Adrenaline floods through my system at the intense need to escape. Just the thought of seeing him has a gnawing hole ripping open my chest. I love him, but he doesn’t want me. The sting of rejection urges my steps forward through the living room. Kate’s gathering items in the kitchen and I make one stop before leaving.
“Look, Kate, Tanner’s in your bedroom. I’m so sorry, but I have to leave.” Concern crosses her face as she sees the panic in mine.
“Um, sure Mel. Is everything alright?” She reaches out, lightly touching my arm in an attempt to comfort me.
Swallowing hard, I nod. “I just have to go.” Not waiting for her response, I charge straight to the front door, and grab my things before rushing into the hallway and towards the elevator.
Pushing the button, time seems to stand still while the elevator takes forever to stop on our floor. Finally, the elevator dings with its arrival. A sigh of relief escapes my lips as I step into the elevator car and push the button for the bottom floor. Just as the doors are beginning to close, a large hand slides between them, forcing the doors to reopen.
Gabe.
My heart races in my chest as Gabe steps into the small space. He looks so handsome, the dark blue button-down accentuating the toned muscles underneath. His chest is heaving, no doubt having run from the apartment after me. We both just stand there, staring at each other, like if we moved a spell would be broken.
“Sunny,” Gabe starts, running his hand through his hair. “I’m an idiot.”
Tears pool in my eyes, but I say nothing.
“I was scared. Too scared to lose you, but I lost you anyway.” Moving closer, Gabe reaches for me, but stops. “Mel,” he pauses, “I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you since you introduced yourself all those years ago with pigtails in your hair.”
A soft laugh escapes my throat as my chest fills with joy.He loves me. Gabe is in love with me.All the weeks of heartache melt away at those words.
This time when he reaches for me, I reach for him. So tenderly, Gabe runs his hand against my cheek. My arms wrap around his waist, feeling the smooth muscles underneath. Tears freely flow down my face as I look into those green eyes.
The elevator door dings open with its arrival on the first floor, but neither of us moves. No one would be able to pull me from this elevator at this moment.
“I’ve been such an asshole. I was scared I was just the next guy—” Before he can finish that sentence, I place a finger over his lips.
Is that what he thinks? That he was just the rebound? What we have together is incomparable. Gabe is everything I could possibly want and even better, he’s my best friend—the person who knows me most in this world. He was never just the next guy. He’stheguy. The one every girl is looking for.
And I found him.
“Bear,” I whisper, “you were never thenextguy. I’m in love with you. Part of me thinks I’ve never been in love until I fell in love with you.” The words barely escape my mouth before Gabe’s lips crash into mine.
Our kiss is desperate, deep, and intense. Heat courses through me as his mouth works against mine. Strong hands grip my ass and lift me off the floor, my legs wrapping around him.He feels so good. My arms reach around his head, fingers gently tangling in his short hair.
Gabe groans into my mouth, “God, I’ve missed you Sunny. So damn much.”
Completely unaware of our surroundings, the loud ding of the door startles us as it pops back open. Thankfully, no one is standing on the other side, waiting for a lift to their floor.
Pulling back, I look into the green eyes of my best friend and the love of my life. “I love you, Bear.”
Gabe’s smile widens, eyes twinkling. “I love you, Sunny.”
Epilogue
Valentine’s Day
One Year Later
With one last twirl in the mirror and a fluff of my hair, I grab my coat and head out the door.
Gabe and I have officially been together for one year—probably the best year of my life— and tonight is our anniversary. Unfortunately, no sexy dinner for us since Gabe has to work at the station. But I have plans though…
Christy and I have kept up with our pole dancing classes, going once a week. We’ve even gotten good enough that we had to move to the advanced class. No more beginner lessons for us.
My body has gradually gotten more toned with the workout because that is exactly what pole dancing is—a full-body workout. We’ve transitioned into more difficult moves—ones that have us hanging upside down as we spin high up on the pole. Yeah, it’s as hard as it sounds.
Locking the door, the cold winter air seems to cut right through me as I make my way to my car. Rubbing my hands together, blasting the heat, I head down my driveway. I’m so excited about tonight that nervous energy vibrates in my stomach. It’s been quite some time since I’ve been this bold, but I figure that tonight’s the perfect night.
