Page 61 of Scoop Me Up
Gabe: Hope you’re having a good day. Maybe we can finish what we started this morning when I get home?
I flushed with heat, feeling it in my stomach and along my neck, glancing around to be sure nobody was looking. The only person paying attention was Cooper, who had stopped talking and was waiting patiently.
“Gabe?”
I nodded. “I think you’re right.”
“I’m always right,” he said simply.
A laugh bubbled out of me as I nudged Cooper’s shoulder with my own. “Whatever you say.”
As we finished our drinks, Conall came over to collect our cards so we could pay our tabs. He stopped and gave me a look, a gentle smile.
“What’s up, Conall?”
He shook his head. “You seem happier these days. It’s nice to see. I hope whatever’s causing it, you keep it going.”
“Thanks,” I murmured. I wasn’t about to out Gabe, of course, so I just nodded and took my card back, tucking it into my wallet.
I walked home from the pub, feeling as if I was walking on air. I was ready to get home to Gabe, to share our days with eachother. I was definitely ready to finish up what we’d started that morning, the way he’d suggested.
Hopefulness settled over me as I walked home, a sense of peace. I was going to let things happen, come what may.
Chapter 24
Gabe
I dropped Ellie off after a day of exploring and fun, intending to head straight home to Sam.Home, I thought.I like the sound of that.As I walked Ellie inside, though, it became apparent that Jennifer had other ideas.
“Gabe,” she called as I opened the front door. “Is that you?”
“Mommy!” Ellie ran into the living room to find her mom watching something on TV, a glass of tea next to her.
“Hi, Bug,” Jennifer said, hugging Ellie tight. “Did you have a good time today?”
Ellie nodded. “Can I go play in the backyard?”
“Of course.”
When Ellie was gone, Jennifer gestured to me. “Come sit.”
The urge to get back to Sam was strong, but I knew there was no real hurry, so I sat in the big, comfy chair and leaned forward. “What’s up?”
“Nothing much,” she said. “Just checking in. How are things going? You’ve been here almost a month.”
I shrugged, not sure how much I should tell her. “It’s great. I love spending all this time with Ellie.”
“And Sam.” She gave me a little smirk, one eyebrow raised.
With a little chuckle, I nodded, giving in. “And Sam.”
She reached out and put her hand on my arm. “I told you, you’re allowed to be happy. Chase this thing you’re feeling.”
“I’m trying,” I confessed.
“Have you thought any more about that job offer you told me about?”
“Yeah. I turned it down.”
