Dare to Surrender by Carly Phillips Read Free Book Online Page B

finger.
    He groaned and smoothed my own moisture over my lips. “Give me a chance,” he said in a gruff voice that made me tingle.
    My stomach chose that moment to emit an unattractive growl. I just knew my cheeks turned red.
    Gabe merely chuckled. “My kitten needs food.”
    I forced my heavy eyelids open, embarrassed at the sound. “I haven’t eaten since a hotdog I bought for lunch.”
    His frown told me what he thought of that. “Come. I’ll feed you.”
    Which brought up my other concern that was equally if not more dangerous to my peace of mind. He wanted to feed me, he’d said. I could feed myself, by why argue? He spoke how he spoke, and I responded to it. But I couldn’t help wondering just how I could reinvent myself if I jumped right into another man’s home, not to mention his bed.
    Although Gabe didn’t seem like just any other man. He already felt important to me, something I didn’t, couldn’t comprehend. So maybe the key lay in getting to know him better and, as a result, learning more about myself and why I responded to him so strongly.
    But I wondered how long I could hold out against his seductive charm.

Chapter Six
    Gabe: Staking a Claim
    G abe couldn’t explain the primitive need to take care of Isabelle, to convince her that here, she could heal and find everything else she needed in life. With him. It wasn’t taking in a stray, as his brother had accused, it was caring for a woman he was completely drawn to and always had been. One he sensed would upend everything he’d told himself he wanted out of life post-Krissie, his deceased wife. Although he’d told himself he would never open himself up again, being given a chance with Isabelle made him change his mind. Now he had to change hers.
    But first, he could focus on something as simple as dinner. His housekeeper left him with enough home-cooked meals that he had his choice, but tonight he wanted to cook more than frozen and microwaved food.
    While Izzy showered, Gabe pulled out two steaks from the freezer, defrosted them, and soon had them cooking on his Thermador indoor grill. Lucy had insisted his kitchen be decorated with only the best, and over time, he’d come to appreciate cooking for himself once in awhile. Looking after Isabelle was a pleasure he’d never thought he’d have.
    He microwaved baking potatoes and set the table for two, even impressing himself with his speed. She seemed to take her time in the shower, and he hoped she was relaxing and not working herself into a panicked, frenzied need to leave.
    He’d just pulled the steaks from the grill when the doorbell rang, surprising him. He answered it, not at all happy to find his brother on the other side.
    Decklan stepped inside without Gabe’s invitation, took a deep inhale, and grinned. “Smells like I’m just in time for supper.”
    “The hell you are. You’re leaving.”
    His brother shot him a knowing look. “That answers question number one. She’s still here.”
    Gabe nodded. “Yes, she is, and I intend for her to remain. So leave before you scare her away. She’s not too fond of you, as I recall.”
    Decklan shook his head. “That’s why I come bearing gifts.” He held up a plain brown bag branded with the local pharmacy on the front.
    “Gabe?” Izzy’s voice called to him from the bedrooms.
    “Be right there!” Gabe turned back to his brother. “I don’t know what you’ve got in that bag, but take it and go home.” He wanted Izzy to himself over dinner. Time to explore her past, present, likes, and dislikes and to let her get to know him.
    Before Decklan could answer, Gabe became aware of a soft, feminine scent.
    “I didn’t know you were expecting company.” Isabelle joined them, wearing another of Lucy’s outfits, sweats that were again snug, emphasizing every inch of her delectable— not model-thin, thank God —body. She glanced at Decklan, her eyes opening in surprise. “Oh. It’s you.”
    “Don’t sound so happy to see