Hooked on You: An Annapolis Harbor Series Prequel, Lea Coll [love letters to the dead .txt] 📗

a look which said: how would you know?“I know a little. Social services works with the parents. It sounds like she needs some coaching on how to be a parent. Maybe she is really struggling and isn’t aware of government programs to help. She doesn’t think she has any other options.”

Gabe looked at me with newfound respect. “I hope you’re right.”

“Why don’t we talk to her, see what the situation is, and offer our help?” I didn’t want to offer her money. I didn’t trust that Zach would ever see that money if I did. I didn’t know that her intentions were altruistic. She could be using her money for drugs or something else illegal. I wouldn’t know until we talked to her. “Please, I’m pretty good at judging if someone is truthful from reading trial transcripts and watching witnesses testify in court.”

“Let me think about it.” Gabe stopped pacing during my speech and was sitting on his desk, his legs crossed in front of him, and his arms braced on the desk, muscles rippling.

“Is your mom home now?” I asked Zach.

“She is. I don’t want to be there right now.”

“Why don’t I take you to Gabe’s until you feel comfortable going back to your mom’s tonight. Would that be okay?” My question was directed at both of them.

Zach looked relieved but I wasn’t sure how Gabe would take my suggestion.

“Yeah, that’s a good idea. You can’t hang out at a bar. If social services were to get involved I don’t want that coming up,” Gabe said.

I loved that. That he was thinking ahead. That he wanted to step in for Zach. He was prepared to offer his guardianship if it came to that.

“Zach, go grab a burger from the kitchen to go,” Gabe said.

Zach stood and when he opened the door, Gabe added, “No hanging out by the bar.”

“Sure,” Zach said before closing the door behind him.

When he was gone, Gabe pulled me to him.

“Hey.” I braced my hands on his shoulders as he pulled me in.

“Thank you.” He buried his face in my hair, his arms around my waist as he hugged me.

“You’re welcome. Thank you for letting me be there for you and Zach.”

“I was scared to tell you about Zach—worried that you wouldn’t understand, but you’ve been amazing. I’m so glad I have your support in this.”

“Of course. I can’t believe you would think otherwise.”

“Your job. You’re a mandatory reporter.” Gabe’s face was pinched as he stared into my eyes.

“Of sexual abuse. You don’t think he’s being sexually abused, do you?” I panicked remembering all of the awful pictures I’d seen today. If so, I’d have to step in and do something. Not only was I a mandatory report of children who’d been sexually assaulted, but I’d want to help.

“No. God. No. Hopefully, it’s just the neglect we’ve seen.”

“His mother isn’t an attentive parent. Hopefully, all she needs is guidance. I think we’re doing the right thing. This isn’t something I have to report. She’s neglecting him but I don’t think it rises to the level of an emergency. He gets meals at school, you help out, and hopefully we can convince his mom to do more.”

His brow wrinkled. “I don’t want him to quit school. That would be the worst thing that could come from this.”

“I agree.” I’d been raised to believe education was one of the most important things. I wanted the best for Zach and I’d only just met him.

“I can’t believe I ever doubted you.”

I smiled. “Me either. It took you awhile to come around—to trust me. Hopefully, all of your doubts are in the past.” I pushed away the nagging feeling that they were simmering below the surface. “Let me take Zach home. I don’t want him here any longer than necessary.”

“It’s too soon.” Gabe cupped my face tilting me to look at him.

Did he mean it was too soon for me to get involved with Zach? “What is?”

“For the feelings I’m having.”

He was having feelings? It was nice knowing I wasn’t alone in this even though his initial mistrust caused me to pump the breaks on mine. “It’s not. I’m feeling it too.”

“Yeah?” his thumb rubbed my cheek before he placed a chaste kiss on my lips. “Take our boy home, okay? I’ll talk to Anna.”

I flushed. I liked the idea of us having a child together too much. “See you tonight. No flirting with all the hot young co-eds.”

“I only have eyes for you.” He smacked my ass lightly as I walked away.

“Hey!” I shot him a flirty look over my shoulder as I left. I’d hoped he’d touch me tonight—that we’d make out in his office, but including me in his conversation with Zach was so much more. Gabe was like a puzzle with each piece more intriguing than the last. What would he be like when I discovered every last piece and put him together? I had an idea of what it would feel like and I couldn’t wait. With a huge smile on my face, I stopped in the kitchen and asked Zach if he was ready.

I’d run from Maryland, seeking freedom, wanting to do things on my own, but within weeks I’d found ties to New Orleans that I didn’t mind in the least.

Chapter Twenty

GABE

Taylor texted that Zach finally went back to his place once he’d calmed down. She said she’d wait for me to come home. I liked having someone to come home to, kissing someone goodbye. I’d never even considered the possibility before, but I liked the idea of getting married, having a child. Taylor had opened up my mind to all of the possibilities—things I’d never allowed myself to hope for. If Zach deserved an amazing future, didn’t I?

Yeah, I’d made mistakes when I was younger, but I didn’t have anyone to guide me on the right path. Maybe I’d ask Taylor to get my record expunged. If that happened, I could apply for a business loan to open my