Page 74 of One Short Summer

Pushing the blanket off my lap, I place my right hand in his, immediately relishing the feel of his warm skin as his fingers gently wrap around mine. He pulls me up without saying a word, leading me over to the open space between the living room and kitchen.

When he stops and swings me around, I almost smack into his chest.

I place my free hand loosely around his shoulder while his goes around my waist, eliminating any remaining space between us. Pulling our still-intertwined hands up between our bodies, he rests them against his chest.

The world suddenly seems to slow down as I look up at him, our faces only a few inches apart. “Hey, you.”

“Hey.” His voice is raspy and quiet, the air from his breath tickling my cheek as he exhales.

For once, Gabe doesn’t smile.

Instead, he studies me with a somber expression, his eyes roaming over my whole face, inch by inch, and my skin prickles under his scrutiny.

“What is it?” My voice vibrates, tickling the back of my throat as we keep staring at each other, barely moving to the music anymore. To be honest, I’m not even sure if the music is still on, since I can’t focus on much else besides Gabe.

This man has taken over all of my senses.

“I’m going to miss you when you’re gone.” His warm breath hits my face again, and I close my eyes for a moment, wanting to savor this closeness. This special moment.

“I know, me too.” A wave of uneasiness hits me, making my stomach squeeze hard, not easing up even after a few minutes have passed.

We stay like this for a long time.

I lose all sense of time, no clue how long we dance, or how many songs we listen to.

Somewhere along the way, I end up resting my head on his chest. His heart beats so rapidly under my ear, it plays its own kind of music. A song so beautiful, I’ll never be able to forget it.

My mind wanders off, the last year flashing across my mind like a mini-movie. Even though I’m not overly proud of how I handled life, post-injury, and how long it’s taken me to get where I wanted to be, I can’t say I regret spending all this time with Gabe.

He’s been my rock since my arrival in Brooksville, my confidant and now, best friend. The man who has made me complete again, catching me when I fell down the rabbit hole, and slowly building me up ever since. Pushing me when I needed it. Challenging me, even when it was at his own expense.

This man is a miracle and my own personal guardian angel. I always thought of myself as a strong person, but I’m honestly not sure where I’d be without him.

Even though he’s quiet and a bit nerdy, he’s the strong one out of the two of us, and I think that’s one of the reasons I lo—

Not only does my mind come to a screeching halt, but also my body.

Since Gabe didn’t see it come either, he steps on my foot, immediately apologizing.

I don’t make out anything he says though.

Where was my brain just going with that thought?

It better not be... No! Itcan’tbe.

Gabe’s hand on my chin brings me back to the moment, and I look up into his concerned eyes. “Are you okay? What just happened? I’m sorry I stepped on your foot.”

“What? Oh yeah, no worries. I guess I... I think I’m just a bit tired, that’s all.”

Gabe inspects my face, probably trying to figure out if he should buy my bullshit or not. I’m not the only one who can read the other pretty well.

Thankfully, he lets it go, taking my hand and pulling me over to his phone to turn off the music before leading me up the stairs to our bedroom.

No, not our bedroom.Hisbedroom.

I’ll be gone in just a few days, and there is nous.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

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