Page 65 of Silver Linings
“That’s really great. I miss having a career, but there is no way I could go back into home care, especially with Sage being as little as she is.”
“You know, I’ve been looking for a receptionist. If you were thinking about hopping back into the workforce and were interested, we could start out with a trial run, maybe a few hours a week? Of course, you’re welcome to bring Sage with you. I have a little room off the waiting area that would make a really cute nursery.”
Lily’s smile grew. “You’d do that for me?”
“Of course. That’s what living in a small town is all about. Plus, you can rest assured that you’ll be safe there, and so will Sage. I had Montgomery Defense install some fancy system in the office. Gage showed me all the ins and outs, and they really outdid themselves. I suspect they didn’t want me griping and groaning at them every day.”
“Well, that really is generous of you. I don’t know what to say.”
“How about you come see me in the morning? Or in the afternoon if you need to sleep tonight’s festivities off more.” Sloane laughed, swirling the straw in her water.
“I can do that.” Sweat dripped down the back of Lily’s shirt. She was so excited about the prospect of having an income of her own that she was nearly vibrating in her seat. The loud music and alcohol swirling through her veins was making the air in the bar feel stale. She needed some quiet to reground herself. “I’m going to step outside for just a minute. If the other girls come looking for me, would you let them know I’ve just gone to get some air?”
“Of course. Do you want some company?” Sloane looked nervously at the door.
“No, I’m going to call Gunner and see if he was able to get Sage down for the night. Then I’ll be right back in.”
Lily gave a little wave to Sloane as she scooted from their booth and made her way outside. The crisp night air was surprising. She’d been expecting muggy heat for that time of year, but a cool breeze nipped at her back and she sighed with relief. It was also much quieter in the parking lot, and a welcomed relief filled her mind.
Pulling her phone from her pocket, she dialed Gunner, laughing as he picked up after the first ring.
“Are you okay?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” she giggled at the seriousness in his voice. That was her husband, alright. All business. All bark. Would it be so bad if he was a little bite with her too?
“Where are you right now? It doesn’t sound like you are in the bar.”
“I’m just standing outside. It’s a million degrees in there and I needed some fresh air. I didn’t know Texas could feel cool at night, but it really is so nice out.”
“Lily Kate. Is someone out there with you?”
“Nope,” she playfully popped the word out of her mouth.
“Go back inside right now.”
“No,” she pouted. “Then I won’t be able to hear that growly voice you use when you get mad at me.”
“I do not have a growly voice that I use with you.”
“Oh, grumpy guy. Yes you do,” she teased.
“Grumpy guy? How much have you had to drink tonight, wife?”
Jesus. That sent shivers down her spine, and not the cold or afraid kind.
“Well, husband, if you must know, I only had one sugar cookie shot, but it was strong.”
“What the hell is a sugar cookie shot?”
“You’ll have to ask Emma. Apparently, she invented them. And boy, are they strong. You know, the girls told me they’d loosen up my tongue and get me to spill all of your secrets. And then they want to send me home to use my loose tongue on your rock hard…” her voice trailed off as she realized what she was about to say.
Gunner was silent. Shit. Her mind scrambled to find any words, but her body was taking up all the brainpower she had, swaying with the wind.
“Lily Kate, let’s get one thing straight,” Gunner said, his voice low and raspy. “If anyone is putting their tongue on someone else, it’s me finally getting a taste of you.”
Holy hell. That hadn’t been the response she thought he was going to give her.
“Gunner, I?—”