Page 27 of Tempted

We set up the Family Library so we could havefree reign of each other’s books.

“Yeah. Saw some new stuff. Why?”

“So, Gage saw me browsing last night and just pops his credit cardout and says ‘get whatever you want’.”

“Shit. He keeps doing that, he’s definitelygetting into your panties.”

I try, but I can’t hold back my smile.“Whatever. It’s not like that.” Well, notexactlylike that.I want him, but it’s so much more.

“What’s it like?”

I take a deep breath, trying to figure outhow to explain it, explain what I feel when I’m with him.

“He’s…complex. He’s smart…sosmart,but I think he hides it from most people. It’s like he has twopersonalities. One minute, we could be having the most intelligentconversation and the next, he slips into ‘badass biker mode’ with adirty mouth to match.”

She places her elbow on the table and dropsher cheek onto her palm, listening intently.

“He’s kind and strong and protective. I feelsafe with him. I feel –”

“You’re falling for him.”

Am I?Maybe. “Do you ever cravesomeone’s company? Just their presence? It doesn’t matter what youdo. You could be sitting together in complete silence, staring intospace, but you’re just…happy. Completely fucking happy.”

“No. But I’m happyforyou. I hopethis all works out.”

“Me, too.” She squeezes my hand and gives mean encouraging smile. “My break is over. I have to get back towork.”

“No prob. I’ll just go home and check outthose books your sexy, biker daddy bought you.”

“Chrissy –”

“See ya!” She laughs and breezes out thedoor.

Millie corners me before I start takingorders again and ushers me to her office. I follow her, curious asto what is going on. She closes the door and pulls out a posterfrom under her desk.

“I put on a fair for the kids around hereevery year at Halloween. I was wondering if you’d like to helpout.”

The poster is from last year but it shows allthe different rides and activities for the kids. It looks like funand something I’d definitely want to get involved with.

“Sure, I’d love to! What would you want me todo?”

“Great! I know you draw. Do you paint? I wasthinking you could do face painting.”

“I can definitely do that. This is going tobe so much fun!”

“Thanks, sweetheart. I’ll get the new postersprinted up and get you all the materials you’ll need.”

“Awesome. Thanks for including me.”

I leave her office and go through the rest ofthe day thinking about all the different faces I can paint. Thisfair is going to be off the chain!

***

I’m about to go to bed, just after midnight,when my phone vibrates with a text from Gage.

G: I’m outside.

I quickly throw on a robe over my tank topand boy shorts and let him in. Lonnie’s working tonight, so I knowshe won’t be home until morning. He tips the hood of his jacketback and gives me a weak smile. He looks so tired. I wonder whathe’s been up to. He hands me a paper bag, and I peek in to see thepills Dr. E prescribed.