Acid burns through me at that.
He was trying to protect me, keep me from having to feel things I didn’t want to. Wasn’t ready to.
“Hi, Princess,” Gabe says, holding out a hand to her.
She places her palm in his and steps closer. Barefoot and unburdened by accessories, she’s fresh-faced and so gorgeous my stomach hurts. It’s the little things. The arch of her brows, the careful half smile, the sparkle in those lovely blue-green eyes, and her barely there freckles.
“We have something to share,” I say.
Silently, she glances from Gabe to me, waiting. Waiting, even though it’s obvious what our news is. So many people would rush in with congratulations or filler words. Not Katherine. She’s not going to burst our bubble.
And that’s why she’s so fucking perfect for us. Forme.Tome.
I slide my arm around her back, drawing her closer. Her hand slides up my arm to rest on my shoulder.
“Seems it was time to get out of my own way,” I murmur.
Gabe huffs a laugh. “Is that what we’re calling it?”
Damn, he’s cute when that smile splits his face and crinkles form around his eyes. I guess I always knew that, but now it hits me in the chest, the head, and my soul.
Gabe lets go of her palm and wraps his arm around her waist. His fingertips trail over the back of my hand, and every part of me goes tight with need. Anticipation is a delicious drug. Now that we’ve opened this door, it’s like the floodwaters are pouring through unchecked.
“Getting out of my own way,” she parrots and makes a soft humming sound. “I think that’s themantra this summer. Me and King. The three of us.”
Her finger draws a little circle between us. Then it wags back and forth between her and Gabe. He ducks his head and bites the tip until she groans his name.
White-hot heat scorches me.
“Mmm. You taste like marinara,” he says.
“Are you hungry?” I ask them.
Katherine shakes her head as Gabe scoffs. “Not for food.”
“Me either,” she agrees, extracting her finger, running it along his lips.
How can an innocent touch send my libido careening into the gutter?
“King,” Katherine calls without looking. It’s like she knows that he’ll be there waiting. But I’ve felt the weight of his gaze for at least half a minute.
“Yep.” He moves closer, quiet for once. That would be a bit concerning if I thought he was prone to violence. But I’d bet my last dollar the only violent streak in him is where Katherine’s safety is concerned.
Truth be told, I love and respect that.
When you find a treasure, you protect it.
I shove away from the door to makespace for him, but Katherine steps into the gap. “Anyone else feel the need for a shower?”
I don’t know how she does it, controlling a situation fraught with potential friction so effortlessly. Easily. But somehow she does just that. Moving past me, holding out a hand to King.
“Hell yes.” He bends at the waist and throws her over his shoulder.
All that glossy hair tumbles toward the floor like a silken waterfall. Her giggles rise around us like bubbles.
And they’re off, up the stairs. I can almost see his instinct to take the stairs two at a time, but he doesn’t. With precious cargo, he’s surefooted but swift on the wooden treads, feet touching each one.
I turn to Gabe.
