AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Laughing, I thank him again. The next thing I pull out is a gift card to the movie theaters.
“There's a horror movie coming out soon, and I thought you might want to go see it. Should be two more things in there.” Left in the bag is a small square envelope and a larger one for a greeting card. “Open the little one first.”
I slip my fingers underneath the piece of tape and open it. Inside is Gabe's business card and I flip it over to read his handwriting.
“One Get Out of Jail Free Card?” I burst into a fit of giggles, leaning on Gabe before I fall over.
“You've been behaving, but never know when you might need this. It's legit too. If you ever get in trouble, you can call me, and I'll come bail you out.”
“I love it. Hope I never have to use it, though.” Placing it next to me with everything else, I open the final envelope. Inside is a birthday card, and I silently begin to read it, my eyes drawing in on Gabe's handwriting first.
You deserve to feel special every day of the year, but especially on your birthday. That's the day you came into this world, making it even more beautiful.
You're a wonderful person, Ryan, and I'm thankful you were speeding that day. Hope I was able to make your birthday one to remember.
Happy Birthday, Ryan.
-Gabe
My eyes scan over the rest of the words printed on the card, even more sweet sentiments. I know Gabe is watching me, but I can't seem to look away from his scrawl. Finally, I look up, swallow hard, and throw my arms around his neck.
“Thank you, Gabe. Thank you so much.”
“You're welcome.” I pull away to kiss him, but he mumbles against my lips, “You need to get ready.”
Jutting my lower lip out ever so slightly, I wish I didn't have to leave. “Sure we can't skip?” One last try won't hurt.
Gabe chuckles, finding my attempts amusing. “Not today, Ryan. Believe me, if I could, I most certainly would.”
“Okay, fine. I have one last special request.”
“Oh yeah? What's that?” Gabe smiles.
“Kiss me.”
Gabe holds my head in place in between his hands. He leans forward, gently brushing his lips over mine as my eyes flutter to a close. My mouth parts in the slightest. Gabe sweeps his tongue over the entrance, and I open wider to let him in. I love these kisses from him. They're slow, delicate, and attentive yet so passionate, so heady that we immerse ourselves in one another wholeheartedly. Time stops. It's as if nothing else exists except for our lips, our tongues, and Gabe's hands on my face.
When Gabe stops kissing me, his lips resting against mine, it takes a moment for me to come back to the present and open my eyes. I feel his lips quirk into a smile, his cheeks rising as well. He's so freaking adorable.
“I better go get my shower now,” I tell him.
Gabe moves away as I start putting my gifts back into the bag. A glance at the clock tells me I have to seriously put a move on it if I don't want to be late. Being late is nothing new, so I'm not that concerned about it. Still, I make my shower quick because if I'm running late, then Gabe will be too. Once I shower and get ready, about to leave, Gabe asks if he can see me Thursday night.
Smirking, I say, “Sorry, Gabe. A damn cop gave me a ticket, and I have to go to a four hour defensive driving class to avoid getting points on my license.”
He laughs. “All right. I'll talk to you later. Go before you're late.”
I leave him behind to drive to school. There are a couple of texts from my parents on my phone when I look, but they can wait until later. I scurry across campus, knowing that Viv is waiting for me. When I spot her, I practically run to her.
“We need girl time, stat,” I rush.
Her brows raise. “Why? What happened? You look... frenzied,” she finishes.
Immediately, I smooth my wavy hair, trying to tame my now obvious frayed nerves. The past twenty-four hours, Gabe, and my crazy realization have me all over the place. I don't like it. Normally, I would consider myself confident without a care in the world. Gabe has, in a way, shattered that for me. At least until I figure out what I'm supposed to do with what I'm feeling.
“Let's get these classes over with and then we're going for a massage. I'm long overdue for one anyway.”
“Is everything okay?”
