Page 27 of So I Won a Werelion

Bibi’s face brightened. I’d just given her a golden nugget to work with. “Why was that?”

I closed my eyes, and let myself go back to that night. “I hadn’t been prepared to see him for the first time since high school. He’s a man now. It was overwhelming. Even though we used to video chat, I still thought of him as a kid. It gave me a chance to move on.”

“Did you really?” Bibi quirked a brow.

“Maybe not.” Heat rose in my cheeks. “That night I knew it would be impossible to keep our relationship the same. And I was scared that he’d be like every other shifter.”

“You were afraid he’d reject you.”

I nodded.

“I won’t give away what we have planned for the night, but I will say we’ve been working together since you chose him, and he’s come up with some great ideas to win you over.” Bibi leaned forward. “My question is, will you let him?”

That buzzy feeling was back. “Let’s see what the big cat has up his sleeve.”

She smiled. “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I have to be honest with you, Wendy. Our executive producers thought I should wipe my hands clean of you. Not give you this second chance.”

I groaned. The executive producers had also worked onThe Real Werewives, where I’d typecast myself as a problem. “Of course not.”

She held up her hand. “I explained to them that a fairy dragmother never gives up on her contestants. Problem is, to be fabulous on this scale, I do need their blessing. And their budget. Also, Hannah, our next contestant, just landed in Sunset Springs, and she’ll be eager to start her episode.”

“I’ve heard. But Hannah will have to wait, because I’m not making any more mistakes.” I gave Bibi a hug. “Thanks for fighting for me.”

The top Bibi picked for me was cobalt blue with little polka dots on it. It had short, fluttery sleeves and a matching finish to its hem. A rope belt was tied around my waist, and the cut drew my eye to my cleavage.

My pulse quickened, thinking of Gabe’s gaze being drawn to it.

The top looked super cute with the dark wash capri jeans she suggested to go with it.I would’ve never picked this for myself. One of the staff stylists came in and offered to give me a refresh. Now I had red lips and curled hair to complete the ensemble.

Marissa poked her head into my room after a knock on the door. “Gabe’s waiting for you.”

I steeled my shoulders, then blew myself a kiss in the mirror. Also not like me at all. I took one last look at the ancient artifact in my bag before slinging it over my shoulder and following her down the hallway.

Bibi had Gabe in the hot seat, and Bjorn filmed the conversation.

Gabe had changed his shirt, and was now in a black button-down, but those sexy jeans and boots were still there.

He winked at me, but his gaze lingered. Lips parted, like he didn’t know what to do next.

Same, bestie, same. Tonight felt supercharged. I was nervous, excited, and absolutely terrified. This wasn’t any other night. This was a first date.

“Any last thoughts before we start our adventure?” Bibi asked.

“I know how precious second chances are, and I don’t plan on needing a third.” He rose from the chair and put his arm around my waist. That vibration was there again. Like a purr, but it wasn’t that gentle. “You look amazing.”

My mouth watered, craving a kiss from him.

“You do too.” I drew back slightly. This close, it was easy to get caught in his web.

This was crazy. It was Gabe. The guy who’d stayed up all night with me when I ugly cried so hard I had to wipe snot off my face. The one I shared so many inside jokes with…

I was scared. And he didn’t have to say the words for me to know he was too.

“Ready to head out?” Bibi beamed at us.

“What do you have planned for tonight?” My voice was shaking as I followed him to the parking lot.

“Wouldn’t be any fun if I ruined the surprise.” He guided me over to his motorcycle. “You’re an old pro now.”

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