Page 23 of The Flame of Carson (Blackout Security Inc. #3)
Stacey took his mug and hers and sat them on the deck table.
Wanting to be closer to him, she got out of her chair and slid onto his lap.
Instantly, Gage’s arms wrapped around her.
They sat there just holding one another.
Stacey cradled his head against her shoulder, running her fingers through his hair.
It broke her heart hearing Gage describe what had happened the day before.
She had always seen him as a battle seasoned warrior.
Now, she saw there was more to him than she had initially thought, and it made her fall in love with him even more.
“I’m sorry Gage. Sorry you had to go through this.”
“I wouldn’t change anything. What I mean is, I would rather go through that fear to spare you of it.”
She kissed his forehead, then lifted his face so their eyes met, “I wish we didn’t have to feel this fear period.”
His arms wrapped around her as he lay his hands over hers, “Ditto babe, but we are and now we’ll just adapt accordingly.”
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S tacey lay the blanket on the sandy shore as Gage knelt down at the basket.
After their talk, he had suggested they put everything behind them for a few hours and go to the lake.
She had agreed and the two had gone into his kitchen and worked on a picnic lunch for them.
While it was warm for November, it was still a bit too cool to go swimming.
That still did not stop people from being out on the lake in boats and such.
After situating the blanket, Stacey sat down and pulled her knees up against her chest. Hugging them with her chin resting on her knees, she watched the various watercraft moving across the water.
“Nice sight huh?” Gage asked, sitting behind her, and bringing his arms around her.
“Yeah. Kind of reminds me of watching the boats out at Martha’s Vineyard when we go out there during the summer.” Stacey nodded, relaxing into his embrace.
Gage knew that she had not told her parents about what was happening. He had thought about calling them but knew all it would do was worry Shelby and Richard and get him on Stacey’s bad side. “Babe, when are you going to tell your parents what’s happening?”
“Gage...” she sighed.
“Honey, I know you don’t want to, but they are your parents. What if they come out for a visit and one of the guys slips? Or Krista? Huh?” he pointed out.
“You’re right, but...telling them now would just make them worry. They would either come out or demand I go to them. That wouldn’t stop this guy and worst case scenario, he follows me and that puts them in danger. I’ll tell them...once this is over. Okay?” she promised.
“Alright. I just...I just know how my folks would react if I were in your place.” He spoke.
“Honestly, I’m surprised...” Stacey broke off as her cell rang. She pulled out of Gage’s arms to reach into the bag and pull out her phone. “Oh crap.”
“What?” Gage asked.
“It’s my mom.” Stacey answered. Taking a slow breath, she answered. “Hi mom.”
“Stacey Marie Carlin when were you going to tell me you’re being stalked!” Shelby cried.
“Mom, it’s not...”
“Do not tell me it is nothing Stacey. When were you going to tell me and your father about this?”
“Who told you?” Stacey breathed.
“Walt did. He should not have been the one to tell us. He assumed your father and I knew.”
Gage could see that Stacey was floundering and decided to step in. He gently took the phone from her, “Shelby?”
“Gage? Is that you?”
“It’s me Shelby.”
Shelby let out a relieved breath, “Please tell me Blackout is...”
“Yes ma’am, Blackout, local PD, and the feds are overseeing this. What all did Walt tell you about what is going on?” Gage inquired, that way he knew what to say and what not to say.
“ He told me everything. All about the e-mails, the flowers, how this person attacked him in his own home. We bumped into Walt last night while at a policeman’s charity auction.
I could tell by the look on his face that he didn’t know that Richard and I had no idea what was going on after he told us.
Why didn’t she tell us? Why didn’t you?” Shelby stated.
“Shelby, until she moved to Austin I didn’t even know.
I found out after Walt called her and told her he had gotten an e-mail.
When I asked her what you and Richard thought, she told me that you didn’t know.
I should have called you, but to be honest, we don’t have much to go on.
We know, or we suspect rather, that he could be in the Austin area, but we don’t know for sure about that.
” Gage explained, not telling Shelby that this guy had come to his home a few weeks ago.
The line was quiet a moment before a new voice spoke up, “Gage?”
“Hello Richard.” Gage greeted; spotting Stacey cover her face in slight embarrassment.
“What is being done to protect my daughter?” Richard demanded.
“I assure you Richard, Blackout, the feds, local PD, and I are doing everything in our power to keep her safe. Tony and his counterpart at the FBI are following the electronic trail. Stacey hasn’t been alone.
If she is not at her house, she’s been at mine.
She’s given Ethan and the team her schedule for work, and we are tracking her throughout the day.
We even added one of our security systems to her house.
The publishing house has been cooperative and their security team is also keeping an eye on things there. ” Gage explained.
“What can Shelby and I do? Should we come out there? Should Stacey come out to Tarrytown?”
“Richard, in all honesty it would matter very little if she was there or you two were here. For now, you and Shelby stay put. If it will ease your and Shelby’s fears, I can stay full time at her place.” Gage said, glancing at Stacey who just nodded.
“Yes, that would make us feel better.” Richard sighed. “Gage, thank you. You, the men at Blackout, Austin PD, and the FBI for helping keep our daughter safe.”
“Richard, I love Stacey. I would and will do everything I can to keep her safe.” Gage said. Gage could hear Richard saying something before a second later he heard Shelby give an excited squeal, making Gage chuckle.
“As you can tell Shelby is thrilled at this news. As am I. You and Stacey go good together...No Shelby I’m not asking...”
There was a slight scuffle before Shelby came back on the line, “Have you and Stacey talked about the future? Perhaps marriage...”
“Um, well, no Shelby...” Gage stuttered. “We haven’t exactly had the chance to talk...”
Stacey snatched the phone from Gage, “Mom! Gage and I have not made any kind of plans.”
“Honey, you and Gage are so good together. You should consider maybe a spring wedding...”
“Mother!” Stacey groaned. “We’re not in any rush.
Look, I promise if we make any big decisions like that you and daddy will be the first to know along with Gage’s parents.
Which I should point out, I have yet to meet.
Hell, he and I have only been dating about two years as it is and only said ‘I love you’ three days ago.
He only met you and daddy because you came by unexpectedly. ”
“Well then maybe this summer we can invite his parents along with you and Gage to either The Vineyard or here in Tarrytown. You haven’t seen either house since they have been renovated.” Shelby offered.
“Mom, you’re pushing.” Stacey stated. “Look, me and Gage are out at the lake. I’ll give you a call in a few days all right?”
“Alright, you enjoy your day. I love you, Stacey. Give Gage my love as well.”
“I love you too mom and I will. Bye.” Stacey ended the call and lifted her eyes skyward. “Good god. I just know at this moment; mom is already thinking of planning our wedding.”
Laughing, Gage pulled her back into his arms after she dropped the phone back in the bag. “You against marriage or something?”
“No, not against it...” she looked over her shoulder at him. “Wait, are you...”
Gage laughed again, holding her tighter, “Calm down, I’m not about to pop the question. Though, who knows what the road holds for us further down. Simply curious if that’s something you even wanted.”
Stacey relaxed against him, “I honestly have not given it much thought. Until recently.”
Gage said nothing and just sat there holding Stacey on the lake shore.
Like her, he hadn’t given marriage much thought.
Then he met Stacey and over the last two years, the idea started to seem increasingly appealing.
Especially if she was considering it. He would just wait and see what happened.
First things first, they needed to get a handle on this stalker of Stacey’s and make sure she was safe finally.
“Oh, mom suggested this summer maybe we could invite your parents, and the four of us go out to The Vineyard or out to the house in Tarrytown.” She said slowly.
Gage held her a little tighter, “I think that could be fun at either place. I’m sure my folks would enjoy meeting your parents. Tell you what, after this mess is over, you and I can head out to meet my parents for the weekend and we can mention this summer? Okay?”
“Alright, you got a deal.” Stacey nodded, relaxing back into his arms as they stared out over the water.