He gets out of the car, walking around to retrieve me on the other side.
We go into the house, and his mom is asleep on the couch. Islip into his room as he wakes his mom up to take her back to the main house.
I pause at the doorway of his room, suddenly hyperaware of the fact that this is where we slept together. Where everything changed. And now it feels different again. It feels almost normal. But in the best, most surreal way.
While I wait for Gabriel to get back, I freshen up. Brushing my teeth and gargling. I spritz more Choco Musk on my neck and change into my crop tank and sleep shorts.
The reflection in the mirror catches me off guard. My cheeks are flushed, my eyes wide. I look like someone who’s fallen. Not apart, but in love.
Climbing into bed, I text Melanie and Harlow to update them about the date.
Me
I think I’m in love.
Melanie
Tell me EVERYTHING! It was the dress, wasn’t it?!!!
Harlow
Mel, let her talk. Tell us everything, Mills.
Me
Idk, everything just feels so easy with him. And anytime I think about being away from him, I get a big knot in my chest. Like I can’t live without him.
Melanie
Yep, you’re in love. I’m happy for you, bestie.
I hear the door open softly and turn my phone off. My heart pounding out of my chest.
Gabriel comes into the room, smiling as he changes into a pair of sweatpants. He climbs into bed, gently scooting me over.
He nuzzles his face into my neck, and I squirm. “We don’thave to do anything tonight, Bumper. Just having you in my bed is enough for me,” he says, wrapping an arm over my waist.
“I love being with you too, Gabby.”
He exhales into the crook of my neck, his body relaxing fully against mine, and I realize—this is the safest I’ve ever felt. It’s not the place. It’s not even the moment. It’s him.
And somewhere between his heartbeat against my back and his fingers lacing with mine under the covers, I know something for sure:
This man?
He’s it.
He’s everything.
The Star of the Show
GABRIEL
I wakeup the morning after my date with Millie, my body pressed up against hers.
“If you’re trying not to wake me up, your dick already did that, so,” Millie says, turning her body to face mine. I can’t help but notice how perfectly our bodies fit against one another.
Aura stirs on the baby monitor, and Millie attempts to get up, but I push her back down to her pillow. “I got her, Bumper, relax.”
