Gabe (The Love Family Series Book 7) Read Online Free PDF Page A

out?”
    He nodded, moved to his car, and leaned against the hood. “Yep. No pressure.”
    “This isn’t your convoluted way of trying to ask me out on a date?”
    “Nope, a non-date. Think of it as two Love Island residents sharing the same air. I’m just being friendly.”
    She couldn’t stifle the smile from her lips.
    He glanced at his watch. “I’m setting my timer.”
    Brooklyn walked to her door and glanced over her shoulder as she shoved the key into place. In her own mind, she was making sure he didn’t follow, but she knew, in reality, she was just making sure he hadn’t left. She walked inside and bolted the lock before going to change in her bedroom. A shower to rid the pizza smell from her hair would have been nice, but she didn’t want to risk the chance he’d leave. She changed into a pair of jeans and a new shirt, put on her tennis shoes, and sprayed a little perfume. She was back outside just as he was opening his driver’s door. He greeted her with a smile, moved back to the passenger door and opened it. The timer on his watch went off as she walked up.
    “You didn’t think I was coming?”
    “I hoped you would, but I had promised to leave, and I never break a promise.”
    She lifted her gaze to his, and the air between them sizzled. “Thanks for the non-date.”
    “Anytime, neighbor.” He winked when she slid inside and he shut her door.
    ****
    Gabe slid into the driver’s side and shut the door.
    “So where are we going?” she asked, clasping her hands in her lap.
    “I promised a surprise.” He smiled and turned over the ignition. “It won’t take long, a couple of hours, if that works for you?”
    “Of course.” She smiled sweetly. Tony had better been right about Gabe Love being a stand-up guy.
    Gabe made a mental note to thank Tony. Otherwise, Gabe might have been riding solo tonight.
    Gabe took the scenic route, pointing out favorite local hotspots as they passed on the way to his destination. She laid her head back in the seat and watched the waves out the window. A little sigh slipped free. What I wouldn’t give to be able to stay , he heard her say to herself.
    He pulled down a long drive. The horse stables stood in the distance. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched as her smile grew. She turned to him.
    “Horses? That’s my surprise?”
    He slowed the car outside the stable. “I figured I’d kill two birds with one stone. You said you like horses, and I’ll get to show you the island.” He pushed his door open. “You even get to ride your own since this is a non-date and all.”
    Oh, he’s a charmer. He picked up on everything I said during our little five-minute talk that first day. I hope he doesn’t remember I said Chicago.  
    Damn, she was making things difficult. His ability seriously cut into the getting-to-know-you phase of any relationship, but with her…it was worse. How was he supposed to ask her questions, knowing that if she answered them in her mind, he’d know if she was telling the truth? If she did lie, how was he supposed to ever believe her? Maybe this hadn’t been such a good idea. He pushed the thought away instantly. She was worth the effort, even if it took a while to get her to lower her guard. She needed him as a friend. She just didn’t know it yet.
    “Doc.” William Sanders grinned as he approached. His cowboy hat sat low on his head. “I’m glad you made it.”
    Gabe held out his hand and shook. “I appreciate you letting me borrow Milly and Stud.”
    Sanders gestured toward the barn, and they all started walking that way. “I have them all ready for you. We just got them saddled.”
    “Will, this is Brooklyn. She’s new in town. I thought I might show her the beach and stop for a moonlight dinner.”
    “Take your time.” William clapped him on the back. “I’ll have someone in the stables take care of them when you get back.”
    Brooklyn walked into the barn and followed them to where William had stopped and