Game of Fear (Montgomery Justice #3)(100)

He shrugged. “Rebuild the bar, see if I can buy it for real this time. I’m not sure I want to go back to being a cop.”

“Their loss.” She gave him a smile, all the while her heart breaking. “I guess this is it, then.”

“It’s for the best, Deb.”

“Yeah. For the best.”

He stood. “I’ll go tell the doctor you’re awake. I’m here until you’re released.”

She couldn’t bear to see him again. Not like this.

“Don’t worry about it. Ashley’s here. I have my family, Gabe. Just like you have yours. I’ll be okay.”

He turned to the door, his shoulders slumped. “You’re an amazing woman, Deb Lansing. It’s been an honor knowing you.”

“Ditto,” she said softly.

He quietly walked out the door.

She didn’t cry. She wouldn’t cry, but inside she balled up. Gabe Montgomery hadn’t stolen her heart, she’d given it away. She’d never get it back.




Gabe knelt in the middle of the scorched remains of Sammy’s Bar. It had been one week since Deb had come home. His pants hung on his hips. He couldn’t sleep. He couldn’t eat. All because he’d been a fool and a coward.

But seeing her lying in that hospital bed . . . she’d nearly died. He’d failed her in every way a man could fail a woman. How could she love him after that? How could she ever put her faith in him again? In his fatigue-filled mind, he’d convinced himself she was better off without him.

Maybe he’d been right.

A knock sounded on the new frame going up near the front. “Anyone home?” Neil Wexler stuck his head between the two-by-fours where the wall would be. “Place looks good.”

“Better than it did,” Gabe said, standing. He shook Neil’s hand. “You look good. Happy even.”

“Yeah.” Neil grinned. “My wife’s pregnant. I’m going to be a daddy.”

“Congratulations.” A wave of remorse washed through Gabe. Right now he couldn’t imagine having a family of his own. Not without Deb.

“Yeah, we’re excited. I wanted to stop by to offer you a job. As a detective.”

Gabe stilled. “Why?”

“Because you’re damned good at it and we could use a couple of upstanding deputies in the sheriff’s office. I could tear up your resignation paper today.”

Gabe slowly shook his head. “No thanks, Neil. I’m moving.” He bent over to clear the remains of a chair.

“Sorry to hear that, but it was worth a try. You’ll be missed.” Neil turned around to leave. “Deb.”

“Hi, Neil.”

Gabe’s head whipped up from his job. He straightened. The wood dropped from his fingertips as he drank in Deb’s presence.

The color was back in her cheeks, but tension pulled at her mouth and she looked liked she’d lost a few pounds.

Neil tipped his hat to her. “See you around. Maybe you can talk some sense into him. He’d be a great detective.”

Deb didn’t answer, but stepped into the remains of the bar. “This is where we started, isn’t it?”

She was here. She’d come to him. Gabe couldn’t form a thought. This wasn’t how it was supposed to happen. He hadn’t figured out how to apologize. “I guess so.”

Deb walked across the charred floor. “You’re moving?”

“I thought about it.

“I see.” Deb rubbed the nape of her neck. “I guess I was wrong.” She stepped back and then paused. “No, wait a minute.” She strode to him, toe to toe, and pulled his head down to hers.

The moment her mouth touched his, he groaned.

She shoved him away. “I thought so. You do want me.”

“Of course I want you,” Gabe growled. “What do you think I’m doing?”

“Running away?”

“Hell no.” Gabe shoved his hand through his hair. He couldn’t let her think the worst. Deb’s words were an attack, but the expression in her eyes—he’d hurt her. He’d known it at the hospital; he’d convinced himself he was doing the right thing. He should quit thinking. He blinked, hating the caution in her stance, in her gaze. She’d come here. It was so like her.

If he wanted to prove himself to her, he had to shove aside the doubts. He had to lay his heart on the line. She deserved no less. “I’m getting this place ready to rebuild, then moving to Colorado Springs. To be near you.”

She froze.

“I knew it the moment I got home. I almost lost you,” he said. “I don’t ever want to feel that way again, but it was my fault. How could I ask you to forgive me? How can I now?”

She clutched his jacket. “You’re an idiot, Gabe. There’s nothing to forgive. I’m the one who should thank you. You saved Ashley’s life. Without you and your family . . .” Deb shuddered. “I don’t want to think about what could have happened to her, to all those kids.”

“I don’t want gratitude, Deb.” His heart burst open, and he couldn’t stop himself from saying the words that had been simmering inside of him for too long. She was so close. He tugged her into his arms. “I want more, so I’m going to say it out loud. I’m in love with you, Deb Lansing. I love that you never run from a fight. I love you for your bravery, even when you scare the hell out of me. I love you for your loyalty, because you never turn your back on the people counting on you. And I love how much you love your family.” Gabe’s heart stuttered for a moment. He’d never made himself so vulnerable to anyone. He breathed in deeply. “I’ve loved you since the first day you walked into the bar. I just didn’t know it yet.”