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“I thought it was the right thing.” I grip my wrist. “And I couldn’t watch you with Kim.” All the messy feelings he triggers in me clench into one giant ache. “When you did that interview, it felt so real.” I let my head fall back against his door. “I know it was a role, and I want to say I can handle seeing you with her.” I look away. “But—”
“I’m done with Kim.”
“What do you mean?” I search his eyes.
“I guess it means I’m down a girlfriend.” He gestures toward me with fake surprise. “But look, hereyouare.”
The ache inside me lessens. “What about your contract?” I curl my fingers in the collar of my shirt. It doesn’t smell like him anymore, and that makes me sad.
“I never turned it in. I auditioned for a movie trilogy. Got the lead.”
“You’re done withThe Pack?” I hate that he’s over there when I’m over here.
“Other than the money I owe for breaching my first contract. But theElvenmovies are going to fly. Billy negotiated a salary and a bonus based on the royalties.” He takes one small step toward me.
My next breath comes fast. “You really auditioned for a movie?”
Another slow step. “Reading for that part was worse than standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon.”
“You really want me back?” Insecurity dumps cold water over my speeding heart.
“You can’t tell?” No step this time.
I shake my head. “My Gabe would be crowding me against this door convincing me we should be together...” My face burns, but I keep going. “Without using so many words.”
His eyes heat, and his hands press against his thighs. “The new and improved Gabe is trying to let you make your own choice.”
“My choice has always been you.” That’s all it takes, and he’s holding me tight. Running his fingers over my back and through my hair. Stirring up all the dormant butterfly wings that live low in my stomach. I give him a sideways grin. “I thought you weren’t using your magic wordless persuasion?”
His forehead touches mine. “You gave permission. Now you’re fair game.” His thumbs draw lazy circles along my hipbones until those butterflies take flight. “Tell me we’re back together.”
I nod.
“So you’re saying yes, I want to be with you, Gabe?” He curves a palm on my waist. “All I do is think about you, Gabe.” He settles a hand on my cheek that warms my skin. “I’m dying without you, Gabe.” He brushes a thumb over my bottom lip that sparks a hunger to lean in and kiss him. “I missed you so much it made me crazy, Gabe.” He leans in to press his lips in that sensitive place just behind my ear. “Because that’s how it’s been for me.”
“What is it you’re trying to get me to say again?” Smiling, I take his face in my hands so I can look into his eyes.
He skims his fingers up my arms in a light touch. A teasing touch. A better-than-mint-tea touch. “Yes, Gabe.”
“Yes, Gabe. Yes to everything you said.”
His dimples make their first appearance of the night.
I trace the indents with my finger. “I missed these.” I don’t even care that they’re dissolving me into a puddle at his feet.
His dimples deepen. “Now that it’s official, I want to get something out of the way.” With zero warning, he covers my lips with his just like he did at the bottom of the escalator.
And just like at the bottom of the escalator, shivers pour over my skin, flutters skip through my stomach, and my toes curl.
Cupping my face, he leans away, and smiles. “First kisses can be so awkward.” His tone is pure melodrama.
“That wasn’t our first kiss.”
“Shh.” Instead of putting his finger over my mouth, he puts mine over his. “Don’t ruin it.”
“Fine then. Neither of my first kisses were awkward.”
“That’s ’causeIgave them to you.” Pride lifts his voice.
