Page 16 of Gideon’s Gratitude (Love in Mission City #5)

The SUV slid up the hill like the wonderful dream she was.

I missed my sports car, but the mountains saw both rain and snow.

Not good for my baby. The baby I’d bought two years ago with the bonus a businesswoman had given me after I extricated her from a terrible marriage with most of her assets intact.

I’d had a suspicion and hired a forensic accountant.

Who located assets the husband had been squirreling away, while she’d been sharing everything.

The funds weren’t substantial—she was willing to walk away from the pittance, but the guy’d been using the money to support a mistress and another family. Divorce done. Bonus obtained.

“Left here.”

I followed the direction and headed into, yes, a blue box store. This was going to be interesting.

Two hours later, my fascination had only increased.

I bought so much stuff, it’d taken two carts.

I didn’t enjoy asking Gideon to push one, but there’d been no one to assist us.

We filled the back of the SUV and even tossed one bag into the back seat.

I wanted to wear my new clothes from the store, leaving behind the old ones, but Gideon insisted I donate the clothes to a local charity.

Since Jean-Michel took care of these things, I’d been intrigued.

My clothes regularly rotated before I wore them too often, with the suits going to a charity for convicted felons .

I flashed back to the clothes I borrowed from Gideon.

That man wore them until they fell apart.

I offered to buy a few things, but my prickly companion had resoundingly rejected the notion.

If I had a clue about sizes, I might’ve done it anyway.

Except I didn’t know, and somehow offending the man didn’t seem like a good idea.

“Turn left here.”

We’d exited the parking lot and headed back toward town. I was surprised at the choice.

“There’s a back way into the area where we live. It’s good for you to know all your options.”

As we turned, the GPS system chimed and reset the instructions. Perhaps one day I wouldn’t need it, but here, in the dark, I most certainly did.

“You said I’m the same size as your ex. A taller man?” And why was I bringing up this sore topic? Curiosity. And something to talk about during the drive.

A grunt. Then, “Yeah, you’re about the same size.

I always felt short, right? Except back then I was all muscle, so I didn’t feel completely inadequate.

Now, though? Back to feeling like I’m not good enough.

” A huff. “And, for the record, you have the same chiseled jaw. He’s got brown hair, unlike your blond.

And he’s got green eyes while yours are this funky dark gray. ”

Funky?

“And his hair is way shorter. Like almost a buzz cut. I’m surprised yours is so long.” As if he surprised himself, he snapped his jaw shut.

“My stylist assures me this is in fashion. He wanted me to do stubble, but I found that a step too far. I look prettier than other attorneys. Makes me attractive to the women, and men often underestimate me. This appearance works to my advantage.”

“I bet it does.” Also muttered under breath .

Did he know I had excellent hearing, or was he accustomed to keeping his own counsel, and not realizing he had company? Hard to say.

The road dipped sharply.

“Should’ve warned you about that one. The next few klicks are windy, so watch your speed.”

I intended to. “How are you faring? You mentioned you couldn’t drive at night.” Hopefully not another sore topic.

“The oncoming headlights are too bright. Another reason we’re sticking to the back roads.”

Not an answer I expected.

“You have light sensitivity?”

“I have everything sensitivity.” Said with disgust.

If I didn’t need to focus entirely on the road, I might’ve chanced a glance. As it was, though, I needed to stay focused.

“Around the next bend, you’re going to climb. It’s pretty steep.”

“Good to know. Thank you.”

Nothing but trees and the road. As we crested the hill, though, a streetlamp came into view.

“The lamps are primarily at intersections and sharp curves around here. Keep that in mind.”

“Are there no lamps on our street?”

Gideon guffawed. “Uh, no. Didn’t you know that?”

I considered. “I don’t believe I’ve ever visited at night.”

“How often have you visited?”

“Well, yesterday was the first time.”

Gideon sputtered. “Not even when you bought the property?”

“Well, no. I hired a young man who works at the local real estate office. Cadence Crawford. He scoured properties and sent me photographs. I liked this one. It suited my needs. He secured the property and put me in touch with Beatrice O’Halloran. Who, in turn, recommended Ms. Turner.”

“Yeah, Riley’s great.” A long pause. “So why yesterday? Just before a predicted storm? Likely to be the worst of the season?”

“Well, I certainly hope it was the worst.” Although we were in La Nina, and that meant more intense storms. Coupled with climate change, we’d be lucky to get away with only a few. “I didn’t have the opportunity to check the weather forecast. I was otherwise occupied.”

“Occupied.” The man put plenty of disdain in the word.

“Yes, occupied.”

“Why not say busy? I was busy?” A sniff. “You use all these expensive words. Like you’re trying to impress people. Trust me, I’m not impressed.”

The GPS system warned me of an upcoming left turn, so I slowed my speed.

Suddenly, large headlights pierced the night.

Within moments, the beams lowered in their intensity.

Ah, brights. I never needed them in the city but could see the advantage of using them here.

I caught sight of movement in my peripheral vision.

Gideon was shielding his eyes.

Damn.

I'd been the one to insist on dinner out. As a repayment for all the kindnesses.

Another curve in the road. In all my research of the area, assessing roads hadn’t been on my priority list. One of numerous oversights. Our street had several potholes. I intended to lodge a complaint.

“I wanted to be within close proximity to the city. Vancouver,” I clarified. A thought occurred. “Does the noise from the construction site bother you? Was that the cause of your migraine?”

Another grunt. When the man wanted to be uncommunicative, he was good at it .

“Well, I apologize.” Little I could do about it, though.

“The bright sun, the chainsaw, and you being an asshat all contributed to the headache.”

“Asshat?”

“Well, I could use another term, but I’m in polite society.”

I laughed. “I’ve been known to drop an f-bomb now and then.” I felt Gideon’s gaze. More like a burning stare. “I’m not all high class. And many in my class swear.”

“And what class is that?”

Well, crap.

“You could say upper class. My upbringing was upper middle class. In the past few years, with the success of my practice, I’d say I’ve moved up in status.

Not ultra wealthy, though. A small portion of the population of Vancouver own a good portion of the wealth.

” I wasn’t going to tell him about my millions socked away in investments.

About the size of my portfolio. I wasn’t going to say I was paying cash for the house I was building next door to his.

“Ultra wealthy.” He appeared to test out the words. “Like, you know, snobs.”

“Or foreign nationals, attempting to hide their wealth in plain sight. And yes, there are rich people in Vancouver. There are rich people in Mission City.”

“Not as many.”

“True. I looked at several exclusive estates before deciding to build my own home. Easier to make it to my specifications.”

“And what are those specifications?” Another snort. “And it’s a left at the light.”

Another lit intersection. Method to the madness of driving in the pitch black. Not even a moon overhead. “Three bedrooms, five bathrooms, chef’s kitchen, media room, study, open living space.” Easy to rattle off the specs.

“Three bedrooms?” A snicker. “How you going to fit that multitude of relatives into three bedrooms?”

“Well, I don’t intend to. I’m building this location to get away from my family.”

“That sounds rude.”

“I made the mistake of providing a key to Cherry when my wife left. What I did not anticipate was that she’d replicate it and give one to each of my family members. As well as the alarm code. I’ve seriously considered changing it.”

“They care.” A soft tone. Almost too hard to hear.

“They’re nosy. I never know who will be waiting for me when I return from the office. Well, not Chelsea, given she’s under house arrest. And Chad respects my space. As for the rest of them…” I sighed. “I’m rarely alone.”

“That sounds great. That you have people in your life who want to make sure you’re all right.”

Judging by what I’d gleaned, he had no one. That thought brought an ache to my chest. “We should, you know, do something.”

“Huh?”

“Well, like plan for you to come over. At least once the place is finished. Or even before. I could give you a tour.” A plan coalesced in my mind.

“Look, Archer, this evening was nice. I had fun, even. At certain moments, anyway. The look on your face when you saw the price of a package of socks will make me laugh for days to come.” He paused. “But we’re not friends. I don’t fit into your world. Just like you don’t fit into mine.”

“That’s pretentious of you. Snobby, even. ”

“No, it’s a reality. I live on my own for a very good reason.”

“Self-flagellation?” Anger rose within me, and my cheeks heated.

“I don’t believe you want to be left alone.

I believe you want people in your life. Humans are social creatures.

For all my wife’s faults—and maybe I’m making too much of them—I enjoyed knowing I wasn’t alone.

Of having someone with whom to converse. ”

“Maybe I don’t want those things. Maybe I prefer to be a hermit.”

“And yet you enjoyed your interactions with Sarabeth.”

He grunted.

Point for me. That I noticed was significant.

“I can take people in small doses. I admit tonight was enjoyable. You’re good company.”

“So why can’t we plan for you to visit me? Is it really such a horrible prospect?”

A heartfelt sigh. “We’re up on the left.”

I stopped at the mailbox before mine and executed the turn. Gideon’s home was also behind a line of trees, but it soon came into view. I pulled up to the garage and put the SUV in Park.

“Well, it’s been nice. Thank you for dinner.”

“That’s it?” Somehow, I expected more. I flicked on the overhead light.

He winced.

I shut it off.

“You need to get to your hotel.”

Certainly, but I didn’t want to be alone.

For all my fussing over my family, and their propensity to show up at inopportune moments, I didn’t always want to be alone.

Jean-Michel’s faithful companionship was appreciated, but the man was in paid employment.

Well compensated, obviously, but not a friend.

“You’re correct. I need to get to my hotel. And likely you need to go to bed. ”

“Yeah, you’re right. I have to run Lucky out first.”

“May I say hello to the dog?”

I caught Gideon glancing at me. Hard to see with just the porch light for illumination, but definitely a look.

“Yeah, okay. Let me get him.” The man exited the vehicle and made his way over to the house.

I followed suit. The chill in the air bit. Good thing I’d stocked up on warm clothes.

Within moments, a very excited Lucky barreled over to me.

I stuck out my hand, expecting the dog to sniff.

He didn’t. He reared back and placed his front paws on my chest.

“Lucky.” Gideon’s cry rent the air. Part exasperation, part admonishment.

And, if I didn’t miss his mark, part amusement.

The dog licked my face before pushing off and lowering himself to the ground. He made a beeline for the trees and disappeared.

I turned to Gideon. “You’re not concerned?”

“Oh, the twit hasn’t eaten dinner. He’ll be back.”

Within moments, the hound returned, tongue lolling.

“Did you want to come in? For coffee or something?” Another forehead rub.

Instinctively, I reached out a hand to his elbow to steady him. “I think you need some rest.”

I expected him to pull away, but he didn’t. Instead, he met my gaze and held it.

“Rest might be good.” Finally, he glanced at where our bodies connected.

With reluctance, I let go.

He held my gaze for another moment before nodding and heading back to the house .

Lucky raced over, licked my hand, then followed his owner into the house.

Neither looked back as the front door closed.

Only after several minutes passed, was I able to acknowledge nothing else would be forthcoming. I got in the SUV, turned the vehicle around in the driveway, and headed back to town.

I’m truly alone.