Page 126 of Gabriel & Skye

“Are you okay? With the Tiffany stuff?” she asks suddenly.

My eyes meet hers. I told her everything, even the part about Gray showing up. We’ve spoken a lot about it lately, and how I never want to see her again. I nod. “Yes. She scared me and I made it clear she wasn’t welcome back here ever again.” I pique an eyebrow. “Why are you bringing this up?” She knows how I feel about her. I’ve told her enough times.

She shrugs. “I just know it’s a big step. I’m your first real girlfriend since your split with her. Things are bound to feel a little… different.”

I rub her shoulders. “I like different. There is no competition, Skye. You’re it for me. I know it’s only been a short space of time, but I’ve never felt this way before. You bring so much sunshine to everyone you meet, me especially. I feel like I lost so much time being bitter and angry, when I should’ve been grateful I didn’t spend twenty years with the wrong person.”

She smiles softly. “I just don’t want you to rush into anything. We can take this as slow as you need.”

“Stop worrying about me. It sounds like you’re trying to get rid of me already.” I bump her with my hips.

“Don’t be ridiculous. You know how I feel about you, Gabe. You’re amazing and everything I’ve ever wanted. I just hope Trinity is okay with it, and likes me…”

“You already know she doesn’t just like you, she loves you.”

“Let’s just promise that whatever happens, we always remain friends… for Trinity’s sake. I’ll always be honest with you, even if it may not be what you want to hear.”

My heart melts that she’d think of my daughter like that, especially after Trin’s own mother abandoned her.

“I appreciate honesty. I have fears, Skye. Abandonment is up there on my list to never be repeated, but none of us has a crystal ball. I know I love you and I want to be with you, and the rest will come as we explore this journey together.”

She stares up at me, her eyes full of wonder. “You’re the most decent man I know.” She pecks me lightly on the lips and I want to bury myself once more.

“It’s always been a problem of mine.”

“Cocky much?”

I smile against her lips. “We better get on over to the house. Gran will think we’re up to no good.”

She unwraps herself from me, albeit reluctantly. “Shoot, you’re right.” I narrow my eyes at her response. “You don’t have to look so smug about it.”

I wave my hands innocently. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She pulls me by the hand and opens the front door. “You have that look in your eye.”

“You’re imagining things.”

“I don’t think so, Mr. Bassett.”

I admire how strong she is, how she has that fire in her belly that is just too adorable.

“You know the best thing about telling everyone about us?”

She turns to look at me. “What’s that?”

I smirk. “I get to tell my brother to back off once and for all.”

She lets go of my hand when we get closer to the house. “Like he ever stood a chance. I like Brooklyn and all, but everyone knows he’s still in love with Eden.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Let me guess; Georgia-Blue?”

“Hey, don’t blame her. She’s only trying to help.”

“Well, that’s perfect news because Brook is going to need all the help he can get when Eden finds out they’re still legally married.” I told her that too, because unlike anyone else in this family, she can keep a secret.

“If he’s still in love with her, maybe subconsciously he didn’t file those papers.”

“Uh, oh. Not you too.”

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