She took a sip of her diet cola. “You talk a lot about her. Are you close to her?” When she realized he’d stopped eating, she knew she’d said something wrong. “What did I say?”
“You don’t know what happened to my parents?”
Her heart clenched at the obvious pain in his voice. “No, I’m sorry.”
“They were killed at a carryout. Some guy high on acid came in and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk gave him what he wanted, but the asshole was so far gone he started shooting. Later he told the police he’d been trying to kill the snakes. Hallucinations. Mom was shot in the chest. She died instantly. Dad was shot three times. He died on the way to the hospital. The clerk took a bullet in the arm. He survived.”
“Gage…I’m so sorry.”
He nodded. “It was years ago. I’d just graduated from college when it happened. Aunt Bev sort of stepped in an
d took over where mom left off. She’s been pretty great.”
“I’m glad you had her.”
“Me too. Anyway, that’s the reason I became a private investigator. I wanted to help people.”
Summer understood loss all too well. She also knew words were useless. She reached across the table and placed her hand over his. When he turned his palm up and twined his fingers with hers, the air around them changed, heated. Her comforting gesture had quickly morphed into something much more, much deeper.
Trying to act nonchalant, Summer slipped her hand from his and inquired, “So, how long have you been a PI?”
“I hung out my shingle five years ago. It was tough going at first, but now I can be choosy.”
“Do you enjoy the work?”
“I can set my own hours. I don’t have a boss breathing down my neck. The money is good. All in all, not too bad. Every job has its drawbacks, though.”
Just then the waiter came over and asked if they wanted dessert. She was about to refuse, but Gage spoke up before she could get the words out.
“What do you have in the way of chocolate?”
“Our chocolate pie is pretty popular.”
“Send us a big slice.”
“Us?”
He pushed his plate away. “I’m not eating it all by myself. You’re helping.”
Her stomach loved the idea, but her hips not so much. “Uh-uh, I can’t afford the calories.”
His gaze traveled to her chest and back up again. “A few bites of pie won’t hurt. Trust me.”
She laughed and caved. “Who am I to refuse chocolate?”
He winked. “That’s the spirit.”
As they drove home, Gage had to grip the steering wheel to keep his hands from reaching toward Summer. Damn, it’d been hell watching her eat the chocolate pie. The little sounds of satisfaction she made after each bite had his mind going straight to the gutter.
He took his eyes off the road long enough to see her stroking the smooth leather seat with a fingertip. Hell, Gage wanted that finger on the head of his dick. She wiggled as if attempting to get more comfortable. The movement caused her pretty breasts to jiggle beneath her beige tank top. To keep from drooling, Gage focused on the road again. When he spotted her house, he pulled into the driveway and killed the engine, then turned toward her. “We’re home.”
“Yes, we are,” she whispered.
His gaze roamed over her possessively before he leaned in and brushed his lips over hers. “Like satin. I bet you’re like that all over, aren’t you, sweetheart?”
“M-maybe you should find out for yourself.”
Could he be hearing her right? “Summer?”