Page 19 of Mine to Love
“Does your sister know you’re asking us?” Miles downed the last of his coffee and set it aside. It wouldn’t be the first time Gabriel had invited him over without Liberty knowing anything about it. The first time, Liberty had been flustered, but she welcomed Miles. The second time, she took Miles aside and asked him to make sure Gabriel had permission before showing up.
It felt like he’d been back in middle school and his mother had scolded him for having friends over after school without asking first.
But he did understand.
Gabriel rubbed the side of his head and swayed side to side. “Um, well, no.”
“Why don’t you go ask her if it’s okay and if it is, I’m down for some food,” Miles said.
“But not me.” Rhett waved his hand over his head. “Sorry, buddy. I’ve got to get going. Maybe next time.”
“Okay.” Gabriel turned and raced inside the house.
“That man cracks me up.” Rhett slapped Miles on the back. “One second he’s like a toddler. The next second he’s schooling me on engines.”
“He’s taken to the profession with ease.” Miles puffed out his chest like a proud father. He’d taken in a few apprentices over the years, knowing full well that if he trained them right, he ran the risk of them leaving his shop. The first one was still with him; the second one opened his own place three towns over. Miles couldn’t blame the man if he tried. He’d done exactly the same thing to his mentor.
Gabriel stuck his head out the door. “She said it’s fine. Come on over. Coffee is brewing.” He disappeared back inside.
“Looks like you got a breakfast date.” Rhett gave Miles a little jab in the biceps. “I’ll catch you later.” Rhett jogged down the steps and strolled toward his fancy oversized SUV.
Miles took his mug and made his way across the lawn. He hadn’t liked how she slinked out of his kitchen last night. While he couldn’t regret what happened, he did wonder if she did.
He opened the door and his nostrils were assaulted with the rich scents of sizzling bacon and bitter coffee. It reminded him of his childhood. His father always cooked a big breakfast. It was often the only time the entire family was around for a meal, even his mother, though she would often eat hers quickly and run out the door.
Or if she’d been working the night shift, she’d scarf it down and go to bed, while everyone else made plans for the day.
It wasn’t that his mother hadn’t been present in his life, she had been. And she’d been a kind and caring parent. But her career was her top priority and all seven boys felt that to their core.
“Want a refill?” Liberty lifted a pot of fresh brew and smiled weakly. Her cheeks flushed when their gazes locked.
“Thanks.” He held out his mug while she poured. “Did you sleep well?”
She tilted her head and blinked. “Um, yeah.”
He glanced over his shoulder.
Gabriel sat at the island, his attention on his iPad while he played some game. The man loved his games. When he had a break at the shop, he’d sit in Miles’ office, devour his lunch, and then spend the rest of the time on the computer until Miles called him back to work.
Miles set his cup on the counter and rested his hand on Liberty’s hip. “Are you okay?” He leaned closer and brushed his lips over her sweet mouth.
She jerked, taking a step back. “I’m fine,” she said with a raised brow.
He might not always be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he could take subtle hints. This conversation would have to wait. “It smells delicious.”
“Bacon is just about done, and the waffles are staying warm in the oven.”
“I didn’t think I was that hungry, but now I’m starving.”
“Why don’t you take a seat next to Gabriel. I’ll serve it right up.” She patted his shoulder.
He took his coffee and eased onto the stool. “What are you playing?” He leaned over Gabriel’s shoulder and frowned as Gabriel quickly closed out the text messaging app.
Fucking Charlie.
“Just some solitaire,” Gabriel said, pushing his tablet aside.
Liberty placed two plates on the counter. “Eat up, boys.”
