Page 7 of Counting the Stars

“Oh, like you’re the relationship expert now?”

“Of course not, but it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Gabby doesn’t want to go out with a guy who has slept with half the population of Starboard Beach.” Jax takes a bite of his pizza.

“This coming from the guy who has slept with the other half,” I counter. It’s true. Jax and I are not known for our celibate ways, although he’s cleaned up his act since Aly came into his life. I, too, have calmed down significantly. I haven’t been with anyone since I met Gabby. Oh, there have been opportunities, but the thought of being intimate with anyone else makes me ill. It’s funny. For most of my life, I was against long-term relationships, but everything changed once I met her. I just wish the feeling were reciprocated.

“I’m reformed now!” Jax says defensively.

“So am I. I just don’t have a way to proveit.”

“I will admit,” Carter pipes up, “Alex spends a lot more time at home now compared to when I first moved in.”

“See!” I point to my roommate. I’ve always liked this guy.

“I don’t think it’s just the excessive flirting.” Carter shakes his head. “She doesn’t take you seriously. How many times have you asked her to marry you?”

I throw my head back and think. “Counting today?”

The guys let out a collective groan.

“How much do you really know about her?” Carter presses.

“I know that her favorite coffee order is caramel coconut cold brew, she hates flowers, and she’s petrified of spiders. She loves the color purple and reading romance novels and has the best sense of humor because she always laughs at my jokes.” I pause. “And the way her ass looks in those leggings she wears—”

“Dude!” Jax cuts me off. “Quit it! I feel like you’re talking about my little sister.”

“Agreed.” Carter rubs his chin. “So you know some basic things about her, but you need to get to know her on a deeper level. Why doesn’t she like flowers?”

“I’m not sure. She mentioned it to me one time when a patient brought in a huge arrangement as a thank you to everyone who took care of her in the ED.”

“That’s kind of odd,” Travis chimes in. “Is she allergic to them?”

“No.” I shrug. “She just doesn’t seem to like them.”

“If you are really serious about her, I think you need to get your shit together and come up with some sort of plan.” Carter grabs a piece of paper from a notebook on the counter.

“A plan for what?”

“To win Gabby’s heart because right now, you are stuck in the friend zone and trust me, I know all about that.” He mumbles the last part under his breath.

“I’m not stuck in the friend zone.” I brush him off.

“Really?” He gives a sarcastic smirk. “How are the wedding preparations going?”

“Okay, fine. I guess I could use a little help in the dating department.” Geez, I never thought I’d say those words.

All of us watch intently as Carter scribbles down a list. He hands it to me a moment later and I read it aloud.

Operation Ms. to Mrs.

Step 1: Stop proposing every five seconds.

Step 2: Spend more time with Gabby alone and get to know her on a deeper level.

Step 3: Show her you’re beginning to take life more seriously.

Step 4: Find out why she doesn’t like flowers.

“Okay, not bad. I agree I should probably simmer down on the proposal stuff. Spending time alone could be difficult considering our schedules, but it’s not impossible. What do you mean about taking life more seriously?”

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