Page 39 of House of Scarlett
Twenty-Two
Scarlett
As soon asI turn the question around on him, Gabriel’s teasing laughter fades away and he stares at me with all seriousness.
“Absolutely. Guys like me are a dime a dozen. Women like you are one of a kind, Scarlett.”
“How about we agree to disagree?” I offer, trying to restore the levity.
Like he knows exactly what I’m trying to accomplish, he nods. “Fair enough. But I’m still surprised you kept the note.”
It takes a lot of self-control not to reach over and grab the precious paper and hold it to my chest, and even more self-control to pretend I’ve never actually done that before.
But I have.
I know it’s just graphite on recycled cardstock, but that note felt like so much more. In this digital, fast-faster, hurry-hurry-get-it-done world, no one takes the time to handwrite a note anymore. I know there’s plenty of reasons why he would, but I don’t care. I’m holding on to the evidence that he was thinking about me, and I’m glad it’s more tangible than a text message on the screen of my phone. If I printed those out and hugged them to my chest, then I’d have a problem.
We’re not there yet, though. Thankfully.
“Call me sentimental. I liked it. It felt special.”
He dips his chin, and I realize it’s his way of conceding ever so slightly.
“Then you’ll get more notes. Give it time, ladybug.”
I don’t know if it’s the beginnings of the lopsided grin on his face or if it’s the husky tone of his voice, butI melt.In that moment, there’s no way to pry me off the pillows or to erase the goofy grin on my face. I’m done for. Out of commission. A casualty of Gabriel Legend and his promised incoming notes.
I don’t know the last time I was so freaking excited by the prospect of something so seemingly insignificant, but Gabriel has changed everything.
Even the simple things. Or maybe not simple.
Rare. Like him.
“You want to rest for a while? Or take a shower? I don’t know about you, but hospitals make me feel the need to rinse off as soon as I get out of there.”
In my nest of blankets, I get what he’s saying completely, but I’m also exhausted.
“Give me an hour or two? Then I’ll shower and eat and be ready to crash for the night. I just need ...” I pause, but he gets where I’m coming from before I can continue.
“You’re tired. I won’t push. Get some rest, ladybug. I’ll be here if you need anything.”
He squeezes my hand, runs it down my covered legs, and squeezes my feet. Then he rises from the bed.
Again, it shouldn’t be a sexy gesture, but everything about Gabriel makes me want to curl into him, soak up his heat, and never emerge.
Soon,I promise myself.Soon.
* * *
Two hours later, Gabriel stands in the doorway to the bathroom as steam curls out of the walk-in shower.
“You sure you have everything you need?”
“I’ll be fine.”
“You’ll call if you need help getting out? No trying to do it yourself if it’s too slippery.”
“I promise.”
