Compass (Second Chances 1)

I nod.

“Did it help, Kate?”

I shrug a shoulder, trying not to disturb Arleth. “She’s a beautiful little girl. She has green eyes like Gage and long brown hair.”

“She sounds lovely.”

Olivia’s phone buzzes. She drops her gaze to it. “It’s a reminder o

f our dinner reservation.”

I stare down at Arleth. “Do they deliver? I’m pretty content at the moment.”

“I’ll order something for us.” She smiles. “I don’t want to interrupt Aunt Kate and Arleth time.”

I pinch my eyes shut to ward off tears. Aunt Kate. That’s who I’ll be to this precious little girl when she’s old enough to speak.

Olivia steps away to call the restaurant, so I softly sing a lullaby to Arleth.

I love her with everything I am and I’m just her faux Aunt. I can’t imagine what Gage must feel for Kristin.

“Let’s change the subject,” Olivia begins as she pockets her phone. “Did you take my advice and jump all over Preston the other night?”

I chuckle. “No.”

“Why not? The best way to get over one man is to get it on with another.”

I shake my head, shielding my smile with a dip of my chin. “I’m not feeling a spark with him, Liv. I met him last night to tell him that.”

“So that’s over?”

“It’s over.” Arleth stirs. I rock her softly as I elaborate, “I didn’t want to lead him on. He’s a great guy.”

“There’s still a spark somewhere inside of there for Gage, isn’t there?” She points at my chest.

I look down at the front of the light blue dress I’m wearing. “There shouldn’t be after all this time, should there?”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“It’s not a yes.”

“It’s a no?” She volleys back.

“I don’t know,” I answer honestly.

I’ve thought about Gage a lot since last night. If I’m being honest, he’s all I’ve thought about since I left Tin Anchor and went across town to Easton Pub to break off my not-quite-dating relationship with Preston.

“You know.” Her head snaps to the right at the sound of a knock on the boutique’s doors. “They said they’d have the food here in no time. They weren’t kidding.”

“My credit card is in my purse.” I gesture toward my office with my chin.

“I have cash.” She leans down to root around in her bag for her wallet. “Tonight is my treat.”

Chapter 23

Gage

The sight in front of me catches my breath in my throat.