Although Gabe didn’t seem like just any other man. He already felt important to me, something I didn’t, couldn’t comprehend. So maybe the key lay in getting to know him better and, as a result, learning more about myself and why I responded to him so strongly.
But I wondered how long I could hold out against his seductive charm.
Chapter Six
Gabe: Staking a Claim
Gabe couldn’t explain the primitive need to take care of Isabelle, to convince her that here, she could heal and find everything else she needed in life. With him. It wasn’t taking in a stray, as his brother had accused, it was caring for a woman he was completely drawn to and always had been. One he sensed would upend everything he’d told himself he wanted out of life post-Krissie, his deceased wife. Although he’d told himself he would never open himself up again, being given a chance with Isabelle made him change his mind. Now he had to change hers.
But first, he could focus on something as simple as dinner. His housekeeper left him with enough home-cooked meals that he had his choice, but tonight he wanted to cook more than frozen and microwaved food.
While Izzy showered, Gabe pulled out two steaks from the freezer, defrosted them, and soon had them cooking on his Thermador indoor grill. Lucy had insisted his kitchen be decorated with only the best, and over time, he’d come to appreciate cooking for himself once in awhile. Looking after Isabelle was a pleasure he’d never thought he’d have.
He microwaved baking potatoes and set the table for two, even impressing himself with his speed. She seemed to take her time in the shower, and he hoped she was relaxing and not working herself into a panicked, frenzied need to leave.
He’d just pulled the steaks from the grill when the doorbell rang, surprising him. He answered it, not at all happy to find his brother on the other side.
Decklan stepped inside without Gabe’s invitation, took a deep inhale, and grinned. “Smells like I’m just in time for supper.”
“The hell you are. You’re leaving.”
His brother shot him a knowing look. “That answers question number one. She’s still here.”
Gabe nodded. “Yes, she is, and I intend for her to remain. So leave before you scare her away. She’s not too fond of you, as I recall.”
Decklan shook his head. “That’s why I come bearing gifts.” He held up a plain brown bag branded with the local pharmacy on the front.
“Gabe?” Izzy’s voice called to him from the bedrooms.
“Be right there!” Gabe turned back to his brother. “I don’t know what you’ve got in that bag, but take it and go home.” He wanted Izzy to himself over dinner. Time to explore her past, present, likes, and dislikes and to let her get to know him.
Before Decklan could answer, Gabe became aware of a soft, feminine scent.
“I didn’t know you were expecting company.” Isabelle joined them, wearing another of Lucy’s outfits, sweats that were again snug, emphasizing every inch of her delectable—not model-thin, thank God—body. She glanced at Decklan, her eyes opening in surprise. “Oh. It’s you.”
“Don’t sound so happy to see me,” his brother said, his tone filled with more amusement than when he’d been dealing with her last night.
“You were rude to me,” she informed him in a haughty tone, nose in the air.
Gabe barked out a laugh.
“You were under arrest!” Decklan shot back.
“Bogus charges.” She folded her arms across her chest and glared.
Gabe looked at his brother and grinned. “Guess she doesn’t want you here any more than I do right now.”
Decklan didn’t seem bothered. “Not even if I have something for you?” Focused on Isabelle, he held up the bag.
Now he had Gabe wondering what the hell was in it that had his always-serious brother sounding so proud of himself.
Isabelle cocked an eyebrow and stepped forward. Gabe’s gaze fell to her bare feet and hot pink toenails. Damn, he’d like to suck each one slowly, nibbling, and listen to her moan as he worked his way upward—
“Let me see.” Her voice broke Gabe’s daydream.
Decklan handed her the bag, and Isabelle snatched it away, peering inside. Her eyes widened, and she stared at him, open-mouthed. “You… I… This is actually thoughtful!”
Gabe was torn between laughing at the notion that she didn’t think his brother had thoughtful in him and jealous that she now stared at Decklan with a newfound respect.
“Thank you, Ms. Masters. Don’t I get at least a peck on the cheek for the effort?” he asked.
A pink blush stole up Izzy’s cheeks. Gabe wanted to be the only one responsible for putting that flush on her face.
She stepped forward, and Gabe growled. Literally growled. “Go home, Decklan. Izzy and I have plans.”
“Don’t be rude! He came all the way over here to give me—”
Gabe grabbed the bag and looked inside. “Tums? He gave you Tums, and you’re gushing all over him?”
Decklan burst out laughing while Izzy stood between them, obviously confused at Gabe’s possessive behavior. Gabe didn’t understand it either. He only knew that until he and Izzy had something solid, no other man was getting between them. His brother and his dime-store gifts included.
“I actually have to be going. I have a date,” Decklan said, clearly holding back his amusement. “I just figured, based on my brother’s behavior last night, he wanted to keep you, and I’d best bring by a peace offering.” He shrugged. “Considering what I just witnessed, nothing’s changed, so I’ll be seeing you around here, Isabelle. Assuming he doesn’t drive you away with his jealousy first.”
“Go home,” Gabe muttered, embarrassed at being caught acting like an ass by the only man in this world he could actually trust around his woman.
Decklan turned to go. Gabe figured he’d make things right with his sibling tomorrow.
“Wait,” Izzy said, stopping Decklan’s retreat.
His brother glanced back at her.
“Peace offering accepted,” she said with a grateful smile on her beautiful face, leaving Gabe with the thought that if a bottle of Tums turned her into a beaming angel, he couldn’t wait to bestow more intimate, unexpected presents on his favorite girl.
Chapter Seven
Isabelle: Clarity
I was ravenous and devoured the most delicious steak, well aware of Gabe’s eyes on me the whole time. We sat in a small breakfast nook in the kitchen, eating on a white and beige granite tabletop. Gabe pulled his seat close to mine, and though I should’ve been uncomfortable, I wasn’t because I was too amused by what had gone down between Gabe and Decklan over me.