Page 68 of Lost Cause
Once again, Burke was impressed. Not by the quality of the build, he couldn’t see the cabins well enough to determine that, but by the way Gage had included his original team members in his organization. Burke kept seeing hints of a strong leader and could understand why this team was so successful.
“You’re in cabin three.” Abby led the way and opened the door to a small, rustic log-lined box.
“Oh my,” Victor said. “I know you said cabin, but this is really primitive. I don’t know if I can stay here.”
“It has everything you need,” Abby said. “There are two beds in the bedroom, and the bathroom is newer and well-maintained. There are snacks in the cupboard. No food for meals, but then I don’t think you’ll be here long enough to need to cook.”
Victor’s forehead knotted. “I guess that’s good, because I don’t have the faintest idea how to.”
“You can’t count on me either,” Burke said. “Toast, coffee, and sandwiches are about the extent of my kitchen skills.”
“Perfect! I make a mean bowl of cereal, so between the three of us, we have Michelin-star potential.” Abby laughed freely, more relaxed than he’d ever seen her.
His heart gave a kick. He jerked his gaze away.
“I’ll just pack up my things,” she said, “and head to Sam’s place. I’ll see you both for dinner tonight.”
“About that.” Victor cast her an uncertain look. “I appreciate her husband offering to cook for all of us, but I’m way too tired to socialize.”
“You have to eat,” Abby said.
“Would it be possible just to get a sandwich?”
“My specialty.” Burke chuckled. “I’d be glad to make one if Sam has the fixings at her place.”
“I’m sure she does, and I can handle it.” Abby’s good mood disappeared, why, he didn’t know. “Let me get my bags, and I’ll be back with the sandwich.”
Burke watched her stride toward the bedroom, catching something in her expression she probably didn’t mean to show—something uneasy, maybe even vulnerable. She didn’t fully trust him yet. Her expression made it obvious. Maybe trust anyone. Still, he was sure she believed he’d do the right thing, even if she wasn’t totally sure she could rely on him for everything.
He’d take anything he could get from her right now—it was a start anyway. A start of something he shouldn’t even want to pursue.
18
Sam’s daughter, Ellie, and her son, Hudson, raced to Abby at the door. Ellie flung her arms around Abby’s legs. Abby had visited Sam enough for Ellie to get to know her, but not true for Hudson. He screeched to a stop and hung back, his thumb popped in his mouth.
“C’mon, Aunt Abby.” Ellie, a precocious, blond-haired five-year-old and spitting image of her mother, grabbed her hand and dragged her into the house. “I wanna show you the castle I built with my MAGNA-TILES.”
Hudson jerked out his thumb, creating a sucking noise. “I helped.”
The two-year-old was Griff’s Mini-Me with startling sapphire eyes and dishwater blond hair, and he puffed out his chest with pride.
“Not much,” Ellie said.
“Now, sweetheart.” Griff gazed at his daughter, pure love in his eyes. “Remember that your brother is three years younger than you and doesn’t have the same skills you have, so be kind to him.”
“If I haveta.” Ellie pouted and continued dragging Abby across the room to a pastel colored castle.
Abby dropped to the floor. “You did a beautiful job, sweetie.”
“I know,” she said. “I’ve been tested, and I’m advanced.”
“We really have to work on self-worth.” Griff laughed.
A knock sounded on the door, and he strode across the room to answer it. Abby heard Gabe introduce himself before stepping into the room.
“You’re here already.” Abby tried to stand, but Ellie took hold of her hand and held her in place. “Sorry, sweetie. I’ve got to make a sandwich for a guest I brought along and get my friend settled in his cabin. Then I can come back and play.”
She peered up at Gabe. “Is he your boyfriend?”
