“Nah, I’m not going anywhere. Things are good. I can’t ask for a better gig. Although, cooking for ourselves hasn’t been that appealing.”
“Well, sorry, fellas. Maybe we can hire a cook for you guys at least three times a week.”
“Damn, that would be fucking incredible.”
“I’ll ask Hope to look into it.” The ranch had been doing extremely well to the point that they weren’t in the red any longer, so they could afford it.
“That sounds good to us,” Dalton said, rubbing his stomach like he was starved. The men had gotten spoiled with Hope cooking for them almost daily. Gage hadn’t minded until she’d gotten a little further along in her pregnancy, but she insisted. After Ethan was born, they scaled back the cooking. Most of the time, they’d order from the Spring Water diner or drive into the city for a hearty Mexican-style meal.
“Speak for yourself. It sounds fucking fantastic.” Joe nudged his brother Jack in the ribs.
“I second that!” Chris roared. Cheers and laughter went around the room.
“Now, keep your eyes out for anyone looking around here. We shouldn’t have anyone other than a couple of buyers, but you know that I’ll have that scheduled in advance. By the way, we’ll be having additional men coming on board as security for Hope. I’ll make sure to introduce you all tomorrow at lunch.”
“Ooh, do we get some homemade lunch?” Hugh asked with his eyes as wide as saucers.
“I’ll see what we can do.” They looked so excited that Gage felt he’d do the cooking just so they’d get their hot meal. When he walked back inside, Hope was pacing the living room.
“Where have you been?” The fear in her eyes was too strong to deny.
He crossed the distance and cupped her face. “Sorry, I needed to talk to the hands. We were in the garage, so we didn’t wake you.”
“Oh, okay. Sorry. I thought maybe you went out to go after Cummings or Perkins.” Her body wracked with sobs as she shook violently. He held her close, rubbing her back and whispering gently in her ear that everything was okay.
When he could feel her calming down he lightly pulled back to look into her eyes. He wiped away the tears with the rough pad of his thumb. “God, I’m going to make them pay. I don’t like seeing you like this. So damn afraid. I’d do anything, but I won’t risk not coming home to you. Let’s sit down and talk. There’s a lot to go over.”
“Let me guess. The guys want food,” she chuckled wryly.
“Ha. Yep. That sure is one thing they mentioned.” Hope knew they could eat all day long with how hard they worked. She made lots of food that they could reheat later if they needed. Most of the time, they would eat it the same night and be starving the next day. She cooked most days of the week, but they deserved it, although she had to say that she was too worn out to keep up the pace for all those men.
“Do you think we could hire a cook?” she questioned with her voice a bit hoarse from her tears.
“Ha. Were you listening to us? I suggested that to the guys for at least a few days a week, so you could get some rest, and they could get the meals they need.”
“Great minds think alike.”
“I’m glad that you’re up for it. I actually try not to get jealous that you cook for all of them.” He may have looked like he was teasing, but both of them knew he was serious.
“Oh, Gage. You’ve got no reason to be jealous. I only have eyes for you.”
“Yeah, but they get to enjoy something you make.” She never understood how insanely possessive he was over her. She was a special woman and every single man that met her understood it. She was kind, smart, loving, beautiful, and to top it all, she could cook. The men that walked through their door left feeling like they had the best meals of their lives and they always came back for more. If that didn’t make him jealous, he didn’t know what would.
“Silly man. I love you.” She wrapped her hand around the back of his head and pulled him in for a deep kiss.
He pulled back enough to tell her the true depths of his feelings. “I love you past the point of obsession.” Gage wasn’t sure she truly understood that he’d do anything for her. Losing her would end him. Nothing in this world meant more to him than his family.
“Show me.”
“Are you sure you’re up for it?” he asked.
“Yes. I’m horny, Mr. Gibson. If you don’t want to…I guess I’ll just have to help myself.”
“The fuck you will.” He stood up and carried her into the bedroom like a wild man. The gauntlet had been thrown, and he was picking it up with enthusiasm.
Chapter Eight
It was the middle of the afternoon when a black SUV approached the gates. Having expected Sean’s people, he allowed them to enter with a wave of the driver’s ID at the camera. Gage exited the house with Hope at his side, and they met the two men outside. “Hello, I’m Denver. Sean sent us over per your request.” He extended his hand to Gage who shook it, followed by the other large gentleman in a black suit.