he set her plate on the bar and poured a glass of milk.

Marcus didn’t say anything as he shoveled the food into his mouth, rinsed his dishes and placed the items in the dishwasher.

“I didn’t know this shower included the men.” She tried to draw him into a conversation.

“I don’t think they plan to stay for the gift opening part. They enjoy having meals together. The men plan to take the kids to the facility for swimming and games. The ladies made a load of snacks for them.”

“Awww, how sweet. I secretly hope Tess plans on bringing tacos.”

Shaking his head, he took her glass and plate. “Somehow, I imagine knowing you’re coming; it’s a safe bet.

She laughed before sliding off the stool, holding her back and heading to the bedroom.

“Does your back hurt?” he called.

“Only a bit, nothing concerning. When will Saint and Bryanna arrive?” Gabby stopped at the bedroom entrance and turned to see him following her. He stepped into her space.

“They’ll arrive in an hour and a half. Why don’t you lie down and I’ll rub your back? You don’t want to feel uncomfortable at the shower.” His hand grazed her cheek and she stared at his lips, recalling their feel against hers. When she glanced up, Marcus’ eyes grew darker as if he recalled the same thing. Slowly leaning in, he kissed her gently, letting his tongue tangle with hers. Her hand rose to his chest as she leaned into the kiss. His hand gently gripped the back of her neck as he took control, deepening the kiss.

His cell rang, breaking the spell. He reluctantly withdrew and groaned as he walked into the kitchen to answer it.

“What?” He glanced back at Gabby and grinned. She smiled and turned, heading toward the bed.

Her fingers touched her lips, and she still felt her skin tingling. She made up the bed and grabbed a quilt thrown over the chair. By the time he reappeared, she lay on top of the bedspread and covered herself with a light blanket.

Grabbing the lotion from the bedside table, he lifted her maternity top and rubbed the lotion in. “How does this feel?” he asked quietly.

“Like heaven.” She sighed.

“I’ll wake you about fifteen minutes before they arrive. Will it give you enough time?”

“Yes. I can get ready.”

Ten minutes later, she drifted to sleep under his magic touch.

Gabby and Bryannachatted away in the back as Saint drove the short distance to Kassie’s. He chuckled as he half-listened to their conversation.

“Do you think Tess made tacos? It’s my only craving and I’m starting to dream about the darn things.” She laughed.

“They’ll have enough food to feed a small army. All the grans will come and they always volunteer to cook ‘a little’ something. We always carry to go containers because we know we won’t have to cook for the next two days,” Bryanna confessed. “Especially with many of us expecting, they won’t allow us to do much. Samantha’s close to her due date, Kassie’s carrying twins, then you and me.”

“I wish our kids were closer together.” Gabby beamed.

His sister laughed. “At least it’ll only be a month or so apart. They’ll grow up together.”

Gabby grew quiet.

Marcus helped her out of the truck and dallied while Bryanna and Saint hurried inside. He held her arm as she climbed the steps. Saint waited by the door, opened it, and stepped aside as they walked in.

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