“I thinktheywould like to see us both there.”
Well, I guess that answers my question. Gabe must have told Luke, and Luke must’ve told Kaden.
“Okay, sounds good. Count me in.” I give Kaden a slight smile, thankful for his discretion. He evidently hasn’t said anything to Connor, in particular, because Connor definitely would’ve given me the third degree if he had.
To avoid anyone getting suspicious, I make a show grumbling about how hungry I am, begging for someone to feed me until our food arrives a minute later.
I leave my phone on the table next to my plate, facing up, while I eat my burger and fries, even though I don’t expect him to text back given his last message—but a guy can dream, right?
It’s not until I get home later in the evening, after we all decided to do a little shopping, that I receive a message from Gabe after he went dark during his workday.
I just want you to know, you’ve made this day the longest day in history for me.
I burst out laughing at the thought of Gabe being sexually frustrated all day because of what I said—loud enough for Connor to hear.
“I heard that!” he hollers from his room. “Is that a real person making you laugh? And if so, I need details.”
“It’s just a funny video I found. Stop being so damn nosy,” I yell back at him. Although I hate that I had to lie to him, I’m just not ready to have this conversation with him.
Poor baby
I feel like I should be sorry I told you what I was really thinking earlier.
I’m not
Fair warning, I’m going to need your address soon if you keep this up.
Not happening. Connor is home.
And you are not ready for that kind of energy when it comes to his prying into everyone’s business.
I guess you need to behave then.
The line rings once before Gabe answers.
“Ender.” The stern warning carried in that single word sends a wave of anticipation through every inch of my body, making the hair on my arms stand up. This is not the same Gabe I’ve been getting to know the past week—this Gabe is clearly taking control of the situation.
“Gabe.” His name comes out with breathless caution.
“I don’t think you’re prepared for whatever it is you think you’re doing here.”
“And what exactly is it you think I’m doing?” If this is the reaction I’m already getting from him, I’ll probably be in a world of trouble if I let this man get his hands on me any time soon. I can’t wait.
The whooshing of my heart as it tries to keep my body from giving out is the only thing filling the silence between us. Finally, Gabe speaks. “Why don’t you tell me exactly what you want tonight, and I’ll do my best to make it happen?”
I take a second to think before I reply, trying to decide what I want from him. Turns out, it’s a little different from this morning.
“I need you to take control, Gabe.” I force out the barely audible request before I have a chance to overthink it.
As soon as the line disconnects, the vibration in my hand alerts me to what I assume is his address. My plans for the night just got a whole lot more interesting.
The next forty minutes rush by as I prep myself, in every way, for what’s in store for me tonight—I regret eating earlier now—but then my heart flutters thinking about Gabe, pumping pure excitement through my veins. With featherlight steps through the apartment, I escape without Connor noticing. Even so, I leave a sticky note on his door to let him know I went out, so he doesn’t worry. It’s inevitable he’ll text me at some point, wanting to know where I went and who I’m with, but a short answer is easier through text than in person.
The drive to Gabe’s house takes less than twenty minutes, and I’m filled with equal parts anticipation and nervousness, my music the only thing keeping me from turning the car around and abandoning this crazy mission.
As I pull up to the address Gabe sent, I wonder if he lives alone. The residence in front of me is a two-story, single-family home, way too big for one person. It reminds me of the Ackerman’s house.
Steeling myself, I rap lightly so as not to wake any potential roommates. The door opens in seconds, and Gabe greets me. His white tank top makes his sun-kissed skin appear even more tanned, and his mouthwatering gray sweats cling to his frame in all the right ways. One side of his lip turns up in a devious grin, as he steps aside for me to pass him.
