He stilled inside of me, but he didn’t pull out. Instead, he collapsed to my chest and kissed my neck.
I didn’t want it to end. It seemed to have only started – just like our marriage. I’d mentioned leaving only in hopes that he’d fight me to stay. Was this his way of asking me to, or was it his goodbye? We’d never finished the conversation, and no sooner than I thought we wouldn’t, Gabriel met my eyes.
“Have I convinced you that being here with me is best?” He brushed my hair back and kissed my shoulder. Is that what this was all about? Not wanting me, but hoping to manipulate me into staying?
“I didn’t realize that was all it meant.” I nudged against his chest and he pulled out, allowing me to scoot myself away from him.
“I only mean to point out how amazing we are together. I’m not trying to start a fight.” He went to the bathroom and returned, cleaning himself with a towel. “I want you to stay with me.”
“Why?” I searched his eyes, which narrowed at my challenging tone.
“I would think it’s obvious.” He sat down beside me and stroked my hair, but that wasn’t going to do. I needed a solid response.
I shifted to face him. “Not good enough. I want to know why. Why should I stay here?”
“I guess if you have to ask, then perhaps you shouldn’t – but I hoped you’d want to and I still think it’s the safest bet.”
It wasn’t what I wanted to hear. Even though I agreed that it was best and I didn’t really want to leave him, I wanted him to tell me his feelings were strengthening as much as mine were. I wanted him to feel something for me. Something that would solidify our relationship so it would last.
After a quiet moment, he met my eyes. “What are you going to do?”
I wished I had it in me to hurt him and tell him that I was leaving. He could take my job and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine, but I couldn’t. I didn’t want to hurt him enough to actually do it.
I only wished that it had all meant more, but that wasn’t his fault. He couldn’t make himself feel, and we were two adults feeding each other’s needs the best way we could under the circumstances.
I leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “I’m not going anywhere.” With that vow, I stood and crossed the room on my way to the shower.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Gabriel
Hours after Luna’s promise to stay, I found myself regretting all the sleep I’d missed as I sat in my office going over the reports from my supervisors. The morning romp with Luna was a nice boost of energy, but as I sat signing papers, it faded. Mason calling had been another drain, but at least it wasn’t terrible news.
Joe entered my office and closed the door behind him. “Got something interesting to report, but I’m not sure if it’s anything to be alarmed about.”
He had spent his morning joining us for breakfast. He, Kim, and Luna monopolized the chatter while I loaded up on coffee to assist me in managing my day. I wasn’t sure if it was love, but he sure had a big smile for the woman. Maybe it was her purple hair? I wondered.
“Must be good since you shut the door,” I leaned back in my chair, stretching my arms wide. I needed a break, but not for what could be bad news.
“The security cameras suffered a glitch last night. It only lasted a couple of minutes, but it was total failure. The boys didn’t think it was necessary to wake us at that hour, but with all the commotion, they thought it best to mention it.”
“Has anyone checked out the winery to make sure it remained secure?” If someone shut down the camera system, they could have went in and out of the place without being detected.
“I went there as soon as I heard. They assured me it was no more than two minutes, which is why they chalked it up to a power surge, but I wanted to let you know. Everything seems secure.”
“Well, I appreciate it, but tell them from now on, I’d like to know the minute it happens – I don’t care if it’s in the middle of the night or not.” I had Luna’s safety to think about.
That last bit I kept to myself, but the strong desire to keep her safe wasn’t lost on anyone. Joe had come to love her as much as I had, so I had a feeling he could read me.
“I’m on it.” He turned to walk away, but stopped when Luna came in.
“Did Kim leave already?” he asked.
“Yeah, she tried to find you, but you were gone and she had to get back to the city and meet her parents.” Luna’s apologetic eyes were masked by the smile she tried so hard to hide, as if she thought the two were in love.
“Oh, I’m sorry I missed her.” He stepped around Luna and headed outside.
“Well, if it isn’t the merry matchmaker,” I teased as she approached my desk. “Your purple-haired bestie has a way with the strong silent type.”