Page 71 of Drew
God bless my mom and her instance of buying an Insta-Pot. It won’t take me long at all when I get home from practice to make everything.
“Well… Is she coming?” DeShawn finally asks when he parks outside the gym.
“She’ll be there. I’ve invited her roommates but don’t know if they’ll make it. Will Grey be home?”
I haven’t seen much of him this week, but with him knowing it’s my night to cook, I’ll bet my best pair of sneakers he’ll be there. He’d rather eat a home-cooked meal than in the cafeteria. The man can barely boil water without burning it, so he’s always hoping DeShawn or I will cook. The trade-off—he always cleans. Who can beat that?
“He should be.” DeShawn lets out a sigh as he gets out of the car and grabs his gym bag from the back. “I was surprised he wasn’t home this morning. He hasn’t mentioned anything, but knowing him, he couldn’t sleep and is already at the gym.”
Grey’s one of those annoying early birds. He gets up before the crack of dawn on any given day. He was raised on a cattle ranch, and I’d guess he’s not looking to change those habits anytime soon. He’s often already studying when I enter the kitchen each morning.
“I’ll text him,” I offer as we make our way down the hall to the locker room.
By the time practice ends, I barely have time to rush home and get the meat browned. I’m just putting everything into the Insta-Pot when I hear a knock at the door. Eager to see Abby, I rush to greet her, but Grey beats me to it. Not wanting to appear over-eager, I slow my stride and wait in the hall.
“You must be Abby,” he boisterously announces. “I’m Grey. I’ve been dying to meet you.”
From where I’m standing, I see Abby’s cheeks darken, but she manages to stick out her hand. “Nice to officially meet you.” She turns and looks behind her before continuing, “This is Sydney and Chloe.”
Before either of them can say anything, I step forward and open the door further. “Why don’t you let them come in and get settled. Dinner is almost ready. DeShawn will be home anytime. He’s picking up some garlic bread.”
The girls file in, and I slide close to Abby and pull her in for a chaste kiss. “Glad you could make it, Angel. I’ve missed you.”
Her wide smile makes my heart soar. “Me, too. Need any help?” she asks as she looks around the room.
Shaking my head, I murmur, “Nah, I have it covered. But I won’t object to company in the kitchen.”
Abby glances to Sydney and Chloe. They both are making themselves at home by settling into the couch and starting a conversation with Grey. When Sydney gives her a nod in our direction letting us know she heard me, Abby follows me into the kitchen.
The moment I get her alone, I pull her in for a hug and inhale slowly. She smells almost edible. The perfect combination of citrus and pear makes my mouth water. She squeezes me tight, then pulls back to look me in the eyes. The way her brown eyes darken instantly fills me with lust.
Now isn’t the time, Jacobs,I scold myself.Especially with a room full of people next door.
As if she could read my mind, Abby smirks and leans up on her toes to kiss me softly. Though I’m sure it’s meant to be an innocent kiss, the vixen Abby is, makes my blood flow hot. Not wanting to get carried away, I try to remember our potential audience.
Why did I invite them again?
After all too short a time, I force myself to pull away and practically pant, “Damn, Angel… if you kiss me like that again, I’m likely to tell everyone to take a hike and have you for dinner instead.”
This earns an eye roll as a giggle escapes. “That would be a sure way to piss Sydney and Chloe off. They were both wanting dinner an hour ago, and I made them hold off, insisting you had plenty for them to eat. My friends are amazing, but you don’t want to see them hangry.”
“Well, we can’t have that.” I smirk. I’d never be that rude, but if she continued kissing me like that, I might not remember to care.
DeShawn walks in with two loaves of garlic bread. The moment he sees Abby, a Cheshire cat grin spreads across his face.Ah, shit. What’s he up to now?“Well, well, well. Who do we have here?” He exaggeratedly waggles his eyebrows and places an arm around her shoulder. “You must be the infamous Abby. I’ve been dying to meet the girl that’s got Drew changing his tune.”
He looks her over from head to toe and shakes his head. Then he gives a pointed look in my direction. “Dude, you met her in a chem lab?” He takes a step away from Abby and leans against the counter.
“Yes,” Abby replies sharper than I expect. “For your information, I was sitting there minding my own business when your boy here,” she points a thumb in my direction for emphasis, “came over with his entourage and completely pissed me off.”
DeShawn’s mouth drops to the floor, and his eyes bug wide. It takes everything in me to keep from bursting with laughter. “Seriously?”
I almost feel like I should sit back and watch this potential show with some popcorn. Abby’s eyes laser focus on DeShawn, and I’m not sure what will happen next.
“Seriously,” she assures him. “But then I got to know him and thought he might be worth keeping around.”
DeShawn slowly looks from her to me, then back to her again. I almost think he’s at a loss for words, then he cracks a smile. “I think I like you, Abby.” He winks at her then focuses his attention on me. “You know, Drew can be pretty full of himself. If you ever get tired of his crap, I’d be happy to take you out.”
“Thatwon’t be necessary,” I interrupt and give him a pointed stare, leaving no room for argument.
