Page 67 of The Truths We Find

I pull my hand away and let Gavin take my suitcase. As he heads for the doors, I trail after him, and I can’t stop my gaze from glancing at his ass. Memories of seeing it bare last night fill my mind. Heat rushes to my face, my pulse skipping like I’ve been caught doing something I absolutely shouldn’t be thinking about in public.

I shake my head and force my attention forward. The last thing I need is to be wound up for the entire trip home… even if my body very clearly disagrees.

The flight back to San Diego is brutal. By the time we step off the jet bridge, I know I’m not going to make it. I bolt for the nearest trash can and lose whatever dignity I had left right there in front of the gate. No bathroom. No warning. Just the full, merciless aftermath of last night.

Fuck this hangover.

I vaguely register people staring, but I honestly don’t care. If there’s a rock-bottom level of embarrassment, I’ve already hit it.

A few minutes later, my stomach finally stops trying to revolt and Alexa appears at my side like the guardian angel she is, guiding me to the ladies’ room. I clean myself up as best I can, staring at my reflection in the mirror afterward. I’m pale, exhausted, and very much paying for my choices.

Totally worth it? Jury’s still out.

Once I feel human enough to rejoin the world, we head back into the terminal. Gavin is waiting for us at a nearby quick-bites place, and the second I spot him, something in my chest eases.

Even through the nausea and exhaustion, the sight of him feels grounding.

“I got you some water.” Gavin pushes a glass of ice-cold water towards me.

“Thank you,” I sigh, taking a seat.

I take slow, small sips, letting the cold liquid soothe my burning throat.

“You probably shouldn’t get into another moving vehicle right now,” Gavin says.

“I don’t have anywhere I need to be,” Alexa adds. “So, we can hang here as long as you need.”

“Same,” Gavin says without hesitation.

The fact that neither of them makes it feel like an inconvenience does something to my chest. “Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it.” I manage a small smile. “They have pretzel bites. Anyone want to split?”

“Already ordered us some. And chips and salsa. Should be out soon,” Gavin replies.

I laugh softly. “My hero.”

He smiles back, and there it is again. That warm, steady feeling that settles in whenever he’s nearby.

I tell myself it’s probably just the hangover messing with my emotions.

But deep down, I know better.

The food arrives, and we eat while talking about the upcoming workweek. Or at least, they talk. The way I’m feeling, a sick day tomorrow is looking more and more likely. I keep my head down, forcing myself to nibble on a pretzel bite, hoping my stomach cooperates.

When I finally lift my eyes, I catch Gavin watching me. There’s no concern in his expression, just something soft and familiar. A small smile tugs at his mouth.

I return it instinctively, then quickly drop my gaze again so Alexa doesn’t catch us silently flirting over baked dough.

Or so I thought.

“Is this how it’s gonna be now?” Alexa asks.

“Huh?” Gavin looks at her, genuinely confused.

“Am I officially the odd one out now that you two are doing it?”

Gavin’s head snaps toward me. “You told her?”

“No… yes… she kind of figured it out,” I mumble, sinking lower in my chair hoping it might swallow me whole.