Page 28 of Sticks and Stones
Chapter Eight
Gunnar tried to write, but his concentration was shot to hell. He and Gianna would have the house all to themselves that night and he didn’t know what to expect. He didn’t want to put any pressure on her, but he’d give anything for some sign they were getting closer. They’d always had a great connection in bed and he wasn’t above using that to get her to admit she was still in love with him. Because he knew she was. He could feel it in her kiss, see it in her smile, and absorb it in her touch.
When he couldn’t stand his circular thoughts anymore, he texted Levi to ask if that invitation to his place was still open. Levi responded immediately with the address.
Since he planned to stay in town for a while, Gunnar bought a pickup truck from a small dealership on the outskirts of town. It was a few years old, but it suited him just fine. He stopped and picked up a six pack of beer, looking forward to talking to someone who he sensed would be real with them. He was used to people blowing smoke, telling him what he wanted to hear, but he knew Levi wasn’t that guy.
The house was off the beaten path, but as it came in to view, he could immediately appreciate what Levi saw in it. It was a good size, not too big or too small, and was surrounded by mature trees. There was a separate structure that appeared to be a workshop, though the door was closed.
As soon as he stepped out of the truck, a dog barked and bolted across the lawn to greet him.
Levi stepped onto the porch and raised a hand in greeting. “Meet the welcoming committee. Ivy.”
“Hey, Ivy,” Gunnar said, leaning down to scratch the dog behind the ears. She immediately plopped down and rolled over, shamelessly begging for a belly rub. Gunnar chuckled, obliging.
“Enough,” Levi said to Ivy, frowning at her. “Mind your manners.” He hooked a thumb over his shoulder and gave the dog a warning look. “Go lay down.”
As Gunnar watched her trot off to the front porch, he smiled. “She follows orders better than most of the people who work for me. What’s your secret?”
“Treat training.”
“Huh, I should try that.” He shook Levi’s hand before handing over the beer. “Thanks for letting me come over. I was going a little stir-crazy at home.”
“Home, huh?” Levi asked, raising an eyebrow. “Is that what you’re callin’ our humble little town these days?”
“I don’t know. Maybe.” He followed Levi into the house with Ivy hot on his heels.
“Sit down,” Levi said, gesturing to one of two leather armchairs flanking a matching sofa.
“Thanks.” The chair faced a huge stone fireplace, which was decorated with framed photos. “Big family, huh?”
“Yeah, two brothers,” Levi said, handing him a beer before sinking into the sofa, which faced a large screen TV. “And two sisters. Also got a few nieces and nephews.” He grinned. “Gotta love those kids.”
“Yeah.”
It made Gunnar think of Keegan and Ramsey and all the time he’d missed out on when they were growing up. They were young ladies now, with barely a trace of the little girls they’d once been. He wished he could snap his fingers and turn back time. He’d do everything differently. He’d devote more time to his kids and less to his career. He’d have married the love of his life and told her every day that she was.
“Looks like you’re a million miles away, man.”
“Sorry.” Gunnar tipped the bottle back, letting the familiar taste wash away all the bad memories. “I was just thinking about what an idiot I’ve been. Never did learn how to put first things first.”
“It’s not always easy to get your priorities straight. Especially in your business, where people expect so much of you.”
Gunnar appreciated the understanding, but felt he didn’t deserve it. He could have made different decisions, he’d just chosen not to.
“So, how are things goin’ with you and Gianna?”
He thought about the progress they’d made and smiled. “Better, actually. I feel like we’re closer now than we ever were when we lived together.” They’d had more deep conversations in the past ten days than they had in the previous ten years.
“Can I ask you a personal question? And don’t feel you have to answer it if you don’t want to.”
Gunnar was used to dodging personal questions. He made his living being grilled by hungry reporters who all wanted the scoop, so he was pretty sure nothing Levi could ask would shock or embarrass him. “Go ahead.”
“Why’d Gianna leave you?”
“I…” He could make excuses or tell the truth. “I was never there. My career came first. She believed I loved it more than her and she needed more.”
“That’s understandable,” Levi said, crossing his ankle over his knee. “So, why’d you come here to try and get her back?”
