Gabriel’s heart pounded his chest like he was still that teenager and seeing her walking into math class for the first time.
“He saved my life. I’m pretty sure I owe that to him,” she said, and her voice was quiet.
Gabriel couldn’t get a good read on her. Rather than let his imagination run wild, he crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s good to see you, Kinsley.”
“Please, take a seat,” Jaden said.
“Thank you. But what I have to say can be said standing up.” She leaned her slender hip against the conference table next to Gabriel.
“I’ll leave the two of you alone to talk,” Jaden said before walking out the door and closing it behind him.
Kinsley looked at Gabriel with apprehension in her eyes.
“How’s your friend?” Gabriel asked.
“Do you really think I’d believe that you haven’t already checked on him?” Her incredulous tone caused him to smirk.
“Guess not,” he said.
“Blake’s going to be fine. He wanted me to thank you personally.” She didn’t look Gabriel in the eyes and that made his heart race. The irony that he didn’t get this nervous when faced with a life-threatening situation wasn’t lost on him. Love fell into a whole different set of rules. He loved her. He still did.
“I thought you needed a couple of days to rest and figure out your next move,” Gabriel didn’t want to admit how much those words had been knife wounds when she’d said them to him at the hospital. And right now, he didn’t want to talk about Blake. Not while his heart pounded against his ribs like a nervous teenager.
“Yeah, about that…”
She walked over to where he was sitting behind his desk, pushed his chair back and sat on his lap.
Gabriel looped his arms around her. “I made a mistake once not talking to you. And I lost you because of it. Tell me what’s on your mind, Kinsley. I don’t want to lose you again.”
“I thought I needed time because I’m not one hundred percent comfortable with your job, with your line of work. But I love you, Gabriel. I physically ache when I’m not with you. So, I’ll figure out a way to make peace with what you do for a living. Because that’s what love does. It faces its fears so it can hold onto the only person it could ever love.”
Those were the only words he needed to hear.
“I love you, Kinsley. I can’t see myself ever loving anyone in the same way I love you. I can work with Jaden on my assignments—”
“Thank you for offering, Gabriel. But I love all of you. Everything that you are and, hey, one you’re one bad-ass man whose damn good at his job. I think it’s sexy and I don’t want to change you. I want you to be happy.”
“And what about your line of work? Are you really content to sit lock yourself in an office most of the day leaving only to teach?” he asked but his heart was already ready to burst.
“When you’re ready, I’d like to start a family,” she said honestly.
“Well there’s an important question I need to ask you first.” Gabriel kissed her before looking deep into her eyes. “Kinsley, I don’t deserve you. But if you give me a chance, I promise to always put your first. I promise to keep the lines of communication open. And I promise to love you for the rest of my life. Will you do me the incredible honor of marrying me?”
She looked at him with those cobalt eyes that he loved so much.
“Yes, Gabriel. I’ll be your wife.”
He brought his hands up to cup her face to position her mouth for better access. And then he kissed her.
And for the first time in his life Gabriel knew where he fit. With Kinsley, he was home.
Also by Barb Han
GUARDING LAUREN—TEXAS GUARDIANS (Brotherhood Protectors)
Ex-Special Forces sniper turned Blackwater Agency Operative Jaden Dean takes what should be a glorified babysitting mission while nursing a bullet wound. He quickly realizes that things aren’t always as they seem when his assignment, Lauren James, cleans out her bank account and heads to a known drop spot in the Caribbean. Is she in deep with the criminal brother she supposedly barely knows?
GUARDING CLARA—TEXAS GUARDIANS (Brotherhood Protectors)
Daniel Damon just might be the last hope for Clara Robins. Her niece has gone missing while out of the country on vacation and the government is doing almost nothing to help find the missing teen. The resort is calling Ashlyn a runaway, but Clara knows better. Family is complicated and time is running out. Convincing the ex-Special Operations soldier to take the job is her first challenge. Keeping emotions in check when their chemistry sizzles might just undo them both.
RESCUING EMERY (Brotherhood Protectors)
In Hero’s Junction, Colorado, Ash Cage tries to put the military, his home state of Texas and the past behind him working as a handyman despite nerve damage to his right hand. His plate is full since taking on retired military dog “Seven” who would’ve had a much worse fate if left to the military. Even so, Ash is starting to get his bearings in the civilian world. Until his life is turned upside-down once again when he comes to the aid of a beautiful car crash victim on the run from a killer.
About Barb Han
Barb Han is a USA TODAY, Publisher's Weekly, and Amazon Bestselling Author. Reviewers have called her books "heartfelt" and "exciting."
She lives in Texas—her true north—with her adventurous family, a poodle mix and a spunky rescue who is often referred to as a hot mess. She is the proud owner of too many books (if there is such a thing). When not writing, she can be found exploring Manhattan, on a mountain either hiking or skiing depending on the season, or
