Page 59 of Trusting Her Bear

“Not yet.” She bites her lip as we communicate with each other with our eyes. Mine are wide with surprise and uncomfortableness. Hers are wide with pleading.

“Why don’t you stay a few days? We can talk, and you can call our parents to let them know you are here.”

“Yes.” She shakes her head rapidly. “Can I stay here?”

“Of course,” I say automatically and then panic. I can’t let her see the closet.

“I’ll go clean up,” Quinn offers, and I turn to him.

Fuck, I want to kiss him for his thoughtfulness.

“How about I take her?” Sally says, and we all look at her. “I’m single. You two,” she waves her cone between Quinn and I. “Need the space. Gabby doesn’t want to be in the middle of a mated pair.” She grabs Gabby’s hand. “It will be a blast.”

“Are you sure?” Quinn asks.

“I don’t offer things when I don’t mean it.” She pulls Gabby close and wraps her arm around her shoulder. “You don’t mind, do you?”

“I don’t know, I’ve heard stories about rabbits,” Gabby teases.

“Good. We can stay up late, and I’ll tell you some more,” Sally smirks.

“Sounds good to me,” she agrees.

“Gabby, are you sure?” I ask. I feel like I’m abandoning her.

“Don’t worry, Sis. I won’t get into trouble.” She meets me in the middle of the room. I hug her tight and slide her bag over her shoulder.

“Call me anytime after you call home,” I remind her.

“I got it.” She pushes away. “Welcome to the family, brother-in-law.” She blows him a kiss.

“Thank you,” Quinn says, his eyes twinkling.

“I will walk out with you guys,” Breeane says. She winks at me.

“Now, Gabby, I didn’t say anything about not getting into trouble,” Sally whispers, pulling her toward the door.

“I already got into trouble, but Steph didn’t think it was funny,” Gabby whispers back.

“Really? Do tell.” Sally closes the door after them before she can answer.

“She’ll be fine, right?” I ask Quinn.

“Yes.” He walks behind me, and we watch the trio walk down the block. “Sally will protect her.”

“Good.” I face him and put my palms on his chest.

“Are you ready to tell me about your family?” he asks.

I sigh. “I will. Can we get some food first?” I ask, stalling.

“Of course. I’ll have something delivered.”

He locks the front door, takes my hand, and pulls me out of the room and back upstairs.

I let him guide me, gathering my thoughts.

How do I explain my family?

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