Read Online Still Mr. And Mrs. by Patricia Olney - Free Book Online Page B

chintz-cushioned chair in the front foyer, tapping her sneakered foot on the marbled floor. She’d been waiting for Gabe for what seemed like eternity.
    In that instant, Gabe rounded the corner andstopped down the hallway from her. For a brief second they watched each other.
    In one hand he held an open straw basket, and under his other arm was a large blanket. His hair was still damp from a shower, and she had the urge to feel the thick texture between her fingers.
    She swallowed.
    He squared his shoulders and walked toward her.
    She held her breath for a second. She could see his muscles ripple beneath his gray knit shirt and jeans.
    “Did you want lunch?” He held up the straw picnic basket.
    “Oh, that’s a great idea. Thanks for remembering.”
    He eyed the cropped red top and denim shorts she wore. “Only shorts? It might get a little cool on top of the mountain.”
    “You’ll keep me warm.”
    He arched a brow at her comment. “It’s a public place.”
    “Since when did that ever stop you from putting your arms around me in public?”
    He smiled.
    “Seems to me,” Rebecca went on, “thatyou’ve done a lot more than just holding me in public.”
    “Kissing isn’t a crime,” he reminded her. His gaze held a warning that unnerved her. “Do you have a sweater or something?”
    “I have a sweatshirt.” She indicated the large bag at her feet, then took the picnic basket from him. Their fingers brushed and passion grew in her heart like a song. “Why the wine?”
    He shrugged.
    “Are you planning to seduce me?” she asked in a sweet voice, feeling the warmth of his hands. “To woo me on top of the mountain over a bottle of wine?”
    “Are you looking for trouble, Reb?” His voice showed signs of interest.
    “Depends, Gabe.” She suppressed a tiny moan at the back of her throat. “Are you offering?”
    “That’s the last of the rosé.” Gabe handed Reb her half-filled glass.
    It had been almost two hours since they arrived at the aerial tramway, traveled the three and a half miles up the hill, eaten the lunch Hines had packed for them, and taken a smallhike along one of the many tree-lined mountain trails.
    “We really finished that bottle off quickly, didn’t we?” Rebecca sipped the last swallow.
    She placed her glass inside the straw basket along with the other picnic items. Gabe leaned back and stretched his legs out on the blanket, watching her. Under the shade of a huge evergreen, he had the unobstructed view of the Coachella Valley below, the San Jacinto mountains behind him, and Reb right beside him.
    And he’d never seen anything more lovely in his whole life.
    She’d loosened her hair, allowing the thick waves to lay across her shoulders. He wanted to wrap his fingers around each wild curl and inhale its clean, sweet scent.
    “Why didn’t you tell me about the day care center when we were married?” Gabe asked.
    She brushed her hair aside but didn’t look at him. “You were always too busy.”
    Again, he’d failed her. It was as though he’d turned into his father. Always working. Never having the personal time for his family. A bitter feeling of resentment churned deep in his stomach.
    Awkwardly, she cleared her throat. “I didn’t want you to think it was a silly idea.”
    He touched her hand. “I don’t think it’s silly.”
    She shrugged.
    “Reb. Why the desperate need for kids when we’d been married for such a short time?”
    “Because it’s the only way I can fill this empty place inside me, Gabe. I love children.”
    “Wasn’t I enough? Didn’t I make you happy?”
    “Yes, I loved you. You made me very happy.” Her voice trailed off.
    “But not completely,” he added for her. “Otherwise we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” He stretched back, resting on his elbows. “You know, I always had this feeling you never needed me. At least not in the way I wanted you to need me.”
    “Really?” The shock in her voice was plain to hear.
    He