Christine figured if she tried that move she’d look like she was trying to hide something in her teeth.
Gavin returned the smile but gestured toward Christine. “I think we’ve got it covered.”
The hostess’s eyes widened. “You two are together?” She wagged one perfectly manicured nail between the two of them. “I thought she was your secretary.”
“My fiancée,” Gavin clarified without hesitation.
Christine drained her iced tea and held the glass out to the woman. “Could I get a refill?”
“Uh...sure.” The woman took the glass and turned from the table.
“That was unexpected,” Gavin murmured, digging into his own lunch.
Christine snorted. “You don’t fool me. I bet women hit on you all the time.”
“Not all the time.”
She rolled her eyes. “Just on days that end in y?”
He grinned. “Something like that.”
The hostess returned with the iced tea, placing the glass and a fresh straw on the table without a word and then walked away again.
Christine picked up the straw and pointed it at Gavin. “Why don’t you have a girlfriend?”
“I was waiting for you,” he said, making her laugh again.
“That’s a bad line, even coming from your pretty lips.”
He dabbed at one corner of his mouth with the napkin. “I’ve never been called pretty before. It suits me, I think.”
“It’s no wonder you became an attorney. You’re such a smooth talker.”
“I can’t tell if that’s a compliment or a criticism.”
“An observation.” She leaned in and repeated, “So why don’t you have a girlfriend?”
He sighed. “You sound like one of my sisters.”
“Which is not an answer to the question,” she pointed out.
He studied her for a few long moments. “You do understand that I’m used to using my pretty mouth and fancy words to deflect questions I don’t want to answer.”
“I do.”
“You’re not going to let me get away with that?”
“I’m not,” she said quietly. It might be the wrong thing to say. For all of Gavin’s ease with people, she could tell he was a private man at heart. But she wanted to know that side of him, the part behind the handsome mask. Christine might not be the most adventurous or exciting person, but she knew how to be a good friend. She wanted to be Gavin’s friend.
The waitress came to clear their plates, and Gavin gave her his credit card.
“Thank you for lunch,” Christine said when the woman left again.
“My pleasure.”
“Tell me about you and the lack of a girlfriend. Are you having trouble finding someone you connect with in Denver?”
He tapped a finger on his leather wallet. “I’m thirty years old,” he said after a moment.
“Yes,” she agreed. “Me, too. What does that have to do with dating?”
“At some point in the past couple of years, it changed. Expectations changed.”
“Women got serious?”
“You could say that,” he admitted. “Most of my friends got married. They settled down and bought real houses. Houses with yards in neighborhoods where you string up Christmas lights and build swing sets. Adult houses.”
There was a thin note of panic in his voice, and she wasn’t sure whether to smile or roll her eyes again. “You’re not exactly a ‘failure to launch’ type of guy.”
“Being good at my job versus good as a husband and possibly a father are different things.”
The waitress brought the bill, and after Gavin signed the receipt, they headed back toward the agency. A few clouds hung in the sky, and she was glad for her jacket to protect her against the brisk breeze blowing through downtown. Gavin didn’t seem to notice the cool air, although that could be because he was used to winter in Colorado.
“You come from an amazing family,” she told him.
He looked down and flashed a lopsided smile. “That’s kind of the point. My dad is fantastic and my parents’ marriage is as strong as ever. He always found time for each of his kids as well as my mom, despite how hard he worked. I know how to be an attorney, but that’s nothing compared to being a husband or father. I don’t know that I’m ready. I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready. How could I compare to my father?” She noticed his hand clenched and unclenched at his side, a nervous gesture that was out of character for him.
This was it, Christine realized. This was Gavin behind the mask.
She reached out and took his hand in hers. “It’s not a competition. Your parents want you to be happy, however that looks for you.”
“I am happy,” he insisted, squeezing her fingers. “I keep trying to tell them. I think maybe I wasn’t cut out for more than what my life is now. I don’t know how to admit that to anyone in my family. What if I don’t have it in me to give more?”
At that moment a man burst from the crowd walking toward them, on his phone and clearly in a hurry, jostling people on either side. Before Christine could react, Gavin put an arm around her shoulder, tucked her to his side and shifted so that the man bumped into him instead of her.
Gavin didn’t break stride or make an issue of it. He simply ensured that she wasn’t bothered as he maneuvered them through the groups of working folks headed for lunch.
“You have plenty to give,” she said, tipping up her head to look at the strong line of his jaw. She wanted to add that he just needed to meet the right woman. And maybe she could be that woman, but she didn’t say those things because she couldn’t bear to let herself believe they might be true. Despite his assurance, Christine understood that the only way to ensure Gavin wouldn’t hurt her would be to not open her heart to him. A challenge, given how much she already felt.
They were almost to the agency office, so she started to pull away. Gavin didn’t release his hold on her. He drew her into a quiet alcove between the buildings, turning to face her.
“When you say that, I almost believe it,” he whispered. “I want to believe it.”
“It’s true.”
She rose up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek, but he captured her mouth with his, his lips firm and smooth as they grazed over hers.
Her insides danced, electric sparks erupting along her spine. His tongue traced the seam of her lips and she opened for him, winding her hands around his neck and pressing closer.
Everything around her melted away as he deepened the kiss. He made it too easy to forget that the only reason they were together was to appease his family. Christine hated that he had any question as to whether he could handle a real commitment. Even if their time together was temporary, at least she could spend the next few weeks proving that he was capable of opening himself to someone.
But right now all she wanted was to lose herself in this moment. And when he groaned softly, it was everything. She’d done that to him. A low whistle from the street had her pulling away.
“I can’t... We shouldn’t... This isn’t the place.”
He drew in an unsteady breath. “I’m sorry. You’re right, of course. I just can’t seem to control myself around you.”
Now, that was definitely the nicest thing anyone had ever said to her. “I’m glad,” she told him honestly, earning another smile. “But I do need to get back to work.”
“Me, too.” Then he leaned in and kissed her again. “When can I see you?”
“You’re seeing me right now.”
“A date,” he clarified. “I want to spend time with you. We’re friends. Remember?”
“Oh.” She blinked. The way he was looking at her made her forget this was fake. “We could have dinner this week?”
“Perfect.” He took her hand and led her back out into the street, stopping at the door of the agency. “Tomorrow n
ight?”
“Okay.” She swallowed. He wanted to see her again so soon, and not just because it was part of the charade.
She took a step away. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
He kissed her one more time then walked toward the black SUV parked at the curb.
Christine straightened the collar of her jacket and then entered the office, shocked to find Megan along with two of the female agents staring at her from the waiting area.
“Gavin Fortunado?” Molly, one of the agents, practically hissed. “You’ve been holding out on us, girl. We want all the details of how you landed a fine man like that.”
“He is so not your type,” Megan said, shaking her head.
“How do you know my type?” Christine couldn’t help but ask.
“I heard you were into Bobby.”
Christine shook her head. “Only in his dreams.”
“I told you so,” Jenna, the other agent, said.
“Seriously.” Molly took a step forward. “How long has this been going on with Gavin?”
Oh, no. Once again, she’d been so caught up in enjoying Gavin’s company that she’d forgotten to clarify the details of their supposed relationship.
“A while. We’re actually...” She cleared her throat. “Engaged.”
“Are you joking?” Molly demanded. “How did you pull it off?”
Jenna swatted her on the arm. “You can’t ask someone that.”
“Come on, that man should be with a supermodel.” She gestured toward Christine. “No offense. You’re pretty but he’s ah-may-zing.”
“I know,” Christine agreed immediately. She took a step forward. “I’ll let you in on a little secret.”
All three women leaned forward slightly.
“The way he looks isn’t even the best part about him.”
“Whatever,” Megan said. “I’m not sure I’d be able to notice anything else.”
Christine shrugged. “Then you’d be missing out.”
There was a deep throat-clear, and all four of them turned to see Kenneth standing at the edge of the hallway. “Megan, could you pull our files on the Rosedale neighborhood? I want to compare comps for one of Maddie’s clients looking at a house on Oakmont Blvd.”
“Right away, Mr. Fortunado.” The young woman scurried around to her computer.
“I’m meeting a client out in East Oak Hill,” Jenna said quickly.
“I’m heading to an association meeting,” Molly offered.
Christine noticed that none of them made eye contact with Kenneth. “Will you send me the listing information for the Hyde Park property when you get back?” she asked Jenna.
“Sure thing,” the woman answered, her voice a nervous squeak.
Christine smiled as she approached Gavin’s father and they walked toward her office together. “They’re terrified of you,” she said, patting his arm. “No one in Austin realizes you’re just a big teddy bear on the inside.”
He let out a low laugh. “Don’t tell them.”
“It’s our secret,” she agreed, turning into her office across the hall from the one Kenneth occupied this week.
“Speaking of secrets,” he said in his deep baritone.
She schooled her features then turned. “Gavin spoke to you.”
“You know you’re already like one of my own daughters. Both Barbara and I feel that way. I’m thrilled that you’ll be officially joining the family.”
Emotion clogged Christine’s throat as she nodded. Over the past decade working for Kenneth, she’d come to feel almost closer to him than she did her own dad. He never judged her for the things she wasn’t but appreciated her for who she was.
“You never have to hide anything from me. I want you to be happy.”
“Gavin makes me happy,” she said, appreciating that she could give him a response that wasn’t a lie. She suddenly had a clearer understanding of Gavin’s mood earlier. It felt wrong to deceive Kenneth and the rest of the Fortunados.
At the wedding she’d acted impulsively, wanting to live out one of her secret fantasies and save Gavin from Schuyler’s matchmaking in the process. But these weren’t strangers whom she’d walk away from when Gavin returned to Denver and their relationship ended.
“I’m glad,” Kenneth told her. “Barbara will be, too.”
“I want you to know I’m still committed to the agency,” she said quickly. “That won’t change.”
“I know.” Kenneth frowned, his thick brows lowering over eyes that reminded her of Gavin. “I trust you implicitly, Christine. You just concentrate on staying happy, and I sure hope my son continues to be a part of that.”
“He will,” she whispered, somehow knowing Gavin would be the key to both her happiness and her heartbreak.
Chapter Seven
Gavin lifted his hand to knock on the door of Christine’s condo the following evening, only to have it swing open.
“I can’t go out with you,” she whispered, her face pale and eyes wide.
He tightened his grip on the bouquet of roses he held. “Why? What’s wrong?”
“It’s Diana. She’s sick.” She took a step back, and he stepped into the condo. It was decorated in neutral colors but with colorful posters and pillows that gave it a homey look. Quite a bit different from the contemporary furnishings and unadorned walls of his loft in downtown Denver.
“Is Diana your daughter?” How had he missed the fact that Christine had a kid?
She gave him a funny look. “She’s my dog.”
He heard a low whine from the back of the condo, and Christine turned and started down the hall. She glanced over her shoulder at him. “I’m sorry. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay? I’ve got to get her to the vet. They’re staying open for me.”
It was clearly a dismissal but Gavin wasn’t about to walk away when she was so upset. He shut the front door and followed her into the kitchen, finding her kneeling next to a medium-size black lab that was on its side on the hardwood floor.
The dog looked up when he entered, gave a halfhearted bark then lowered her head to the floor again.
“What happened?”
“I’m not sure,” Christine said, trying unsuccessfully to coax the dog to her feet. “Come on, Di. You can do it.”
“I’ll lift her,” Gavin offered.
“She sheds,” Christine told him, her voice hollow.
“It’s fine. What kind of car do you have?”
“A Prius.” She ran a trembling hand over the dog’s head. “Normally, Di rides shotgun.”
“We’ll take mine. She’ll be more comfortable in the cargo area. Do you have an extra blanket?” Gavin moved forward and knelt on the other side of the animal. “Hey, girl. Wanna go for a ride?” The dog’s tail thumped as he pet her soft fur.
“You don’t have to do this,” Christine protested.
“I’m not leaving you.”
He met her worried gaze, hating the panic in her eyes. “She’s going to be okay,” he said quietly, even though it was a promise he had no business making. But he would have told Christine anything at the moment to make her feel better.
She nodded and talked softly to the dog as Gavin scooped the lab into his arms. He straightened and started for the front door as Christine grabbed a blanket from the back of the sofa.
They got the dog into the back of his Audi SUV, and Christine told him which way to drive to get to the vet’s office. Other than giving directions, she didn’t speak, and he wasn’t sure what else to say. He liked dogs well enough but couldn’t begin to guess what had made hers sick. He reached across the console and took Christine’s hand, wanting to offer whatever reassurance he could.
The vet’s office was only a ten-minute drive from her place, and as she’d mentioned, the staff was waiting for the dog. The doctor, a gray-haired ma
n in his midfifties, greeted both Christine and Diana by name as he instructed Gavin to follow him to the back of the clinic. Gavin placed Diana on one of the exam tables then returned to the waiting room and sat down next to Christine.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered when they were alone. “This isn’t your problem and—”
“I want to be here,” he told her, lacing their fingers together. “I want to know you’re okay. Tell me about Diana.”
A hint of a smile curled her lips. “I adopted her from a shelter in Houston when she was only four months old. It was right after I started working for your dad. I’d graduated college and moved into my first apartment on my own so I wanted a dog for protection.”
“How did she get the name Diana?”
“The shelter called her Princess. She’d been found as a stray. They don’t know what happened to her mom or any other puppies from the litter. So I changed her name to Princess Diana.”
He chuckled. “That’s a funny name for a dog.”
“Yeah,” she agreed. “I might have entertained some girlish fantasies about my own Prince Charming back in the day. But despite the name, Di is so special. She was a holy terror when she was younger. Chewed everything she could get her teeth on. But it was love at first sight. We went for a walk tonight after work and she seemed fine. When I got out of the shower, she was on the floor.” Her voice broke and she swiped at her cheeks. “I can’t lose her. I don’t understand what happened. I took her to the dog park after work, and she was acting a little out of it when we got home, almost like she was drunk. Then she settled down so I thought she was fine. Why didn’t I realize something was wrong?”
“They’ll figure it out,” he assured her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her close.
Normally, Gavin didn’t do well with tears from women. Growing up in a house with three sisters, he’d seen plenty of crying in his day, but as an adult he steered clear of emotional scenes. Yet he couldn’t imagine a place he’d rather be at the moment than at Christine’s side.
She rested her head on his shoulder and they waited. Trying to distract her, he kept up a litany of questions about the dog, prompting her to share many of Princess Di’s adventures over the years. Her love for the dog was evident as she spoke, and he hoped with everything inside him that the dog would recover.
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