Michael sighed. โOkay. We canโt send her out like this.โ He
shook his finger at Gabe. โBut you check her. And notify
someone that sheโs here.โ
Gabe nodded. โIโll even stay up with her tonight.โ
โI have no doubt that youโre going to be โupโ tonight, but
youโre just going to have to suffer. The womanโs in no
shape to fend off your seductions.โ
Gabe was affronted. โI have no intention of that tonight,โ
he hissed. โGod, youโd think I was a rapist or something.โ
Mike saw Christine glance up in fear at hearing the word,
and he hastened over to help her to her feet and explain
that Gabeโs mouth overrode his brain on a daily basis.
She cautiously peeked at the men. โI canโt stay here. Iโm
grateful but I donโt know you.โ
โHusband or boyfriend to worry about?โ
โGabe!โ Mike scowled at him. He really did sound like some
serial predator.
โI have an ex-husband and a friend, but she has three kids
at home. I wouldnโt want to bother her.โ
โWell, then, itโs either us or the hospital. Which would
you prefer?โ
Her lips trembled as a tear spilled down her cheek. โI
donโt have any health insurance yet, so I guess itโs here.โ
She straightened. โBut Iโll be gone in the morning and I
insist on paying you for your hospitality.โ
Gabe started to protest, but Mike waylaid him with a hand
on his shoulder. โWe can talk details later. For now, letโs
get you comfortable upstairs.โ He reached for her gently
and cradled her in his arms, trying not to think about how
good she felt right there.
Gabe trudged behind them, opening the elevator to the top
of the warehouse. When it stopped with a slight bounce, the
door opened, and he ushered them in to a stunningly
decorated room. โWelcome home.โ
Both Michael and Christine hesitated at the unusual
pronouncement.
โFor tonight,โ Christine murmured.
โOf course,โ Gabe hastened to reply while Michael walked
into the spare bedroom, wondering why he suddenly wanted
her to stay forever.