“I did. I plan to talk to his primary doctor just as soon as I can.”
She stepped to him and touched his arm briefly. That was a mistake. Even that had her blood humming. “Thanks, Gabe. I really appreciate it.”
He glanced down before his earnest look met hers. “No problem, but still no promises.”
“I understand.” She smiled and removed her hand. “I’m grateful for any help you can offer him. See you on Sunday.” She closed the door behind her and headed for her car.
As she slid into the driver’s seat, Gabe stepped out onto the porch, his face unreadable. As she drove away, Zoe looked in her rearview mirror. Gabe was still standing there, hands in his pockets.
Why was she already missing him? He truly was a decent guy. She couldn’t think of another person who would have been as understanding or helpful as he had been under the circumstances. Still, she must not forget he was only being so generous because of the baby. What would it be like to have someone like Gabe to come home to at the end of a weary day?
At least for a short while she and the baby had a nice place to live and, better yet, her mother was in a safe place that provided quality care. That was what really mattered.
Not the feelings Gabe brought out in her.
CHAPTER FOUR
LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON, Zoe led the way in her compact car to Gabe’s house. A couple of guys from work, John and Rick, were helping her move. They had managed to stay right behind her despite their trucks being heavy with her furniture and boxes of possessions.
She was grateful that Shorecliffs House encouraged residents to bring their own furniture when they moved in. Having familiar belongings around had definitely made her mother less anxious. To Zoe’s surprise, her mother seemed content with her new residence.
In a few months Zoe would be living in her own place as well. If she could find the right small house she would buy. A child needed space, other families around them. A neighborhood similar to Gabe’s.
She had managed to salvage the end tables in her living room. With those and one comfortable chair she’d bought with some of the insurance money, she planned to set up a small living area in her bedroom. That way she wouldn’t disturb Gabe when he was home. If she didn’t take steps to keep her distance, she could easily become too involved in his life. That wasn’t what he wanted and she would respect that.
As Zoe pulled into the drive, Gabe stepped out onto the front porch. Had he been watching for her? She pulled as far up the driveway as she could so the two trucks would be as close as possible to the front door. Moments later she climbed out of the car and started toward him.
He wore a T-shirt and worn jeans with tennis shoes. His casual dress somehow made him even more attractive. It would be nice to have him greeting her when she came home every day. What was wrong with her? That fantasy she shouldn’t entertain.
She joined John and Rick, who were already in the process of untying ropes securing her furniture. Gabe came down the two steps toward them.
“Gabe, this is John and Rick.” She pointed to one then the other. “They work with me.”
He shook hands with the men. “I’ll get this end,” he said to John as he pulled her headboard off the truck. Gabe maneuvered the bulky item, and then he led the way into the house with John carrying the other end.
Zoe pulled a box off and carried it inside. Gabe was on his way out of her room when she entered.
“You don’t need to be carrying that. Give it here.” His hands covered hers as he tried to take the box.
Awareness zipped through her. It was always there between them. Even the simplest touch from Gabe had her thinking of that night they had spent together. “I’m fine. It’s not that heavy.” She gave it a tug, removing his hands. “These guys can’t spend all evening here. I need to help.”
“Then why don’t you just tell us where to put things and let us handle the moving?” Gabe followed her back to the room.
John glanced at them then slipped out the door.
She set the box down. “You need to understand right now that you do not tell me what I should or shouldn’t do.”
“And you need to think less about proving your independence and more about what’s good for the baby. Now let us handle it.”
Anger washed through Zoe as he left before she could respond. A minute later Rick and John entered with the footboard. Gabe was right behind them with the rails. Gabe and John put the bed together while Rick returned to the truck. She pointed to the wall she wanted the bed against. Rick returned with a couple of boxes stacked on top of each other. All the men left once again. Zoe started removing bedsheets, pillows and a blanket from a box. She’d stay put and start unpacking if it would keep Gabe from making a scene.
All three men made a couple more trips to the truck.
After one trip she and Rick were left alone. He asked, nodding toward the doorway, “Who is this guy you’re renting from?”
Before she could respond, Gabe entered the room with an end table and said in a tight tone, “I’m the father of her baby.”
John came in right behind him. He and Rick looked at her with wonder then back at Gabe.
Holding up a hand, John said, “No offense, man. We just wanted to make sure Zoe was safe.”
“None taken.” Gabe’s voice still held a hard note. “I’m sure she appreciates having friends who care about her.” Gabe set the table down and stepped beside her.
“Come on, Rick.” John tapped him on the shoulder. “We only have a couple more boxes.”
“Why didn’t you tell them who I am? Are you ashamed?” Gabe asked.
Zoe couldn’t have been more shocked. Why would he believe that? He was an excellent doctor, well respected in his field, smart, had good taste in homes and, most of all, was a wonderful lover. Where had he gotten the idea she might be embarrassed by him? She couldn’t imagine any woman not being proud of being associated with him. “I can assure you that’s not the case. I just don’t broadcast my private life. John and Rick are my friends but not that close.”
“They sure sounded protective of you. I thought there might be more going on.” His tone implied he might be jealous.
No man she knew even came close to measuring up to Gabe. She turned her head and gave him a questioning look. He had to care on some level to have those feelings, didn’t he? Warmth flowed through her at the possibility. The self-assured man for once needed her reassurance. She stepped toward him. “Gabe, there’s nothing to—”
“Well, that’s it,” Rick announced as he and John came in with a box apiece.
Zoe stepped away from Gabe but she felt his attention on her as he said, “Thanks, guys.”
John and Rick headed for the front door, and she and Gabe followed.
There Gabe shook their hands, saying, “Thanks for your help. I appreciate it. I know Zoe does too.”
There he was again, speaking for her. It made them sound like a couple. They weren’t. “I do. I don’t know what I’d have done without you guys.” She hugged John then Rick. “I owe you big-time.”
“Maybe you can make it up to us by bringing us some of your peanut-butter cookies. They’re the best in the whole DC area.”
Zoe was both flattered and embarrassed by such high praise of her cookies. She promised them a batch as soon as she settled in. They said their goodbyes.
“Thanks again,” Zoe called and waved. She turned to see Gabe standing in the front doorway, leaning against the frame. Her nerves buzzed. Not only was she alone with him, she was now living in his house. She walked toward him. “Well, I guess I’ll go finish straightening my room.”
“Wouldn’t you like to sit down for a few minutes? Have something to eat. Not that I have anything here. I was going to order a pizza.”
“I should get some unpacking done. I have to be at work early in the morning. I?
??ve been gone for a week.” For some reason she needed to get to her room, take a moment for herself without Gabe nearby.
Gabe followed her more slowly into the house. Had he made the right decision by inviting Zoe to live at his house? Could he have offered a different solution to her living arrangements? He’d never counted on this attraction roaring through him. He had to keep his emotions in check. Focus on the baby and not the mother. It would be tough, but he would manage it.
Zoe was hiding from him. He was as certain of that fact as he was his name. She wasn’t the type to run from problems. She had more than shown her ability to handle difficult circumstances. Yet he didn’t doubt his judgment. He’d give her space. He still had boxes of his own to empty.