“We couldn’t get rid of Nate, so we had to bring him along,” Hudson deadpans, and Nate growls at him before biting into yet another fajita.
I’ve no idea where he puts it, but that man can eat.
Gabrielle smiles. “That must be nice,” she muses. “To have friends like that.”
“You don’t?” Nate asks her.
She shakes her head, her eyes down. “No. It’s just me.”
There’s not a hint of pity in her voice, but my throat tightens up all the same.
“You’re not on your own now, you know,” Nate teases. “You’ll find that we’re very hard to get rid of.”
Her mouth quirks up, but Nate shoots me a look across the table, and I nod.
I get the message, loud and clear.
After lunch, we walk back toIl Piacereslowly.
Nate is walking with Gabrielle up ahead, and I hear a short giggle from her as he goofs off. Axel and Hudson hang back until we’re walking together.
All of us are watching her like she’s the second coming of heaven. Hudson opens his mouth, and I shake my head. “Later.”
He bobs his head, and we join Nate and Gabrielle as they stand outside the restaurant.
She looks around, tucking a wayward piece of hair behind her ear. It springs back into place and she bats it away.
“Thank you for lunch. I…enjoyed myself.”
Her words are genuine, and I surprise myself by stepping forward. My voice sounds a little hoarse when I lean in, gently taking the strand of hair between my fingers and tucking it behind her ear, letting my fingers brush the soft skin of her neck. I take the opportunity to snatch a deep breath, soaking in the sweetness of her scent.
“It was our pleasure, Gabrielle. I’ll see you soon?”
She stares at me dazedly.
Axel nods at her, and Nate gives a cheery wave before Hudson escorts her inside.
It takes a split second for Nate to blurt it out.
“She’s perfect.”
Axel chimes in. “I agree.”
I shoot him a look and he smirks at me, knowing damn well that he’s gone through lunch barely saying a word.
“You’ll have to talk to her at some point, you know,” I snark. “We won’t always be around to be your mouthpiece.”
Axel rolls his eyes. “Like I could get a word in edgeways with Nate around.”
“Woah. I’m being hit by all sides today. Targeted by my own pack.” Nate scowls, but his amusement is light in my chest.
ChapterTwenty-Two
Gabrielle
My breathing shoots out of me in short, sharp gasps as I splash freezing cold water on my face. When I glance up, the bathroom mirror still shows bright red cheeks.
Chill, Gabrielle. Jesus.
