Michael sighed. βOkay. We canβt send her out like this.β He
shook his finger at Gabe. βBut you check her. And notify
someone that sheβs here.β
Gabe nodded. βIβll even stay up with her tonight.β
βI have no doubt that youβre going to be βupβ tonight, but
youβre just going to have to suffer. The womanβs in no
shape to fend off your seductions.β
Gabe was affronted. βI have no intention of that tonight,β
he hissed. βGod, youβd think I was a rapist or something.β
Mike saw Christine glance up in fear at hearing the word,
and he hastened over to help her to her feet and explain
that Gabeβs mouth overrode his brain on a daily basis.
She cautiously peeked at the men. βI canβt stay here. Iβm
grateful but I donβt know you.β
βHusband or boyfriend to worry about?β
βGabe!β Mike scowled at him. He really did sound like some
serial predator.
βI have an ex-husband and a friend, but she has three kids
at home. I wouldnβt want to bother her.β
βWell, then, itβs either us or the hospital. Which would
you prefer?β
Her lips trembled as a tear spilled down her cheek. βI
donβt have any health insurance yet, so I guess itβs here.β
She straightened. βBut Iβll be gone in the morning and I
insist on paying you for your hospitality.β
Gabe started to protest, but Mike waylaid him with a hand
on his shoulder. βWe can talk details later. For now, letβs
get you comfortable upstairs.β 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. βWelcome home.β
Both Michael and Christine hesitated at the unusual
pronouncement.
βFor tonight,β Christine murmured.
βOf course,β Gabe hastened to reply while Michael walked
into the spare bedroom, wondering why he suddenly wanted
her to stay forever.