Page 35 of Unexpected Love

I’m just starting to fill out the application when the bell above the door rings. “Hey, deputy. What brings you in?” Abbey asks before I can turn to see who it is.

I know there’s more than one deputy in this town, but the shift in the air gives me a good idea about which one is standing behind me.

And with the voice that responds, I no longer need to see to know my assumption is right. “Oh, just making the rounds and thought I’d stop by to see what kinds of treats you’ve got today.”

I keep my back to him and try to focus on the application in front of me, but then I feel his heat at my back, and it becomes infinitely harder to focus.

I don’t want to forget what happened Saturday night—and yesterday morning—but I’m also adamant that we don’t repeat it. Especially now that I’m officially staying. Flings in small towns are just asking for trouble. Nothing ever stays secret for long.

The issue is that while my brain might recognize the logic of not starting a fling with Gage, my body doesn’t. Just the sound of his voice and his heat at my back makes the memories of our night flash in my mind.

“Nothing special today, I’m afraid. Just a few different kinds of cookies,” Abbey tells him.

“Does that mean you have gingerbread cookies?”

Abbey laughs as she moves to the case. “It does indeed. How many do you want today?”

“Just two.” He pats his stomach. “I need to watch my sweets intake.”

“Yeah, right,” I mumble under my breath. Gage has nothing to worry about when it comes to his physique. Clearly, he takes care of himself, doing whatever he does to stay in shape.

I feel him step closer to me, his voice low in my ear. “What was that?”

“Nothing.” I glance at him quickly, offering a small smile before turning back to the application.

“What’s this? An application?” His lips brush my ear, and my thighs clench when his scent hits my nose. It’s woodsy, like sandalwood and sage. It’s just another thing that takes me right back to Saturday night.

I take a deep breath and release it, fortifying myself. I wanted that night with Gage—initiated it, was desperate for it. But I also set the boundaries, and now it’s on me to keep things as normal as possible between us. I don’t want to lose his presence in my life. We might not be friends exactly, but I’d like to be.

Without even knowing me, Gage offered me support when I’ve only ever gotten that from Declan and the Marks family. He’s the kind of guy you want in your corner when the going gets tough, and I want that in my life—no, Ineedthat in my life.

I put the pen down, turning to Gage, forcing him to step back a little bit. “Yeah. I’ve decided to stick around indefinitely.”

Gage smirks, leaning against the counter next to me. “Is that so?”

I smile back, mirroring his position. “It is.”

“And a job at the bookstore feels like the right fit?” There’s no judgment in his question. It’s pure curiosity.

“Yeah. I’m taking a step back from the lawyer thing. I’ll finish with Scott’s case, but after that…I don’t know. I want to try something new.”

Gage’s smirk turns into a genuine smile, kind and affectionate. He doesn’t say anything, but I see the understanding in his eyes. Maybe even a little admiration.

“On the house today, deputy,” Abbey says, stepping back up to the counter where we’re leaning.

“No, definitely not,” Gage says, slowly turning to look at her. “I never let you give me these for free. I’m not starting now.” Hereaches into his back pocket, pulling out his wallet and handing her a ten-dollar bill.

“That’s way too much.”

“No, it’s not. You don’t charge nearly enough. You spend a lot of time on these, and they're fucking delicious.”

“Gage—” Exasperation clouds her voice, but she doesn’t have a chance to say more.

“Know your worth, Abbey.” The words seem harsh, but the look on his face and the tone of his voice show the love he feels for her. It reminds me of the look I saw on Declan’s face this morning.

Abbey doesn’t hold his eyes long. She shifts her feet and looks down for a second before looking at me. Her eyes bounce between Gage and me, taking in how close we’re standing and her brow lifts. “You two know each other?”

“Oh yeah, we go way back. Don’t we, Rebel?” That smirk is back with a vengeance.

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