“No, just helping my team win this thing.” I clapped for Ed as Liv pulled a block. “I’ll never call him.”
“Well, you could if you wanted to.”
I loved this little jealously thing going on. “I know I could.”
“I know you know you could.” His eyes darted around the bar as I giggled. “I mean, it’s totally cool.”
I bit my lip, enjoying this much more than I should’ve. “Great. Because after the weekend pass is over, I might need to think of what’s next for little old me.”
His eyes shot a warning flare, and I wished everyone in the room would drop through the floor so he could do Gabey things to me.
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “So do whatever you want.”
I looked over to see Liv galloping across the bar while slapping her own ass. I did love this game. Now, back to Gabe. I peeked around, and nobody was looking in our direction so I leaned in a little closer. “So you would like me to not call the man?”
A little piece of hair dropped over his brow as an adorably shy smile crawled cross his lips. “Yes, please.”
I didn’t know what the hell was happening between us, but it didn’t feel like a weekend pass anymore, at least not for me. He stated clear as a train derailment that he didn’t do relationships. Maybe he was just jealous in the heat of the weekend.
All I knew was I needed to keep my brain separate from my emotions for once and live in the now. This would likely be the hottest weekend of my life, one I’d relive every single day until I slid into my grave. Not one of those his/her grave stones either because after having a man like Gabe, nobody would ever compare.
Something squeezed in my heart at the thought of it. I’d spend the next few years dating and waiting for the zip and zing that I had with Gabe to be found with another, but it’d never be so. I’d pass up any possible relationship, secretly pining for the hockey star who’d likely marry a super model, have super model babies, and live happily ever after.
Back to me though. I’d shut down any guy who gave me the time of day because he wasn’t Gabe, and eventually I’d be too old for anyone to want me. I’d end up riding around the Mall of America on my scooter, that being my only opportunity for human interaction because I’d shut my family out and become a hermit. I’d make friends with the guy who works at the coffee shop, I’m sure his name will be Larry, and he’d sneak me free ice coffees because he knew how pathetic my life was. Bummer.
Gabe’s nudged my shoulder. “What’re you thinking about?”
I was yanked back into the present to see Liv galloping back to the Jenga game while Gabe stared down at me. “Nothing.”
He chuckled. “That’s a lie. You get this little wrinkle between your brows when you mind starts running.”
Ed pointed to Gabe. “Wolkowski, you’re up.”
He pulled a block, and the whole tower swayed. “The worm.”
I pointed. “You’re screwed! I knew the girls would win!”
Gabe crossed his arms over his chest as Dan slapped his shoulder.
“Oh, Fern. Are you always so wrong?” He shot me a big old grin.
Clearly I was because with that, Gabe dropped to the floor, and did a hot-as-hell-light-me-on-fire worm. I was almost breathless, along with the crowd of women that quickly gathered. As I watched his biceps and that tushy of his, I knew Gabe had to be the most perfect man to ever walk the earth. I wanted to jump on his back and ride him like a cowgirl, but I didn’t.
A bit later, I finally broke down and stood in the bathroom line that wove down the hall and crossed my legs, hoping to make it. Someone took my hand, and happiness vibrated through my veins when I saw those electric eyes looking down at me.
“Where are we going?”
He pulled me down the hall. “No line at the little boy’s room. And it’s shockingly clean in there.”
Gabe pushed the door open just as a fella was exiting. He guided me inside before pushing the door shut and locking it.
“What are you doing, Mr. Gabe?”
He grabbed my waist and pulled me close before kissing me. It was one of his slow, tender ones, and I loved the faint taste of liquor that bit me before he pulled back. “This.” He pushed a piece of hair off my face. “You’re so freaking beautiful. I can’t keep my eyes off of you out there.”
His words jump-started my pulse. “Are you drunk?”
“Yes, ma’am. You?”
