Page 22 of Unexpected Love

While I haven’t spent any significant time with Gage over the last two weeks, I’ve seen him around town—our exchanges turning flirty, with him inevitably asking me out.

I’ve turned him down every time, but the man is relentless, and that charming smile is making it harder and harder to keep saying no.

It's funny—I mean, not really—how one moment in time can change everything about how you view the world. Maybe not when you’re younger and still learning how the world works, but as an adult, you would think it takes more to shift your entire worldview.

And yet, that night with Brian changed everything.

I’ve heard the stories of those in high places feeling entitled and doling out grossly unwanted attention, but being the subject of that kind of attention from Brian was unexpected, and it broke something inside me.

Prior to that night, I would’ve said yes to a date with Gage in a heartbeat.

Even knowing he isn't the commitment type, I would’ve been up for a night of fun with Gage. I know that in my bones.

But between Brian's advances and my parents’ reaction, something is holding me back. I just can't explain exactly what that something is.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when Gage steps in front of me, that endearing smile stretched across his face. “Look, I know you find me attractive, but stalking might be taking it just a bit too far.” He lifts his hand, his index finger and thumb held slightly apart.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I brush past him, moving toward a seat at the bar. Gage follows close behind. “The Diner and Murphy’s are the only two places open that serve food at this time of night, and unless I want to crash my brother’s date, Murphy’s is the only choice on a Thursday night.” I glance at him and see the teasing gleam in his eye, causing a small smile to grow on my lips.

“So, they’ve finally made it official, have they?” Gage asks, taking the seat next to me.

“Yeah, they have.” And this time, I can’t stop the smile from growing, content in the knowledge that my brother’s found someone worthy of him.

Gage shifts in his seat, turning his body toward me and leaning against the bar. “They seem like a good fit.”

“They do,” I agree.

“Are we feeling another Guinness tonight, my girl?” Walt asks, walking up to us from behind the bar.

And that right there is one of the things I love most about small town living. If you take the time to have a conversation, you can come into a place once, and they’ll remember your order.

“Yeah, that would be good.”

“You want a menu?”

“Nope, I’ll take a plain cheeseburger and fries.”

He chuckles, taps the bar twice, and nods his head. “What about you, deputy? You ready to order?” he asks Gage.

“You know what, I’ll do the same.”

“Coming right up.” He offers the two of us a smile before turning to leave.

“So, do you live at the bar or something?” I turn to look back at Gage. “I feel like this is where I find you more often than not.”

“I could ask the same of you since this is also where I see you most often.”

“If you must know?—”

“I must,” he says in mock seriousness, a smile quickly giving him away.

But that look causes me to smile again, something I find myself doing more and more in his presence. “I’ve been spending some time at the bookstore next door. I’m thinking about taking the open part-time position.”

Gage sits up in his seat, his eyes widen slightly in surprise. “Oh yeah? You thinking about staying in town?”

I shrug. “I’m thinking about it.”

That charming smile is back, aimed directly at me yet again. “I think it’s a great idea.”

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