I walk over to Ana and wrap her in a hug, squeezing her tightly. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart. Call me tomorrow once you and Emilee are back from class.”
“You about ready to leave?”
Gabriel pops up beside us, a mischievous grin on his face. “Elijah, you look dashing, mi amor.” His voice is breezy and breathless. Those gorgeous gray eyes skim over every inch of my body, never hiding his love for me—not even trying to.
He pulls Ana in for a hug of his own, and I welcome him into our arms, completing our unbreakable bond. Ana giggles as he kisses the top of her head and ruffles his fingers through her silky black hair. When he looks up, his eyes lock with mine before landing squarely on my lips.
“Elijah.” His voice cracks, just the slightest hint of emotion there. “I hope you have a nice evening with Alex.” He leans over and kisses my cheek, but I know he wanted my lips. The thought hangs in the air between us.
“Oh, pleeease. Will you two stop?” Ana slides out of our hold; my arm still wrapped around Gabriel’s waist. “Papi will be back from Spain in six weeks, Dad. You guys act like you’ll never see each other again.” A sly smile curves her lips, and I know there’s something bubbling behind it. “Plus, Mr. J. told me that Papi is bringing his boyfriend over to meet you, and I totally want to be here for that gay day!”
“What?” My eyes widen. My mind racing. “Boyfriend? You didn’t tell me you have a boyfriend.”
Gabriel snickers, that playful glint in his eyes. “Well, I am entitled to my own surprises, love.”
“Apparently.” I eye him suspiciously and slide my arm away from his waist. “Then why tell Alex?”
“Ahh, Elijah. You have nothing to worry about.” He smiles softly. “That man only has eyes for you.”
“I’m not worried,” I reply, though the words feel a little thin. “Just… surprised is all.”
Gabriel, knowing just exactly how to disarm me, runs his fingers along the shell of my ear, trailing them down the side of my neck. I swallow the lump in my throat as his touch settlesagainst my collarbone. I breathe in slowly, calming the little storm inside me, and then he lifts his gaze to meet mine.
I’m not jealous. Not really. Meeting someone was inevitable. I just didn’t see it coming, and that made it land harder than I expected. Okay, fine. Much harder. But I’m happy for him. Truly. And curious—maybe even a little excited—to meet the man who’s brought light back into Gabriel’s life.
I clear my throat, giving myself a moment to gather what’s left of my composure. “Well, then, let’s have dinner here when you get back. Alex and I will host.”
Ana chuckles, and I flinch. For a hot minute, I completely forgot she was even here. She looks between us, sighing so dramatically it’s almost impressive. “Awesome. Gay crisis averted. Now that that’s settled... Papi, what time are we leaving?”
“As soon as Emilee’s ready.” He winks at her, already heading for the hallway, only to nearly collide with Emilee as she comes racing out of her bedroom.
She’s recently claimed the guestroom as her own, which, wouldn’t you know, is directly across from Ana’s.
“Where’s my dad?” She huffs, exasperated, hoping to catch him before we leave for Gravity.
Yep. You heard that right. We’re going to Gravity, and I’m beyond thrilled to have Alex by my side tonight.
“Right here, sweetheart.”
We all turn just in time to see Alex swaggering down the hallway like he owns it, hips swaying like he’s strutting down a runway. His skin is practically glowing, that adorable dimple is working overtime, and my god, he looksfabulous.
“Jeez, Dad. Does turning gay mean you have to take foreeeeever to get ready? You’re worse than a girl now.”
Of course, Ana’s quick to chime in. “Oh, you havenoidea. Just be thankful you’ve got your own bathroom… and closet,”she adds with a pointed look. “You should see Dad’s shoe collection. Oh! And make sure you hide your makeup. Papi has a habit of?—”
“Alrighty, girls.” Gabriel claps his hands, clearly trying to rein in the chaos.
“Oh god, please don’t say‘let’s boogie,’” Ana deadpans without missing a beat.
“Actually.” He smirks. “I was going to say let the gay guys off the hook tonight.”
“Since when doyoulet anyone off the hook, Papi?” Ana fires back, matching his grin with one of her own.
Gabriel narrows his eyes at her and points. “You know what? You’re right.” He throws his hands in the air in mock horror. “Holy shit! I think I just had a straight moment!”
“Is this what I have to look forward to?” Alex laughs, eyeing the three of them like he’s stumbled into a sitcom.
“Oh, this is nothing,” I tell him. “Trust me—it getsmuch, muchworse.”
