Theyll get over it. He reached over and caught her hand in his, pulling it away from her mouth. The important thing is they love you. Theyre glad to have you back home and want to see you turn things around.
Maybe.
Definitely.
Zoey tucked her hand under her leg again and rocked her head from side to side stretching her muscles. The gesture drew his attention to the smooth ivory arch of her neck, and he squelched the urge to press his lips to the pulse point under her jaw and inhale the fruity aroma of her shampoo.
Gage made the turn into his neighborhood, and he glanced at Zoey to gauge her reaction to the modest homes along the street. His house was a far cry from the dumpy trailer hed grown up in, but what would Zoey think of it? Shed led a life of privilege with her parents well beyond his firefighters salary. So this is it, he said, pulling into his driveway. Home sweet home.
A smile tugged her sensuous lips when she faced him, and it was all he could do to not steal a kiss. I like. Did you plant the pansies by the porch?
He cut the engine. Not really. I bought them already in the pots at Ranis urging.
Her eyebrow lifted in a way reminiscent of her fathers mannerism. Rani?
My babysitter. She claimed my yard needed some fall color. He hitched his head toward the house. Shes inside. Come meet her.
He turned to open his car door, but Zoey stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.
Gage, thank you. For defending me to my dad. You didnt have to say all that stuff about how you wanted to marry me and all. She puffed one cheek out as she sighed and rolled her eyes. I appreciate your putting a positive spin on things with your aint-this-great-news shtick.
A heaviness settled in his chest. Shed thought he was feeding her father a line to cover for her. More evidence that she viewed their arrangement from a far different perspective than he did. As if her frankness with her parents, calling their marriage a business arrangement that would eventually end in divorce, werent enough to prove that point.
Sirens in his head blared, Warning, Will Robinson! He definitely needed to reel in his feelings and expectations or he was headed for another disaster with Zoey. One that could kill their friendship for good. His hand tightened on the door handle. Youre welcome, but I said it because I meant it. Im glad youre here.
Angling her head, she gave him a gooey-eyed look. Youre the sweetest. I didnt mean to sound like I have a problem with this arrangement. Im looking forward to spending time with you. Catching up. Rebuilding our friendship.
Friendship. The word landed in his gut like a brick.
Hello, Powell, can I paint you a picture? She only wants
to be friends.
He forced a half grin. Okay, then. Are you ready to meet the monster?
She chuckled. The monster?
Pet. Shes precious, and I love her, but she reminds me at times of Stitch.
What? Zoeys laughter bubbled through him with the effect of champagne on an empty stomach. Warming, intoxicating
You know, the alien from that Disney movie? A movie she loves to watch, by the way.
I know who Stitch is. I just cant believe a little girl could be that bad.
Gage popped open his door. My sister gave Pet little, if any, structure for the last five years, so believe it. Youve been warned.
He climbed out of the SUV and hauled Zoeys bags from the rear cargo space before heading inside.
Were home! he called into the house where the scent of grilled cheese and the whimsical sounds of a cartoon wafted in from the back room.
Uncle Gage! Pet came charging in and tackled his legs, nearly knocking him over.
He caught her under her arms and swung her up. Hey, Squirt. Were you good for Rani?
Rrrowr, Pet growled, curling her fingers into faux-claws.
I was afraid of that. He nodded toward Zoey. Pet, remember I told you before my trip that I had to go help a friend? This is Zoey. Shes going to be living with us. Shes my wife now, which makes her your aunt.
Pet eyed Zoey warily. Is an aunt like a stepmother? In my cartoons, the stepmother is always mean.
Zoey grinned. Then youre watching the wrong cartoons because all the stepmothers I know are really nice. And aunts are even better. Aunts are fun.
Pets eyes brightened, and she looked to him for confirmation.
Gage nodded. Yep, you and Zoey can have lots of fun together.
Hey, Mr. Gage. How was the trip? Rani Ogatini, a college student with the patience of a saint and an obvious love for young children, strolled in from the kitchen.
Successful. Rani, this is Zoey Baner, Zoey Powell. My new wife.
His use of his last name clearly startled Zoey, who blinked at him before shaking hands with Rani and offering a bright smile.
So youre Gages monster wrangler? Zoey asked after the traditional pleasantries and congratulations on their wedding had been exchanged. The sweep of his brides gaze clearly sized up the attractive coed even as she made nice.
Rani gave her a wry grin. Aw, Pets not that bad. Shes just got a lot of energy and a wild imagination.
Gage scoffed. You say tom-A-to, I say to-MAH-to. Seems to me shes on a mission to find the most unusual way to end up in the emergency room at the most inconvenient hour possible. He set Pet on the floor and ruffled her hair. Am I right?