Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 34931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Ray popped in the flash drive and opened the file. Gage had copied thirty minutes in total. While the video played, Ray filled out the paperwork.
“Yep. This is what we need. Thanks, Gage. Please read this and sign here. We’ll be after those bastards today.”
“Here ya go.” He slid the signed document back to his cousin and then stood up. “Come on, baby. Let’s get dinner while we’re here.”
“Are you sure you want to be seen with me?”
The tone of her voice caught Gage by surprise, but the look of pain in her eyes nearly broke him. “Don’t start that shit.”
Gage shook his cousin’s hand and took the copy of the paperwork with him. He slid his hand around Hope’s waist and led her outside. Gage could feel her tensing up and trying to pull away. They walked to the SUV, and before he opened the door, he pinned her to it. “You’re mine.” With a growl, he crashed his mouth down on hers, kissing her desperately.
When he pulled away, he winked. “I don’t want my mom to meet you because I don’t want her to steal your time from me, and I know she will.”
“When were you planning on telling her about me?”
“She knows all about you, honey. I told her about you the day after they arrested your father, but she’s been busy working, and so have I. I’m sure she’ll be at the ranch very soon.” He loved his mother, but he already had a hard time getting Hope alone with him. The ranch work demanded more effort on his part than he remembered, including the paperwork.
“That’s understandable.” He read her expression very clearly. The stiffened form and flat mouth told him she didn’t believe him.
“So how about the diner down the street?” Gage pointed to local diner just half a block down and across the street.
“I’ll be happy with any place you pick as long as we’re out.”
“Of course. I’m sorry I’ve kept you in so long. The diner will be great.” They walk down the street to the Spring Water Diner. He held the door open. The door dinged as they entered, grabbing everyone’s attention.
“Gage!”
A woman threw her arms around him, and he encircled her in his arms, lifting her. Jealousy surged through Hope as she stared at the beautiful woman. She’d never had a chance to date or be in a relationship, so this experience really stung. She attempted to choke back the insecurity and straightened her shoulders, brushing a small bunch of hair out of her face and while making herself look unbothered. She might not have been in love before, but she had experience of hiding her emotions.
“Oh, my goodness! You must be Gage’s Hope.” She threw her arms around Hope, shocking her. The woman pulled back, gripping Hope’s biceps and smiling at her. The genuine happiness in her eyes baffled the young woman.
“Hope, this lovely yet crazy woman is my mother, Grace.” Gage wryly chuckled.
Hope’s eyes widened. She did a double take between the two. His mother looked about his age. “Your mother?”
“Yes. See why I didn’t introduce you two sooner?” Gage laughed and pulled Hope to his side.
His mother swatted Gage’s forearm. “Where are your manners?”
“Are you dining here?” Hope asked Mrs. Gibson.
“No, actually, I own the diner with my sister, Kelly.” Hope’s eyes widened with that information. It explained why Gage said she was busy working and hadn’t had a chance to meet. She was a business owner and truly successful. Gage hadn’t been lying about it and that calmed Hope’s fears and insecurities for a moment even though she was a bit intimidated by such a powerhouse of a woman.
Hope nodded, putting it all together. “Oh, well, that’s amazing.”
“Please take a seat over here. I’ll bring you a menu.” She kissed her son’s cheek and walked away with a little extra pep in her step.
“Thank you,” Hope uttered to the fleeting woman.
“Come, baby.” Gage took her hand and led her to a seat.
“This is a nice place.” Her voice had a curious lilt in it that she couldn’t hide and that drew Gage’s attention instantly.
His brows raised and his eyes bore into hers with equal parts curiosity and humor. He grabbed her hand and pressed. “Go on, get it out. You’re curious.”
“Okay, I had no idea she was your mom. She looks so young.”
“Well, she’s about almost fifty. She had me at eighteen.”
“Wow, she’s glowing. I thought…”
“I know what your pretty little head thought, but I haven’t been on a date in a long time.” The confession surprised and elated Hope. With her youth and inexperience she was a world behind Gage, and she had doubts about her place in his heart.
“I’m silly.” Hope played with a strand of her hair, ducking her head down.
“No, you’re not. I’d murder any man who’s arms you jumped in to,” he snarled.