Page 68 of Baking With A Rockstar

Monica looks back and forth between the brothers and their pride-pissing match before she looks at me and wiggles her eyebrows. She gives me a thumbs-up behind Mira’s head and a huge grin before mouthing “Hot.” At least, Ithinkthat’s what she said.

I shake my head at her and snort. Hudson and Gabe look at me, confused—completely unaware of our wordless exchange, and maybe even their own brotherly rivalry—while Monica is trying not to laugh.

“I guess it’s all settled then. Monica, let’s get you and all of your stuff home.” Gabe’s words sound final, and Hudson rolls his eyes. “I’m sure you’d like to unpack and get situated.”

“All right, grumpy.” Monica gives Mira a kiss on the cheek before holding her up in the air. “Can someone take her, please?”

Standing and walking over to Mo, I snatch Mira and cuddle her as close to me as she’ll let me. Hudson comes over too, playing with Mira over my shoulder. Anxiously, I watch my best friend get up from the couch, obviously struggling. I hate seeing her like this, but I know her well enough to not even try and offer my help.

Not knowing any better yet, Gabe is by her side right away, offering her a hand. It looks like he’s met his match when it comes to pride because Mo dismisses him and his help immediately by waving him off.

Oh boy.

This woman can be as hardheaded and prideful as a pompous bull.

Thankfully, he lets her do her thing while staying close enough to intervene, if necessary. It’ll be interesting to see how these two get along. So far, it looks like they really are two strong-willed personalities, like Hannah mentioned the other day.

Good thing they won’t be living under the same roof, or I’d be worried about Gabe’s sanity. I’m sure it would only be a matter of time before he kicked her out. But then, you never know. Only time will tell.

I walk Monica to the front door—taking my time so she can keep up with her crutches—while Gabe stays back to talk to Hudson. “Are you really sure you’re okay living in Gabe’s guest house all by yourself, Mo? You know you don’t have to pretend with me. It would be so much easier to have someone around to help. I can see you’re in pain.”

“I know I’m not anywhere close to normal, but I’ll get there eventually. I’ve learned to deal with the pain. Plus, I’ve got some medication if it gets to be too much.” She lets out a sigh and nudges my arm with her elbow. “I’m really fine, stop worrying about me.”

Shaking my head, I give her a stern look. “Sorry, but that’s impossible.”

She rolls her eyes at me, and I have to laugh. “Gosh, you sound like my mom. Someone, please save me.”

“You’re such a grump when you’re injured.” I swat her playfully on the arm, and she smiles. “Seriously though, Mo. Promise me you’ll ask for help when you need it. You can come back here, or we can find another place together.”

“And take you away from your roommate? No way. He’d probably hunt me down for it.”

“Mo!”

“Ugh. All right, all right. I promise.” We’re by the front door, and she’s leaning on one crutch to swing the other one around dramatically. “Now, can I leave, please?”

I stick out my tongue at her. Monica brings that side out in me. “Of course. I’m sure your prince is ready to show you your castle.”

She’s trying to hide her laugh when Gabe clears his throat behind me.

He bumps my shoulder lightly and winks at me before walking around me to open the door. “It’s not a castle, but I think it’s a pretty nice place.”

Of course, my cheeks turn hot immediately, and I cover one of them with my hand while Mira reaches out to Monica and Gabe, trying to wiggle her way out of my arms. Monica gives us both a hug and a kiss, staying with her mouth close to my ear. “Remember what I said about Hudson earlier. He seems like a great guy. And I’m really happy to be here, Charlie. It’s awesome to be close to you guys again.”

For some reason, hearing her say that makes me emotional, and I nod into her neck, needing a moment to collect myself.

After giving me a second, she pulls back and grimaces. “Oh no. Prince Gabe, the waterworks show is about to start, let’s leave.”

Shaking my finger at her, I give her a warning. “Be nice, or I won’t make you anything for tonight.”

Her eyes go wide, and she gasps. “You wouldn’t dare. I love you, but you know I’m no good with tears. They scare me.” She shudders for a moment, making me laugh.

Gabe is looking at us like we’ve completely lost it. He’s been acting all weird today anyway, and I wonder what’s up with him.

I shoo her out the door. “Well, go ahead then. I’ll see you tonight. And be nice to Gabe.”

She winks at me. “Always.”

Mira and I stare after them as they make their way slowly down the driveway to Gabe’s car, silently hoping Gabe is as tough as he seems to be. He’ll need all his strength and wits to deal with Monica.

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