Happily Ever After Isn't Easy Page 10

  She shrugged. “Some papers I can’t find. They weren’t in the place they should be. Who knows where I put them?”

  Yeah, he knew. For some reason this resembled something she’d do in a manic phase. He casually walked to the counter where her med box was located. He pulled a glass from the counter and took a quick look at the clear med box. All the pills up to that morning were gone. All that was left was her evening dose. He went to the sink, filled the glass with water, and took a drink. Karen sorted papers on the counter into piles.

  “Why was the front door locked?”

  Karen bit her bottom lip.

  Gabe’s annoyance grew when she remained quiet. “Maddy said you were afraid of a woman. She’s afraid too. Are you having a problem with someone?”

  Setting the papers down, Karen rubbed at her forehead. “I thought I saw someone lurking around the house a couple of times. Looking into windows. But when I went outside, no one was there.”

  Gabe stepped toward her, alarm bells ringing in his head. “Did you call the police?” First she thinks Randy is having an affair, and then a woman is stalking around the house? Could she be dangerous?

  “No. I don’t know what I saw. Maybe someone had the wrong house. I’ve been keeping the doors locked just in case. I didn’t know Maddy knew what was happening. I’ll tell her there’s no woman.”

  “Do you think there’s a woman?”

  “I don’t know, Gabe. I told you. I saw something, but then no one was there.”

  “Did you get a good look at her?”

  “Short platinum blonde hair, blue eyes. Tall, I think. That was a week ago, and I haven’t seen her again. So I overreacted. I thought maybe she was the woman Randy’s been cheating with.”

  Gabe frowned. “Did you talk with Randy about what you think?”

  She ran her fingertips over the counter, her eyes averted. “I did, and he said I was being ridiculous. But what was he going to do, admit to it?”

  All Karen needed was a jealous mistress sneaking about. He was going to talk to Randy. He didn’t care what Karen thought. Of course, he wasn’t going to tell her either. “If you see anyone around the house, call the cops, okay?”

  “I will. Thanks for talking with me the other night. I should believe that he’s working late. I just get lonely.”

  “Being a full-time mom isn’t easy. Are you getting out at all? Your entire life can’t be in this house with the kids. You need a life too. I told you I can take the kids anytime after work or on the weekend. Well, except Saturday. I can take them Sunday. All day. Maybe you and Randy can spend some time together. Have some fun.”

  “What’s happening Saturday?”

  Gabe felt his cheeks flush. “I have a date. His name’s Brandt, and he’s a substitute gym teacher at the school.”

  Karen allowed a smile. “I’m happy for you, Gabe. You deserve to have someone in your life.”

  He couldn’t agree more.

  Chapter 13

  GABE FUMBLED with the buttons of his dress shirt as he dressed for his date. Brandt’s directions had been dressy but casual. He’d kept mum about their destination. Gabe’s excitement over seeing Brandt grew by the second, having not been alone with him since that night at the bar. They’d talked on the phone since Thursday night, their calls lasting a couple of hours each. Nothing heavy or deep or long, just the weather, sports, and work, each reluctant to get off the line. Shortly his date would be there in person, and that made him want to dance and throw up at the same time. He’d come to like Brandt more than he should. When… no, if… it didn’t work out, he was certainly going to crash.

  Smoothing the front of his shirt and tucking it into his black dress pants, he turned in profile in front of the mirror. Sucking in his gut, he puffed out his chest. Hold it. Hold it. His muscles protesting, he released his stomach and turned from the mirror, planning to chuck the evil reflective surface. What if Brandt took a hard look at Gabe and came to his senses? The possibility was there, and Gabe’s doubts surfaced once again.

  “Think positive, Gabe.”

  He frowned when he heard the front door close. Only one person had a key to get in. Betsy.

  “Gabe?”

  Gabe exited the bedroom to see Betsy surveying the kitchen with a suspicious eye. He’d spent the entire day cleaning every inch of his rented house, because he’d neglected the dust elephants living under the furniture and in the corners. Truthfully, it had been more to dispel the nervous energy in anticipation of his date with Brandt. He hadn’t put away the cleaning supplies yet.

  “Hey, Bets.”

  Betsy looked up, her brow crinkling. “What’s up, Cinderfella? Did you get all your chores done so you can go to the ball?”

  “Ha, funny. Did some cleaning.”

  Betsy eyed him, as if any minute an alien was going to burst forth from his gut. “I had to come and see it for myself. Julia swore it was true, but I couldn’t quite believe it without seeing for myself.”

  Gabe smirked. “And?”

  “And you’re either really high on some good shit or actually happy.” She continued to assess him with a look of doubt.

  “Well, happier. And after my date, I’m hoping that continues.”

  Betsy smiled, her eyes twinkling. “I’ve been so worried about you, Gabe. This is really good to see.”

  Gabe couldn’t agree more.

  As he fiddled with his shirt, Betsy sighed.

  “What?”

  She shook her head. “Well, I am kind of jealous.”

  “Why?”

  “You have a date. I have leftovers and a movie on my DVR.”

  Gabe gave her a sorrowful look. “That sounds like every one of my Saturday nights for the past… well, forever. And I thought you weren’t looking for a relationship.” Her career had always been more important.

  She crinkled her nose and pushed a lock of hair from her eyes. “Maybe I’ve been rethinking that decision lately. But I’m finding some men don’t like strong women who have a black belt and a sidearm.”

  Gabe buttoned his cuffs. “There are men out there who like strong women.”

  She snorted. “Right. Most want a mommy.”

  The doorbell rang, and Gabe flinched.

  Betsy’s eyes widened, and she had an expression of curiosity. “Could that be your Prince Charming now?”

  Gabe’s heart rate kicked up. When he didn’t move, Betsy waved her hand. “Get the door.”

  Gabe plastered on a nervous smile and opened the door. “Hi.”

  Brandt was a magnificent sight standing on his porch. His smile was dazzling. “Hi. You look nice.”

  “You too. Come in.” Gabe stepped back and let Brandt enter. His gaze perused his wide shoulders and developed chest that filled out his dress shirt, which was light blue with subtle white pinstripes and a white collar. Blue chinos fit snuggly around his tapered waist and hugged his thick thighs. Freshly shaven, he’d gelled his hair, creating short spikes in the front.

  “Brandt, this is my sister, Betsy.”

  Brandt extended his hand. “Betsy.”

  She shook his hand. “Brandt.”

  They both had that former-military-commander air about them.

  Gabe was anxious to be alone with Brandt. “I’m ready.”

  Brandt nodded and turned to Gabe. “Okay. Let’s go.”

  WALKING INTO the restaurant, Brandt’s warm palm rested possessively on Gabe’s back. Seeing the smug look on Brandt’s face, Gabe almost imagined Brandt was proud to be with him. Of course, some women were appreciating the beauty of Brandt as they passed.

  They were seated in a semiprivate corner. Gabe sat to the left of Brandt at the intimate square table. With the lights dimmed, the candles in the center of every table cast much of the light in the massive dining room. Large ficus trees and silk grapevines set off the red of the walls and carpet. The muted voices of the diners and the clink of silverware against china blended in with the soft sounds of melodic violin music playing from h
idden speakers. The delicious smells of baking bread and marinara sauce filled the air. However, even that didn’t prevent Gabe from catching whiffs of Brandt’s aftershave. The spicy and musky smell was all Brandt. In the confines of Brandt’s Mustang, the aroma had been concentrated and constantly assaulted Gabe’s sense of smell—so very arousing and frustrating at once.

  The waiter took their drink orders and left them. Glancing at his dining companion, Gabe opened his menu. “This is a great place. I love Italian.” Actually, everything about the place was perfect. When thinking of possible date scenarios (and he’d thought up dozens of them), this wasn’t one he would have equated with Brandt. He seemed more like the steakhouse-bar-dartboard-jukebox-pool table kind of date. This was suspiciously… romantic.

  Brandt quirked the corner of his lips. “I know.” Gabe waited for more of an explanation, but Brandt continued perusing his menu.

  “You say that like you have some inside information.”

  Brandt glanced up from his menu, and his eyes widened. A slight blush colored his cheeks, increasing his attractiveness.

  Licking at his lips, Brandt slowly lowered the menu to the table. “I may have done some research for tonight.”

  Gabe tried to stop the muscles in his mouth from betraying the seriousness he was feigning. Crossing his arms on the table, he leaned forward. “Would the source of your research use the code name Julia?”

  Oh, the man was squirming like a kid caught breaking a rule. Raising a hand and coughing into his fist, Brandt nodded and exhaled. “Yes.” At least he had the decency to look repentant.

  “And Julia told you I liked Italian?”

  Brandt pursed his lips, then shook his head. He was practically sweating over the fact he’d done some covert ops for the date. “Um, did I tell you I had already met your sister?”

  “You met Betsy?” He was so going to kill her.

  Brandt appeared to be reluctant to reveal any more of his deception, but answered. “Yes. I met Betsy. I called Julia to find out what would impress you. I didn’t want you thinking I only eat beef and chug beers in a pool hall.”

  Gabe barked out a laugh that caught the attention of a few people dining around them, but he waved at Brandt to continue.

  “Of course, Julia had to make a big production out of it. Made me go to her house, and when I got there, your sister was waiting. And while they gave me lists upon lists—” He let out an exasperated sigh. “—of what you like and don’t like, I did the actual planning.” He sat back, and his gaze went to the tablecloth. Gabe thought he looked hesitant to admit something. “You’re not mad, are you?”

  The earnestness of Brandt’s expression, coupled with the fact he’d cared enough to endure Julia and his sister to make the perfect date, touched Gabe’s heart. He choked up and swallowed hard. With a fond smile, he reached under the table and laid his hand on Brandt’s leg. The muscle immediately relaxed under his palm.

  Shaking his head, Gabe said, “It’s the nicest, sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you.”

  Brandt returned a tentative smile. “Your sister is quite a woman. Eight years in the military is a great accomplishment, and now a federal probation officer.” Brandt gave him a quick once-over and furrowed his brow. “You sure you’re related?”

  Gabe snorted derisively. “Just what are you implying, Mr. Sawyer?”

  Brandt’s eyes widened, and he shook his head, but before he could answer, the waiter brought their drink order. Gabe sat back as the waiter set a wineglass before Gabe and filled it. Brandt received an Otter Creek beer and a glass, which he filled in lieu of drinking from the bottle. The waiter took their dinner order and left. Gabe swirled the house wine and took a drink of the fruity vintage. Not bad.

  “I didn’t mean to imply anything about you when I said that.” Brandt fidgeted with his cloth napkin.

  Gabe took a drink of wine. “I agree she is an amazing woman whom I admire greatly. And I do wish I could be more like her. She’s actually my half sister. My dad died when I was ten, and a couple of years later, my mom married the commander after he’d retired. Betsy came soon after that.”

  “How did Betsy get out of going into the Navy with a retired commander for a father?”

  Gabe shrugged. “Betsy has always been a master at getting what she wants. She’s my baby sister, and I love her, but her ambition borders on the pathological,” he quipped.

  Brandt grinned. “Says the counselor.”

  “I can diagnose and treat them, but I can’t save myself from, well, myself.”

  Brandt nodded in either agreement or acknowledgment. Gabe didn’t ask which. They were silent for a few minutes and then filled some of their time waiting for their meal by talking baseball. Finally Gabe went for something more personal.

  “Why did you join the military?” Gabe sipped his wine. It was going straight to his head.

  “You know, join the Army and see the world. I lived in a small Vermont town in Addison County and was sick of the country. Plus, my family lost their dairy farm back in the nineties. It was rough going for a few years. The Army was a free ride out of nowhere.” Gabe thought he spotted longing in Brandt’s eyes.

  “And the reason you stayed in so long?”

  Brandt sat back as the waiter set a steaming dish of cheese-covered breaded ravioli before him. “Just a good fit. It made sense for me, and I was good at what I did.”

  Gabe nodded as his dish of chicken parmesan was placed before him. With that interruption, the personal portion of the conversation ended, but Gabe had learned valuable information about Brandt. He was an only child. He loved Chinese food, hated anything spicy, loved anything sci-fi, loved baseball and—Gabe couldn’t believe it—golf. His favorite band was the Cure. His favorite movie of all time was John Carpenter’s The Thing. Gabe loved sci-fi and baseball.

  As they finished eating, Gabe had no clue if he should pay for his meal. Shit. Why hadn’t he done his own research? Okay, so when he’d dated in his early twenties, the general rule had been the man always paid, but what happened when there were two men? And what if women even paid now? He was going to screw this up.

  When the check came, Gabe took the safest route and reached for his wallet. Brandt snatched the folder and slid his credit card inside. “I invited you, so I pay.”

  So that’s how it worked.

  When they exited the restaurant, Brandt held out his hand for Gabe. With a slight smile and a flutter of his heart, Gabe twined his fingers with Brandt’s as they strolled shoulder to shoulder. The restaurant was on the lake, and there were boat piers jutting out into the water. Gabe rejoiced in their intimate proximity to one another and unfettered touches.

  They made their way to the walkway at the waterfront as the sun set behind the mountains. The calm surface of the lake reflected the waning oranges and pinks of the setting sun. They stood side by side and admired the view, hands still entwined. Boats of all sizes cruised on the lake. The evening had already received five stars for the perfect date. It couldn’t get any better, or at least that’s what Gabe thought until Brandt leaned back against the railing.

  With a shy smile, he reached for Gabe and guided him between his large, beefy thighs. Strong hands pulled Gabe’s hips tight against his. Luxuriating in the solid warmth and arousing aroma, Gabe wrapped his arms around Brandt’s waist. Hands ghosted over Gabe’s back, sending a tingle spreading over his skin. Gabe turned and laid his head against Brandt’s chest, nuzzling into the soft skin of his neck. He felt as safe as a swaddled babe and like the luckiest man alive.

  Brandt’s chin rubbed gentle circles over Gabe’s scalp. Then his moist lips ghosted over Gabe’s forehead. Closing his eyes, Gabe lifted his head and began nibbling on Brandt’s jaw. Moving forward, he kissed a trail over Brandt’s chin, covered with recent stubble, and elicited a deep, satisfied groan. Excitement shot through Gabe. Reaching Brandt’s mouth, he lingered and brushed their lips together. What looked to be chaste was in reality a highly ero
tic touch that finished with an almost ghostlike kiss. Gabe pulled back, humbled and awestruck by Brandt’s open and trusting gaze. He knew they’d just met, but he felt so comfortable with him.

  “It’s nice out here.” The warmth of Brandt soaked through his clothes and into his body.

  “Sure is.”

  Brandt ran his palm over Gabe’s cheek, the light touch raising goose bumps on his skin. His body reacted to the closeness. “You know, for someone in their forties, you don’t even come close to looking your age.”

  “Are you saying that I’m a hot older man?” Gabe tilted his cheek into Brandt’s palm. He ran his hand up Brandt’s back and his fingers over the nape of his neck. He felt the shudder run through Brandt. Gabe’s cock stiffened in his dress pants, and he hoped Brandt didn’t notice.

  “Very hot.” Another light kiss, which deepened, and soon they were breathing hard through their noses. Rising and falling with the kiss, Gabe was sure he’d never come down from the high. That was until his phone rang in his pocket. He pulled back and sighed. Only one person would be calling him. He really should ignore the call, but Karen could be calling about the twins. He rubbed at the bridge of his nose.

  He pulled out the phone and confirmed Karen was calling. “It’s my ex.”

  “Do you need to get that? It’s okay.”

  “Thanks.” As he lifted the phone to his ear, he turned away from Brandt. “Hey, Karen, is something wrong?”

  “No, nothing’s wrong. I’m good.” Her high-pitched, upbeat tone was so out of character from how she’d been previously.

  “Oh, good.” Relieved, he smiled at Brandt and held up a finger. Brandt nodded. “What’s up? I’m on my date.”

  “Oh. Shoot. Then why did you answer?”

  Gabe looked over his shoulder to see Brandt smiling gently at him.

  “Because I have a very understanding date.” When Brandt tipped his head, Gabe only felt a little guilty for answering his phone. “Do you need something?”

  “The other day you said that you’d take the kids if Randy and I wanted some time alone. Last night we talked, and he agreed.” The words poured out of her mouth, and Gabe struggled to keep up. “You were right. We really need to take time to reconnect, you know?”