Page 22 of One Short Summer

Charlie waves into the camera, little pieces of dough flying around her kitchen. “Please tell me you didn’t just bring her breakfast, Gabe.”

He glances over at me with a narrowed look before looking back at the screen. “Why? Is that a bad thing?”

Charlie’s face is drawn into a grimace, like she doesn’t know whether to cry or to laugh. I’m pretty sure I can see the corners of her mouth twitch though, right before she lets out an exaggerated sigh. “Not necessarily. You might just never get rid of her now. Like, ever. You feed her, she stays. Unspoken rule.”

Gabe looks back and forth between us for a moment, making me laugh.

I wave her off and she chuckles. “I think it’s time for you to go back to your baking. I have a yummy breakfast waiting for me.”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it. Getting booted off for some food. Sounds like you. Have fun, you two. Just not too much.” She raises her eyebrows and gives me a meaningful look before blowing me a kiss. “Love you, Mo. Gabe, get your butt in gear and write that dang book already.”

He flinches the tiniest bit and nods. “I know, I know.”

“Bye, guys.” She waves at us with her dirty hands.

“Bye,” Gabe and I both say at the same time.

After shutting the laptop, I carefully place it on the little table before giving Gabe a side glance. He’s sitting so close. Has he done that before? I’m not even sure. We sit on the couch together all the time to watch movies, of course, but this seems extra close.

His body heat is distracting, warming me up so much I’m actually starting to get hot under the blanket.

Contrary to my heated skin, a slight shiver runs through my body from his proximity.

What is happening? I feel like I’m suddenly reacting to everything this man does or doesn’t do.

Gabe misunderstands my body’s signals and grabs the other blanket we left out here last night to wrap around me, his arms encircling me longer than really necessary.

When our gazes meet, and his breath is warm on my face, the world stops moving for a moment. He smells like citrus and something woodsy and spicy. Very manly. And very Gabe.

Without thinking, I take in a deep breath and sigh.

That action seems to shake him out of his spell, and he pulls back, putting some distance between us before picking up his fork again. “Let’s eat before the eggs get cold.”

Mortification battles with confusion inside of me.

Why did he turn away just now?

Somehow, it leaves me with a weird churning in my stomach, even though I really don’t have a reason to feel weird about it, do I?

I’m not interested in a relationship, but I can’t deny the longing that has been slowly growing in me over time. Especially when seeing Charlie and Hudson together. I’m not sure anyone could watch those two lovebirds together without their ovaries exploding.

I still don’t think it will ever happen for me, but my heart apparently hasn’t gotten that message yet. It’s still longing for that special connection with someone, and no talking-to seems to make it better.

My attraction to Gabe is a total no-brainer, basic chemistry that’s not even worth trying to fight. I learned a long time ago we feel what we feel, and that’s okay, but sometimes, it’s easier to just ride the wave instead of trying to run from it. It’s usually only a matter of time before it catches up anyway.

I’m still staring, having a hard time taking my eyes off of him. “Thanks for breakfast, Charming. That was very sweet of you.”

“Don’t mention it.” He mumbles his response between bites but can’t hide the slight smirk on his face at the mention of the nickname I gave him when we first met.

He loves to tell me he doesn’t like it, but I’m still convinced he secretly does anyway. He’s just trying to act all tough.

The fork disappears behind his full lips, and I finally tear my gaze away long enough to start on my own food. All the while, the conversation with Charlie keeps replaying in my mind.

What a mess.

Now I can’t stop thinking about my roommate, wondering what exactly it is I want from him, and what I’m willing to risk to get it.

All I know is my body is positively buzzing from the sheer possibility of anything Gabe.

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