There was that look again, like I was spinning out into oblivion. Gabe made me feel more than I’d ever thought I could, but it was everything I’d ever wanted.
It was a look I recognized from my parents, even Jonathan and Stefan, and as much as I’d wanted it, I never thought I’d get it.
Gabe growled, “If we don’t stop this now…” He sighed. “As much as I want to keep going, I don’t want to rush you. I need you to know this isn’t just sex for me.”
Maybe it was reckless, but I believed him.
“I know.” I exhaled and repeated, “I know.”
He held my gaze, and I saw the desperate hope there. “Please forgive me, Kian.” His voice was a whispered growl.
“I do,” I whispered, curling into his body even deeper, as uncomfortable as it was in the car.
We sat there for a little while until I yawned. Gabe nudged me slightly. “Come on, let’s go home.”
I yawned again and nodded. “I don’t know why I’m so tired.”
Gabe helped me back into my seat and took my hand. “Let’s get you home. We have a lot to talk about.”
* * *
I stretchedbut didn’t open my eyes. Huh, how had I gotten in bed? Then everything flooded back, and my stomach dropped. For a second, I worried it had all been a dream.
The door opened, and my stomach dropped. What if I woke up back in Rhys’s guest room?
“I know you’re awake.” At the sound of that voice, I finally let out the breath I’d been holding. The bed dipped next to me.
I opened my eyes slowly and came face to face with Gabe, and I couldn’t help it. My lips curved in a huge smile.
“So it wasn’t a dream,” I murmured.
Gabe shook his head, but I read worry on his face. “Still okay with everything?”
It clicked. Gabe was worried I’d slept on it and thought I would freak out or something.
“You mean the whole ‘you changing into a bear’ thing?” I teased.
“Yeah, that.” His brow smoothed, and a small smile appeared on his face.
“I think Rhys is still Rhys. I just know one more thing about him. And you’re still the man that I want to get to know better.”
Gabe beamed, and the smile hit me in the feels. My words had made him happy, and a little more of that fear from how the other night had gone dissipated.
“I want to know everything about you too, Kian,” Gabe said. “And that means you can ask me anything.”
I thought about it, and as fantastical as it was, I didn’t have any pressing questions. “Oh, does it hurt when you shift?”
Gabe shook his head. “Not even a little. My bear is a part of me, and the transition is usually seamless.”
“He’s really big,” I said. “Like huge. But I guess that makes sense ’cause you are too.” I tried not to think about naked Gabe, but it was hard.
Gabe’s eyes danced almost like he could read my thoughts. God, I hoped not.
“I know I said this already,” Gabe started. He looked away and began rubbing the back of his neck. “But I need to apologize again.”
I put my hand on his thigh. “You really don’t have to—” I interrupted.
“No, please let me.” Gabe covered my hand on his thigh. “I really tried,” he sighed. “I kind of let my bear take over, or maybe that’s the excuse I used… I wanted you, still do, but I needed you to know everything—” He took a sharp breath. “After I felt like I’d lied to you…” His voice trailed off, and he raked his hand through his hair.
