Going Down Easy (Boys of the Big Easy #1)(50)

“I don’t think we should try for it,” she said. “It’s not what I really want. But no, it definitely wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.”

He blew out a breath. “Okay.”

“Okay.” She didn’t know what else to say. So she kissed him and then slid out of his lap.

They arrived at the party ten minutes later, and Addison put on a smile and her mask, reminding herself that this was a ball on a southern plantation and she was going to focus on the fun and frivolity for the rest of the night.

Because the topic of having a baby with Gabe was definitely not frivolous. And fun wasn’t the right word, either. But it also wasn’t terrifying. And that was just not something she was prepared to delve into.

Two hours, two beignets, two mint juleps, and several dances later, Addison was definitely in a party mood. Gabe was hot enough in the tux, but when he showed her that he knew how to waltz, her panties nearly melted off. He’d been introducing her to people, touching her, even stealing kisses all night, and she felt like she was in the middle of a fairy tale. So when her phone rang just as she was returning to the dance floor with Gabe’s hand in hers, it took her a second to return to real life.

“Hello?”

“Hi, honey, it’s Caroline.”

“Hi, Caroline.” Addison pointed toward the huge French doors that led to the back patio, and Gabe nodded. “Just a minute, we’re going where it’s quieter.”

They stepped out onto the enormous stone patio, complete with a gurgling fountain and three stone paths that led into the flower garden. As soon as the doors swung shut, the music and conversation were cut off, and she said, “Is everything okay?”

“Oh, yes. I was just calling to let you know that Stella is fast asleep, and I was wondering if she could spend the night. We talked about my French toast earlier, and Cooper convinced her that she really had to try it.”

Addison smiled. “I’m so glad they’re getting along. But I don’t know—”

“She’s in one of Cooper’s shorts and T-shirts, I had an extra toothbrush, and she’s confiscated one of Logan’s favorite pillows.”

“Are you sure?”

“Honey, I’m completely sure. I’d love to have her. You and Gabe enjoy your night, and we’ll see you in the morning for French toast. It really is quite good.”

Addison laughed. “I don’t know how I can say no. But please call me if there are any problems at all.”

“Of course. Have fun.”

“What’s going on?” Gabe asked as she disconnected.

Addison explained, then said, “I think your mom is trying to get you laid,” she said.

He grinned. “She’s the best.”

“She really is.”

He nodded and lifted a hand to her cheek. “But be careful. My mom is this close to pulling out her wedding ring so I can give it to you.”

Addison laughed, but then she saw that he was clearly serious. Her heart thumped, and she felt her lungs freeze and a really strange ribbon of I-want-that snaked through her. Addison swallowed. “Really? She barely knows me.”

“But she knows me.”

“And you said something?” Surely not. No way would Gabe mention his mother’s wedding ring. She needed to keep calm. He was kidding around. Kind of. Maybe.

“I didn’t have to say anything. She knows me. She’s seen how happy I am.”

“It’s only been a few weeks,” Addison said weakly.

“It’s been seven months.”

She looked up at him. “You’ve been noticeably happier because of me for seven months?”

He nodded. “Maybe it’s not very manly to admit, but I’ve been pretty smitten with you since you first walked into my bar.”

Smitten. That was a really great word. And, wow. It wasn’t I love you, but it was as close to talking about feelings other than lust that they’d been.

“I have been, too,” she said honestly.

He pulled her close and kissed her. And it was the sweetest kiss of her life. Full of promise and, yeah, maybe they weren’t saying it, but that kiss felt like there was some love there. Tears pricked the backs of her eyes, and she had to blink a few times after opening them when he lifted his head.

“Want to go to the apartment where I can finally get this dress off you completely and worship your body from head to toe?” he asked.

“That’s quite a come-on line,” she teased, absolutely ready to let him do all that.

“Oh, there’s going to be coming involved. Nice, loud, Gabe-you’re-a-god coming.”

As desire swept through her, so did an emotion that felt like more than “some” love. She swallowed. “Yeah, I definitely want that.”

Gabe nodded, but he pinned her with an intense look and said, “I think I should be clear about something before we go. In case you want to change your mind.”

Oh boy. She wet her lips. “Okay.”

“You should know that if I take you to that apartment, where it all started, I will not be fucking you all night long.”

Addison couldn’t believe it, but she was pretty sure she knew what he was going to say. “Okay,” she replied softly.

“I will be making love to you. All night long.”