Page 29 of More than a Memory
Sydney looked them over suspiciously, offering a cool, “Hello.”
Darcy and Annie said, “Hi,” at the same time as they dismounted.
“Now you can have the treats I brought,” Annie said to Gil, who nickered his response.
“Well, did you all have a good time?” Sydney said, not even trying to mask her jealousy.
“As a matter of fact, we did,” Gabe said, seemingly unperturbed by her hostile attitude. “Too bad you don’t like to ride; you could have joined us.”
“Not in this lifetime,” she replied haughtily.
“Who are YOU?” she directed at Annie.
“I’m Annie Morgan. I own The Diamond, a hair salon and day spa in town,” she said.
“I’ve never heard of it,” Sydney returned spitefully.
“Your loss,” Annie said in return, scrutinizing Sydney’s hairstyle disdainfully.
Darcy decided she had better intercede before her sister really got her dander up, so she interjected herself.
“Hi, I’m Darcy, Annie’s sister. Nice to meet you. I take it you’re a friend of Gabe’s?” she asked, stepping forward to offer her hand.
“You could say that. We are way past ‘friends,’ aren’t we darling?” She ignored the proffered hand and walked unsteadily on her heels to Gabe’s side, possessively linking her arm through his.
“Yeah, Sydney here is a Realtor. She was top ten in sales for this area last year,” Gabe said proudly.
“Wow. That’s impressive,” Darcy said kindly.
Annie had decided to just ignore Sydney from here on out and began to share her treats with Gil, who hungrily crunched on the carrot she had just offered. Gabe walked over to lift the saddle off Gil’s back and Annie touched his arm saying, “I can get that. I know you have to get going.”
“I’ve got this,” he said, winking at her.
She smiled shyly back. quietly thanking him.
“You two look awfully chummy,” Sydney said, observing their exchange.
“Now Sydney let’s not go there. We just returned from a relaxing ride and we would prefer to keep the drama to a minimum, please and thank you,” Sam said kindly but with confident authority, brooking no argument.
Effectively rebuked, Sydney turned her attention once again to Gabe, trying to grab his arm as he attempted to untack the horses.
“I need a kiss.”
Gabe leaned down to plant a light kiss on her full and pouty lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck holding him there while she deepened the kiss.
“Get a room,” Sam teased.
“You’re just jealous,” Sydney said.
“You could be right,” Sam grinned.
Gabe awkwardly tried to disengage, but Sydney was determined to have her way on this one. She ran her fingers through his thick hair, entangling them while thrusting her tongue into his mouth, staking her claim.
“Hey, Babe, let’s save this for a little later when we can do something about it, okay?” he said, kissing her forehead and pulling away.
“Promise?” she asked.
“Guaranteed,” Gabe replied.