Right Where We Belong (Silver Springs #4)(47)

When Heather’s ex-boyfriend didn’t continue the argument, Gavin got out. Maybe Scott’s silence meant he was on his way. Gavin had been planning to go in, take off his clothes and crash—with the hope that the world would look better in the morning. But that exchange with Scott had shot him full of adrenaline, making sleep impossible. He decided he’d sit out on the porch, like he did most other nights, and work on his latest song, try to calm down and keep an eye out at the same time, but when he reached the stoop, he found a note tucked into his front door.

I made beef stew in my Crock-Pot today and got some crusty sourdough bread at the bakery in town. I even have some no-bake cookies Alia and Branson helped make for dessert. Not a bad meal for someone who doesn’t have a stove or oven. Would you like to join us for dinner? If so, come on over. We’ll wait until seven. —Savanna

“Shit,” he muttered as he stared down at her delicate handwriting. Telling himself he’d be crazy to flirt with that kind of temptation, he crumpled the paper. He had to stay away from Savanna, or he could—would—wind up compromising his integrity. But he couldn’t say no to dinner. Although he’d given her his number, she’d never called or texted him, so he didn’t have hers. He couldn’t get out of going there without walking over to tell her. And if he did that, he might as well eat. He didn’t want her to think he was acting weird after last night when last night had nothing to do with what was going on in his life.

Besides, he was hungry, and this meant he wouldn’t have to make something for himself.

“It’s just dinner,” he muttered. It wasn’t as if she’d invited him back into her bed. They’d agreed that last night would be an isolated incident. Besides, it was early, so her kids would be up and interacting with them. Surely, Branson and Alia’s presence would keep him from doing anything he shouldn’t. Why sit here, angry and morose, waiting for Scott to arrive and make his night even worse?

He could always deal with Heather’s former boyfriend later.

The absurdity of fighting at all hit him as he showered. But he knew he might not have much choice in the matter. He wouldn’t allow Scott to push him around. If his childhood had taught him anything, it was how to deal with a physical threat. Scott seemed to believe that brute force could get him what he wanted, which proved that he was as big a fool as Gavin had first thought.

It was six-fifteen by the time Gavin was ready. He didn’t see Scott’s Camaro out front, though Scott had had plenty of time to drive over. Was he not coming?

Gavin checked his phone. There’d been no further word from him, either.

Hoping Heather’s former boyfriend would just let it go, Gavin pulled his hair back. He wouldn’t need his car keys, since he’d be walking over. But he was tempted to slip a condom in his wallet...

“See?” he said, disgusted that he’d even have the thought, and forced himself to leave without one.

He wasn’t going to sleep with Savanna again.

*

Savanna had splurged while she was in town earlier and bought a new blouse as well as a nude-colored bra and panty set. She figured she owed herself something after so much scrubbing and cleaning and unpacking. It was the first thing she’d bought beyond absolute necessities since Gordon had gone to jail, and it felt like Christmas. She loved being able to make such a purchase without having to account for it later, after Gordon got home. It was especially exciting to wear her new clothes knowing that Gavin might be coming over. He made her feel so desirable. And that was a rush, especially after going so long feeling as though she was merely an afterthought to her husband.

Still, the house needed repairs. She had no business buying sexy underwear. But she wouldn’t splurge again, and she was slowly improving their living situation. She’d removed all the junk and trash, knocked down the spiderwebs (the hardest job yet), cleaned out the closets and emptied at least half the boxes. In another day or two she’d have herself and her children completely moved in. Then she’d be able to tackle the list she’d been making of the things that needed to be repaired or replaced, get some bids and pull together a budget.

As she set the table, she kept glancing out the front window to see if Gavin was coming up her drive.

When she spotted him, her heart jumped into her throat. One night was never going to be enough, she realized. She supposed she’d known that when she bought the lingerie. But she wasn’t willing to get into another serious relationship, wasn’t ready to introduce another man into her children’s lives. Anyone who felt relieved just to be able to buy a bra, a pair of panties and a shirt needed to retain her freedom for a while. But she and Gavin could continue to enjoy each other physically, if they wanted to. They lived close, had the privacy and were extremely attracted to each other. At least, he’d seemed every bit as interested in her body as she was in his...

It would depend on whether they’d be able to keep the physical side of things in perspective, she decided. That alone was a big question mark. But, in case they continued to see each other in that way, she was glad she hadn’t thrown out her birth control pills. She could easily start taking them again.

The moment Gavin knocked, Branson jumped up from where he and Alia were sprawled out on the floor in front of the TV. “I’ll get it!”

As he raced past, Savanna went back into the kitchen, where she could hear Gavin greet Branson and tease him a little at the door.