Page 40 of Reaching Gavin

I jumped off the counter quickly and did my best to look innocent. “Um, hello.”

She looked up, startled. It was clear she still hadn’t gotten used to me living there. “Cassie.” She caught sight of Gavin and did a double take. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had company.”

“I should’ve told you,” I said apologetically. “I just figured you’d still be in the office.” It sounded like the lamest excuse ever, especially since I was breaking her no boys rule. In fact, I’d pretty much broken every rule on the counter just now. Guilt washed over me and before I could kick Gavin out, he stepped forward.

“ We’re cooking dinner. There’s more than enough. Have you eaten?”

“Steak,” I added.

“That sounds amazing. I’m famished.”

Had we actually gotten away with it? Did it really look like we were innocently cooking in the kitchen? Lillian excused herself to go change in her room and I collapsed against the counter as soon she was down the hall.

“You look so guilty right now “ Gavin told me.

“I did pretty much break the only rule she gave me. Next weekend I could hold a kegger, then I could disregard everything she asked of me when she let me live here for free.”

Gavin brushed his index finger down my belly, sending a tremble of anticipation running through me. “Next time we’ll do it at my house. I’ll kick Imogen out if she’s not run off to a beach somewhere. We can even put a sock on the door if that makes you feel more comfortable.”

“Put a what on the door?” Lillian asked as she reentered in a pair of lounge pants. The evening had become increasingly casual, it seemed. Nothing killed a date like your roommate coming to dinner in her pajamas with your pseudo-boyfriend.

“Nothing!” I chirped. The kitchen timer went off saving us all from this embarrassing turn in the conversation. Gavin showed me how to sear both sides of the steak now that it was cooked internally. Then we made the Brussels sprouts. Okay, he made the Brussels sprouts and I watched. I did, however, contribute by pouring everyone a glass of wine.

After nearly getting caught in the act by Lillian, my nerves were rattled, but Gavin was a natural at easy conversation and the discussion flowed as we sat around and ate. The evening began to draw to a close and I was left to wonder if I dared to ask him to stay for dessert. Lillian seeming to sense my dilemma, stood up and grabbed all of our plates. “I’m exhausted, I think I’ll head to bed.”

I shot her questioning look. If she was going to protest his being here, I’d rather know about it now. She only gave me an encouraging smile. She stacked the dishes in the sink and turned to head to her room when Olive appeared with my large, purple vibrator clutched in her jaws.

How had that damn cat figured out to turn it on?

She dropped it on the floor in the middle of the room and began batting it around. All three of us shared a look before Lillian dashed over, scooped Olive into her arms and began to scold her under her breath, “Not yours. Although I think Cassie might not be needing that any longer.”

She winked at me as she whisked the cat away to her room.

“So that’s what having an older sister is like,” I said out loud.

Gavin was obviously trying to look everywhere but at the vibrating elephant in the room. Why Lillian had to take the cat was beyond me. It seemed simple enough to me. Leave the cat and take the vibrator.

I got up, mustering as much dignity as possible, went over and turned it off. It whirred to a stop with a sad mechanical sigh. Turning to Gavin, the vibrator still in my hand, I said, “Best date ever?”

He got up and crossed to me, stopping for a moment to study his competition. He didn’t look intimidated. “Absolutely.”

“Is there any point in asking you to pretend you never saw this?” I asked him, my voice taking on a desperate edge.

“Hold on. Trying to judge if I measure up.”

“You’re terrible.” I smacked him on the shoulder with it.

“Did you just hit me with your vibrator?”

I gasped, realizing what I’d done, but Gavin only chuckled. “I mean, I don’t want to get between you two.”

“Why can’t a giant piano fall on me right now?” I asked. Gavin caught me around the waist and planted one soft, promising kiss on my lips.

“I’m not the jealous type. Although I think your roommate might be right about how much you’re not going to be needing that.”

Knees buckled? Check. Niagara Falls down below? Check.

Why didn’t I have my own apartment?

He stepped back and surveyed the mess we left in the kitchen. “We should clean that up and then I should get going.”

This evening wasn’t turning out how either of us had planned. And I understood why he wanted to get out. Lillian, her cat, and my vibrator weren’t exactly the welcome committee most guys expected. “I’ve got this. I’ll see you in the office tomorrow.”

We would take our time. There was nothing wrong with that. I did my best to avoid the nagging voice in the back of my head that worried I had scared him off. That bitch never shut up anyway.

This time, I shoved Mr. Dependable in a box at the top of my closet. Lillian was right, I wouldn’t be needing him anymore. Not since I had found Mr. Right.