Page 66 of Unexpected Love

I stay where I am, pressed against him, my head buried in his neck. Gage has a point. It’s not fair to either of us if I’m doing histhinking for him. As long as he has all the information—which he does—then it should be his decision if he wants to be in a serious relationship with me. I shouldn’t be making that decision for him. All I should be focused on is what I want. And the truth of it is that I do want more with Gage, but I’m scared. I’m scared of what my parents will do when they find out. I’m scared because I don’t know what my future holds.

I know I’m happy working at the bookstore, and I’m so excited to finally have time to do things for myself, but the bookstore is only part-time. It can’t be what I do with the rest of my life. And I thought I was done practicing law, but working with Scott reminded me of what I like most about being a lawyer. I love helping people and want to keep doing that, but I don't know what that looks like here in Ashford Falls. My only experience so far has been with the firm in Boston, and I know that’s not the type of law I want to practice.

I pull back from Gage, studying his face. I don’t know what I expect to find, but all I see is hope and trust. He’s trusting me not to hurt him and asking me to do the same.

“Can this stay between us for just a little longer? Let me find a way to tell Declan about everything going on with my parents and Brian first, then we can tell him about us.”

It takes a second, but I see the second he registers my words. A smile breaks out across his face, and his eyes light with pure joy. I’m on the counter one minute and in his arms the next. His lips firm against mine as he kisses me senseless.

My mind goes blank except for the feel of him against me. His body is solid, his grip firm but gentle. He doesn’t ask for permission—he just takes exactly what he wants and gives me exactly what I need. It’s the ringing of his phone that has us pulling apart.

“Sorry,” he mutters against my lips. “That’s probably my sister calling. I normally run to the farm Monday mornings before work.”

“You should answer it.” I push him away, a smile on my face. He shakes his head, pulling me back to him by my hips.

“It’s fine.” His lips land on my cheek and trail toward the pulse point on my neck.

“They’ll worry if you don’t answer. Go.” I laugh at his resulting growl.

He doesn’t step back from me, but he does pull his phone from the pocket of his pants. “Hey, Pickle.” His eyes stay on mine as he listens to whatever his sister says on the other end of the phone. His thumb gently stroking back and forth on the skin at my hip causes goosebumps to form.

I force myself to step away from him as he continues talking to Olivia, moving back to the coffee pot to finally pour myself a cup. I grab another mug and pour a second cup for Gage. He watches me move around the kitchen, adding milk and sugar to each cup. I smile at him as I set his cup down on the counter next to him and make my way around the kitchen island to take a seat, watching him watch me the entire time.

Olivia must be ranting to him about something because he doesn’t say anything; just makes a sound of affirmation now and then, sipping his coffee and making faces at me as he listens.

I know he loves that his siblings feel comfortable talking to him about what’s going on in their lives. The fact that Asher kept his relationship a secret really hurt him. He didn’t have to spell that out for me—I heard it in his voice when he told me about it on Christmas Eve.

It’s another five minutes before he manages to hang up the phone. “Sorry,” he says as he places the phone face down on the counter.

“It’s fine. I like that you're close to your siblings. That’s definitely a massive green flag,” I tease, a glint in my eye.

“Do I have any red flags?” he asks as he moves around the counter to my side.

“Well, the lack of committed relationships should probably be a red flag, but…” I end with a shrug.

“But you’re willing to look past that?” He spins my seat and steps between my legs.

“Have you seen how attractive you are?” I slip my hands under his sweatshirt, sliding them up his hard chest.

“Oh, so you’re only with me because of my looks?” he asks in mock outrage.

“Well, that and your cock.” I try to maintain a serious expression, but it doesn’t last long. Especially not when Gage lifts me from my seat and marches us back to his bedroom.

“Well, I don’t want you to regret giving me a chance. I better remind you just how good I am with my cock.”

Gage and I spend the next hour in bed, and I don't think I’ve ever laughed or had so much fun. But it wasn't just fun. The laughs soften and turn into sweeter moments, pouring the vulnerability we confessed with our words into our actions. Gage makes me feel safe enough to trust that he has me no matter what comes my way.

I'm terrified of what that means, but the weight that's been lifted by finally being open with someone—with Gage—makes me think I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. It feels right with Gage.

twenty-seven

GAGE

We endup needing another shower after I take Ava back to my room, and I might end up being a little late to the station, but it’s worth it for this extra time with her.

There hasn’t been a single time with Ava that wasn’t amazing, but the sex this morning was more intimate than anything I’ve ever experienced before. And the fact that I got her to agree to give this a real shot has me practically bouncing with excitement.

I know she wants to keep it between us for a bit longer, but I understand her reasoning, and I support it. Her life has changed so much over the last month and a half, and starting a relationship with someone is another big thing to add to the list. I’m not surprised that it’s a little overwhelming for her.

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