Jacob's Ladder: Gabe (Jacob's Ladder #1)

Laughing, I said, “Okay, fine. For starters, you’re rich, and you’re famous.”

“I’d argue that I’m a B-list celebrity at best, maybe even pushing C, and although I do really well, I’m not that rich.”

“Oh boo-hoo, let me cry you a river.”

Gabe chuckled. “Okay, so maybe my last statement made me sound like a douchebag.”

“Pretty much.”

He frowned slightly. “I don’t know why, but sometimes things just come out wrong. Like, I see them the way I want to in my head, but then something happens between my mind and my mouth. Just now, I was trying to emphasize my normalcy, that I’m not really all that rich and famous.”

“It’s interesting that a songwriter seems to have trouble putting thoughts and emotions into words.”

“I guess it’s like musicians who are a mess in real life but can wow an audience when they’re onstage.”

“That’s one way to look at it.”

“I know I feel the most at peace with myself when I’m on stage, and when I’m writing a song.” He gave me a wry grin. “At least I did until I started going through hellish writer’s block.”

“But you’re finding the words again, aren’t you?”

“I am—thank God.” He jerked his chin at me. “And thank you.”

“Although I still don’t understand it, I will say you’re welcome.”

As Gabe poured another cup of coffee from the carafe, he quirked his brows at me.

“What about you? Do you ever feel threatened by your sisters?”

His question made me think about how I’d felt toward Kennedy and Ellie that morning, and I felt ashamed all over again. “Of course I have. You saw my sisters—they’re beautiful.”

The corners of Gabe’s lips quirked up in a smile. “So is their sister, if not even more beautiful.”

Although I didn’t exactly understand why, his compliment had me ducking my head and feeling somewhat shy. “Thank you.”

“You’ve only ever felt jealous of their looks?”

Glancing back up at him, I replied, “Of course not. They’re just as gorgeous on the inside. They managed to start and run a successful business before they were twenty-five.”

“Don’t sell yourself short. You’re doing pretty well at Hart and Daughter.”

“But that business wasn’t mine. My father was the one who built it up for me to take over.”

“You also made a professional sports team.”

I laughed at Gabe’s reference to me being on the Atlanta Steam. “Since neither of my sisters enjoyed playing sports, I don’t think there was anything to envy there—not to mention how Kennedy thinks the uniforms are completely sexist.”

“But you were MVP three years running. I saw the plaques myself.”

“Once again, I don’t think they lost any sleep over it.”

“I certainly would have.” He waggled his brows. “At least over fantasizing about you in your uniform.”

“Spare me,” I replied with a grin.

Leaning back in his chair, Gabe took a long sip of coffee. “Sometimes I find myself envious of Micah and Abby, of the fact that they’ve found someone who loves and accepts them for who they are.”

“Wow,” I murmured.

Gabe winked at me. “Didn’t think Mr. Manwhore over here could be that deep, huh?”

I grinned. “You got me there. Now you’re the one who is able to see through me.” I leaned forward in my chair to pour another cup of coffee. “Since both Kennedy and Ellie are single, I can’t really envy that aspect of their life.”

“That’s like me and Eli, although he does seem to do better with the ladies.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“Why’s that?”

“Um, because you two look exactly alike. If I saw the two of you together, I would be interested in both of you, not just him.”

A wicked gleam burned in Gabe’s eyes. “You would, huh? Like a ménage thing?”

Groaning, I replied, “Um, no, not a ménage situation. I’m not into two dudes period, least of all two brothers.” I shuddered. “There’s some kinda incest there.”

Gabe laughed. “I would agree with you on that one. There’s no way in hell I’m going to be doing the deed and have my nut sack touch Eli or his touch me.”

Wrinkling my nose, I said, “Ew!”

“Sorry, just have to call it like I see it. But, going back to your original statement, trust me, you would want to date Eli over me.”

“And why is that?”

“Once you met Eli, he’d be making you laugh. Women love a man who makes them laugh.”

“You have a point there.”

“I rest my case.” And dammit, I really hated that I’d just given her that option. Of course, she would choose Eli over me any day. Looks aren’t everything.

“But you act like you’re some loser who lacks any redeeming personality. After getting to know you more last night, I know that isn’t the case at all.”

Gabe grinned. “Thank you. Now before you continue your campaign to build up my failing self-esteem, I’m going to need more of Kennedy’s scones.”

I laughed. “Okay. We can take a scone break.”

After Gabe rose out of his chair, he asked, “Would you like anything from the kitchen?”

It was quite a change being waited on by a man, least of all a man who was used to having people wait on him. “I appreciate it, but no, I’m stuffed from all the French toast.”

“There are two more orders in there.”

I gasped. “Seriously?” Before Gabe could respond, I dove into the Rafferty’s bag. “Oh my God, there’s more.”

“I thought you might enjoy having some the rest of the week.”

Ha, the week? They won’t last twenty-four hours. “I will.” I grinned at him. “If I don’t reheat it today.”

“Whatever you want to do. I’ll be right back.”

“And I’ll be right here.” Because, God help me, I couldn’t pull myself away.





Although I knew it was probably past time for Rae to go to work, I didn’t say anything; I was enjoying her company too much. After I picked up another scone, I grabbed the coffee pot from the kitchen and went back outside.

When I got to the table, Rae was smiling down at her phone. “Good news?”

She glanced up at me. “Just Linc letting me know he got to school all right, and that he got a 100 on the vocab test we studied for last night.”

“Hmm, I’m thinking Linc is pretty spoiled to already have a phone before he’s ten years old.”

“You sound like my dad,” Rae mused as she took the coffee pot from me and poured it into the carafe. “I just like to always be able to get in touch with him. I figure it’s worth the money for my piece of mind.”

“And now you sound like my sister, except she has special go-phones for everyone who takes care of the twins. That way she doesn’t have to worry about not getting in touch with them.”

“Yep. That’s a mother for you.” She grinned. “We’re crazy as hell, but we’re lovable too.”

“I agree with that.”

“Speaking of Linc, I can’t thank you enough for humoring him last night with all his questions about being a professional musician.”

“You don’t need to thank me. I really enjoyed hanging out with him.”

Rae’s brows creased. “You did?”