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

While I didn’t find the innuendo insulting, Gabe growled, “Watch your mouth.”

Both Eli and I widened our eyes at his reaction. Holding up his hands, Eli said, “Easy now. I was just joking.”

“Yeah, well, don’t joke like that in front of Rae. She’s not one of the guys.” Gabe turned his gaze from Eli to me. With a smile, he said, “She’s special.”

Holy swooning hell. I fought the urge to melt into a puddle at Gabe’s feet. Sure, I knew he felt that way about me, but it was extremely sexy hearing him say it to his brother.

“I’m sorry for being offensive, Rae,” Eli said sincerely. If I hadn’t already liked him before, I especially liked him now. Even though Gabe hadn’t demanded an apology, Eli was willing to give me one.

“Thank you, and it’s okay. I’m surrounded by men on a daily basis, so I’ve certainly heard worse.”

“Gabe told me you run a collision business back home.”

“I do. I mean, I run the business side. I’m not actually welding on bumpers or anything like that.”

Eli grinned. “It would be pretty cool if you did.”

I laughed. “I’m sorry to disappoint you.”

“Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m totally impressed that you run your own business, especially one that’s so male-dominated.”

I fought the urge to smile as I thought about how Gabe had been right when he’d called his brother a smooth talker. It was somewhat charming. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

“I’d love to hear more about it. Although you guys are busy today, maybe we can get together for drinks or dinner while you’re in the city.”

My gaze bounced from Eli’s to Gabe’s. When I cocked my brows at him, he nodded. “Sure. That sounds great.”

Nodding, Eli said, “You guys just text me when you have a free moment.”

“I’d love to come too,” Abby piped up. I hadn’t realized she had joined us. “I’m sure Jake would love to meet you.”

“I’d love to meet him. I’ve loved Runaway Train for years,” I replied.

While Abby beamed at my response, Eli cocked his head at me. “What about Jacob’s Ladder?”

When I winced, both Abby and Eli laughed. Gabe saved me by saying, “Rae doesn’t do country.”

“Well, I didn’t do country before I met Gabe,” I added. I smiled at Abby and Eli. “After today, I’m a huge fan, and that has nothing to do with Gabe and everything to do with how beautiful the music is.”

“Okay, I guess you’re forgiven,” Abby said.

Eli held up a hand. “Hold on—I would argue that since Gabe’s the one writing the music, it’s still all about him.”

With a shake of my head, I replied, “It would only be his words on paper without you two. You guys came together to make music today, and it was amazing.”

Eli’s eyes bulged as he turned to Gabe. “Dude, she gets it.”

Gabe grinned. “I know.”

“What exactly is it that I get?” I asked.

“The process of making music.”

I laughed before protesting, “But I don’t play an instrument or sing.”

“It doesn’t matter. You either get it or you don’t, and you totally do.”

“Then I’m glad I do.”

“So am I,” Gabe replied.

Turning to his sister, Eli said, “Since Gabe and Rae have plans, why don’t you let your big brother buy you lunch?”

“Actually, I was planning on using my child-free time to get a facial and a massage.”

Eli bobbed his head in agreement. “I’m totally down for that—if we can grab a bite first.”

I smiled at the two of them. “It sounds like you guys have an amazing day planned. I can’t even remember the last time I had a facial or a massage.”

Abby’s eyes widened. “Oh my gosh, you should totally come with us. I mean, no offense to Eli, but it would be much more fun having a girls day.”

“Thanks a lot,” Eli muttered.

At the same time, Gabe stepped forward. “She can’t go, Abby. She already has plans with me.”

Something about his caveman attitude caused me to giggle, and then I knew I had to have some fun with him.

Moving away from Gabe, I linked my arm through Abby’s. “Come on, Gabe. Would you really begrudge me a massage and a facial? I mean, don’t I deserve a break?”

Gabe appeared so crestfallen that I struggled to hold back a laugh. Abby immediately picked up on what I was doing and held the hand linked through her arm so I was even closer to her.

“Rae’s right, Gabe. From what you’ve told me of her running her own business and being a single mom, she deserves a little pampering, doesn’t she? Forget just a massage—I think she should spend the whole day at the spa.”

Gabe’s expression was priceless, his gaze bouncing between me and Abby like he didn’t know what to say or do. It was then that I lost it, and a very unladylike snort escaped my lips before I burst out laughing. My reaction caused Abby to lose it as well. Before I could say anything, Gabe untangled my hand from Abby’s and practically dragged me away from her. I quickly waved over my shoulder to Abby and Eli, who were both laughing at their brother’s antics. “Next time, Rae. I’ll take you next time,” Abby called.

“You. Are. In. So. Much. Trouble,” Gabe growled. Naturally, it only made me laugh more.

When I could finally get words out, I said, “I’m sure you’ll enjoy doling out the punishment, Mr. Renard.”

That comment earned me a stinging smack on the ass, which had the opposite effect than Gabe had intended. It totally turned me on, and when Gabe looked at me, he saw exactly that. The smile on his face was not only a little victorious, it was also very sexy.

Jerking his chin at the door, Gabe said, “You know, they really liked you.”

“Wait, how do you know? You guys didn’t even get a chance to talk alone.”

“I didn’t have to talk to them about it. I could just tell.”

A warm, fuzzy feeling filled me at his remark. “That makes my day. Even though I didn’t get to spend much time with them, I really liked them, too. Abby just has this aura of sweetness about her, and Eli is amazing.”

Gabe peered curiously at me. “You’re not having second thoughts about me after meeting him?”

I rolled my eyes. “Have you lost your mind?”

“It’s an honest question.”

“No, it’s not.” I closed the gap between us to jab my finger in his chest. “There is no way I would ever be more attracted to Eli than I am to you. Sure, he looks just like you and he’s funny, but the most important thing is, he’s not you.”

With a smirk, Gabe countered, “That is not necessarily a good thing.”

“It is to me. There is no else like you for me. I can’t replicate what we have with Eli just because he looks like you, and even if I could, I wouldn’t want to. You are the Renard brother for me. You’re the reason I came to Atlanta. I only want to be with you.”

“If you say so.”

“Oh, I know so.” I slid my arms around his waist. “I like you just the way you are, Gabe.”