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

to defend yourself.”
    “Oh?”
    “Avery is actually also Tony’s niece. She married my cousin.”
    “Is there anyone on the island you’re not related to? Tony gave me a quick who’s who, and there were a lot of Loves.”
    “I’m not related to you.”
    Brooklyn looked away, lowering her eyes to her sandwich.
    “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he said to ease her mind. “Let’s see. Not counting parents, I have five cousins, my brother and my sister. All of whom are married except my brother, Jackson, and me.”
    “Are you and he holding out?”
    “Nah.” Gabe lifted the sandwich to his mouth. “We just haven’t been struck by the love bug.” He took a bite of his sandwich to stop himself from saying anything he might regret.
    “Oh, come now. I’m sure there are plenty of women pining over you. You’re handsome and successful, not to mention a knight in shining armor who rescues damsels in distress. Throw in a great non-dater on your resume and you’re golden. What’s the problem? Commitment issues?”
    Gabe had to cover his mouth before food went flying out. He swallowed hard and took a sip of water before answering. “I’ve had girlfriends, nothing serious. There’s never been anyone I’ve found worth pursuing.”
    She gave a slow shake of her head. “That’s why we’re having this non-date. You were serious; you just wanted to be friends.”
    “Right.” He nodded, unsure if he should tell her the truth. He pushed that thought away. “Actually, I was hoping we could start out as friends, but I won’t deny that I like you and think you’re beautiful. I wouldn’t be opposed to a real date if you decided to give me a shot.”
    Her lips slowly rose into a smile.
    “Don’t forget I promised wine to sweeten the pot.”
    Forget the wine. Promise a kiss. She chuckled, watching him.
    A kiss he could do. A kiss he would do, if she agreed. His gaze dropped to her lips, and it took all of his resolve not to lean over and give her exactly what she wanted.
    She visibly swallowed, even with no food in her mouth. Yeah, she was thinking the same thing too. He didn’t have to know what she was thinking. Heat clouded her eyes, and her breath quickened. God, I want him to kiss me. Her gaze lowered to his lips . I can’t do this. He doesn’t know me, and if he did, he’d never have that desire in his eyes.  
    Without another thought or giving her a chance to run scared, he did the one thing he’d promised himself, and her, that he wasn’t going to do tonight. He’d wanted to taste her lips since the moment he’d met her, and the thought of her running without a simple taste was too much. He leaned in, cupped her cheek, and then pressed his lips to hers in a light kiss. Not taking anything other than what she was willing to give. It was quick, and it was sweet, not pressuring her for more. He broke the connection and eased away from her.
    “I’m sorry. I know I promised this was a non-date. I shouldn’t have…”
    She tossed her sandwich to the side and wrapped her hands around his neck, pressing her lips to his. He opened his mouth, deepening the kiss. Tasting her on his tongue. A moan escaped her lips as she leaned farther into his touch and slowly pushed him back onto the blanket. Half of her body rested on him as he ran his hands up her back into her hair and tilted her head. The kiss turned carnal matching his in passion and desire. His jeans tightened in response, and if he didn’t stop it soon, he’d flip her over and take her right there. His fingers moved to her side, and he felt the edge of the bandage beneath her shirt. He slid his fingers away. He had to stop them both before they made a mistake they might later regret.
    He loosed his hold and nipped at her bottom lip with his teeth, and then he soothed it with his lips before he broke the kiss. Her eyes stayed closed, and her heartbeat matched his as they both tried to catch their breaths.
    “I’m sorry.” His