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“Wait. What? Who?” Lori almost dropped her glass.

“Pretty sure he said Elodie Fontaine,” Gabe said.

“Oscar-winning movie star, Elodie Fontaine?”

Gabe shrugged and grinned. “And ex-Marine. I don’t know of any other Elodie Fontaine who could afford to drop that kind of cash for a car.”

Her mom enveloped her and Gabe in a hug. “That’s over five years of running costs, sweetheart. Well done!” She kissed Gabe’s cheek. “Thank you, Gabe. We can’t thank you and your team enough.”

“It was our privilege, Karen.”

“Do you think she’ll pick it up in person, or will she want it shipped?” Lori asked as the reality of the situation sank in. She liked the thought of meeting Elodie Fontaine immensely.

“I guess we’ll find out.” Gabe narrowed her eyes. “Do I need to be worried you’ll go back with her if she does pick it up?”

Lori laughed and kissed her hard. “You’re more than enough super soldier for me. I don’t need another one.” She pulled away and saw that familiar look in Gabe’s eyes and then turned to her mom. “We’re going home, Mom. Do you mind handling the party?” It didn’t matter that they were the guests of honor, or that people might want to chat afterward. All that mattered was getting alone time with Gabe.

Her mom raised both her eyebrows and glanced at Gabe, who looked everywhere in the room rather than meet her mom’s gaze. “Of course, sweetheart. That tummy bug’s going around, I hear.”

Lori hugged her mom and whispered, “Thank you.”

“Have a lovely evening,” she said.

Lori smiled, and heat flushed through her whole body. She and her mom were closer than sisters for the most part, but she wasn’t entirely comfortable with her mom cheerleading for her sex life.

They said quick goodbyes to Rosie, Shay, and the rest of the team. Janie wasn’t around, but Gabe had mentioned she and Solo were having some issues and not to expect her. Lori grabbed Gabe’s hand, and they exited the hotel.

“Are you sure you want to leave?” Gabe asked as they waited to get her truck from the valet. “This is a big night for you.”

“I’m sorry. I should’ve asked if you wanted to leave.” Lori bit her lip. “Do you want to stay?” God, she hoped Gabe wouldn’t say yes.

Gabe grinned widely and pulled at the neck of her shirt. “Hell, no. I want to be wherever you are. And I’ve had about enough of this suit. I can’t wait to get it off.”

“About that…” Lori said then whispered her plans into Gabe’s ear.

Gabe sighed deeply and swallowed hard. “Dessert before dinner again, Miss Turner. You’re getting into some bad habits.”

“You must be a bad influence,” she said and ran a single nail along Gabe’s jaw. “I was such a good girl until I met you.”

“Lucky me,” Gabe said then drew her into a long and passionate kiss.

“Lucky both of us,” Lori said when they broke to draw ragged breaths. “What other bad habits can you teach me? I want them all. Just like I want all of you, all of the time.”

Gabe pressed her lips to Lori’s, and Lori lifted her foot from the ground, almost ready to take off with the magic of their kiss.

“You’ve got me, babe,” Gabe said, “for as long as you want me.”

“How’s your forever looking?” Lori had never asked a more serious question in her life.

Gabe looked deep into her eyes, and she softened under Lori’s hands. “Like it’s yours.”

Gabe’s response couldn’t have been any more perfect than if it’d been written for her, and Lori liked the clear promise of eternity in her eyes. “Forever it is then,” she said with a belief so strong in the depths of her soul, she knew it could never be broken. Gabe was her sanctuary.

~ THE END ~