Mesmerized by the stars above, Gabriela let out a beatific sigh. “Look at the sky, Hunter. It’s beautiful.”
I never took my eyes off her. “It is.”
She continued watching the stars while I traced her features with my eyes and memorized every detail so it was etched in my mind for years to come.
Her stomach grumbled on cue.
I chuckled.
She smiled sheepishly. “Sorry. I haven’t had dinner and I’m starving.”
“Eat.” I hedged the charcuterie board her way. She picked at it quietly while I popped open the bottle of sparkling juice, poured it into two cups, and handed her one. “If you want something else, let me know. The kitchen inside is fully stocked and I can make you anything you’d like.”
“You can cook?” Her brows hiked up right before she popped a few berries in her mouth.
“I’m no chef.” I brought the cup to my lips for a sip. “But yes, I can fend for myself.”
Impressed, she cocked her head. “What’s your specialty?”
“I can make a mean grilled cheese sandwich,” I replied. “Do you cook?”
“Yes, and I can make ameanlasagna.” She grinned and wiggled her eyebrows. “When I can finally move back into my apartment, I’ll make you some.”
Now I was picturing Gabriela flouncing around in my kitchen bare ass naked, save for a little apron, and the lustful image had my blood rushing south. Fuck. What I wouldn’t give for that scenario to be a reality.
“I’d really like that,” I said. “How are you feeling with the whole, you know, situation?”
“I’m doing fine. As fine as one can be in my shoes.” She leaned her head against my shoulder. “I appreciate you asking and constantly checking in on me.”
It was the least I could do. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and she burrowed her lissome figure into my side, seeking warmth when the strong wind blew towards us. I had an extra blanket in the basket, but I was afraid that if I gave it to her, she wouldn’t need the heat of my body. “You think Oscar told your dad that you’re missing?”
Her bodyguard was probably losing his mind since we’d made a quick escape from the bar, but Gabriela insisted she didn’t want him following. Not tonight. She said she felt safe enough lately to escape his overbearing presence for less than a handful of hours.
“God, no. He’s probably terrified of telling him that he was distracted with his phone and didn’t see me slip out of the bar,” Gabriela said. “But I did send my parents a text in our group chat that I’m hanging out with you. They know I’m in good hands and probably alerted Oscar by now.”
They know I’m in good hands.
I was honoured to know she felt safe with me.
I’d protect her with every fiber of my being.
“I’d never let anything happen to you,” I rasped.
“I know,” she murmured with a lopsided smile.
Fuck, I wanted to kiss her so bad. I was about to do it, but then she turned her attention back to the sky. “It’s so peaceful here.”
I searched for the particular stars that were supposed to be visible tonight. Spotting what I was looking for, I pointed at it. “I think that’s the constellation Pegasus, named after the winged horse from Greek mythology.”
“Wow…” she trailed off and I marvelled at the way her face morphed with wonder. Her head snapped my way and she nudged me with her elbow. “Hey, Hunter?”
“Yes, doll?”
“You mentioned enjoying Greek mythology and I know nothing about it.” Gabriela clasped my hand, the pulses at our wrists touching each other. “Tell me one of your favourite stories.”
The fact that she wanted to learn more about me the same way I thirsted to learn more about her made my heart glow like a hundred fireflies trapped in a jar.
I reflected for a moment, wondering which story would appease her romantic heart. Perhaps she’d enjoy the renowned myth of Hero and Leander. “I have one, but it has a tragic ending.”
