Page 44 of Mr. Infuriating (Mister #1)

Gabe

I was going to place my pizza order with Caruso’s, when I realized I wasn’t sure if Jake ate anything on his. Deciding it was better to be safe than sorry, I sent Gretchen a text.

Me: What does Jake like on his pizza?

Gretchen: He usually just eats cheese, but I didn’t want him to get in the way so he’s staying at my parents tonight.

While my mind immediately went to cutting Beau loose as soon as possible so I could be alone with her, I didn’t like the part where she wrote, “I didn’t want him to get in the way”.

Instead of texting back, I immediately dialed her number.

She answered on the second ring.

“Hello?”

“He wouldn’t be in the way.”

“He’s two years old. Of course he would be.”

“I mean, for his safety, I wouldn’t want him in the thick of things when we’re ripping out your current cabinets, but I don’t want you in the middle of it either. You can just keep him in the family room with you.”

“I’m perfectly capable of helping you. Besides, I’ve already dropped him off. My parents are excited to have him.”

“I mean, you’re welcome to help, but that’s what you’re paying me for, so…”

“Technically, I’m not paying you.”

“You’re paying the bartered value. Jake will be with you the rest of the weekend, right? ”

“I’m planning on picking him up tomorrow afternoon, and then he’s going to my sister’s when you bring Brayden over on Sunday.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I can’t tutor Brayden and keep an eye on Jake.”

I didn’t want her to think she had to keep her son away when I was around. That wasn’t fair to her or Jake.

“What if I bring my daughter over with us? She can keep him occupied while you work with Brayden.”

“Would she want to do that?”

“Oh yeah. She’d love it.”

“Okay, then. I’ll let my sister know.”

“And you don’t have to wait to get him tomorrow.”

“It’s just easier, Gabe. I don’t want him to be in your way.”

“Sweetheart, he’s not going to be in my way. You shouldn’t feel like you can’t have your son home when I’m there.”

“Are you sure?”

Now I knew for certain that she was worried about me feeling triggered.

“Positive.”

I’d had another session with Dr. Frank this week. At his suggestion, I visited Bodhi’s grave and had a therapeutic talk with my son’s spirit where I told him about Gretchen’s little boy.

A sense of peace overcame me, along with a feeling that he approved. I left confident that I could spend time with Jake and not relive the loss of my son.

“Well, maybe next weekend. My parents would be so offended if I went back and brought him home with me now.”

That meant she was free tonight .

Not that it mattered.

“I should be at your place in thirty minutes. I hope you’re hungry.”

“I’ll be there, and I’m starved.”

I couldn’t wait to see her. I was starving, too, and not just for food.

****

Gretchen

I drove faster than the speed limit, scolding myself the entire time for doing so.

I am not excited to see Gabe.

Then I reasoned , So what if I’m excited. It’s just because I think he’s attractive, and amazing in bed. But I know it was a one-time deal. There’s no way I’m going to sleep with him again.

Okay, if I were to sleep with him again, it wouldn’t mean anything—just like before.

And if it did mean something…

But that’s where lying to myself stopped. There was no future with Gabe, and I knew it. Any daydream about him being my Prince Charming was just setting myself up for heartbreak.

He was, and always would be, Mr. Infuriating. I needed to remember that.

The devil on my shoulder cackled, Mr. Infuriating with an amazingly talented dick.