Текст книги "Love Me Back"
Автор книги: Michelle Lynn
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Текущая страница: 19 (всего у книги 21 страниц)
Chapter 24 – Present Day
Jack has been storing my boxes in his attic so Ian happily agrees to go up the ladder after some heavy persuading on my part. A half hour later Ian is coming down the stairs showing me my purple plaid box.
“You have a bunch of other shit up there.” Ian motions with his thumb up the ladder he just came down.
“Thank you Ian.” I ignore his comment concentrating on the box. When I lift the lid the smell of the beach and water practically float to my senses. I can feel the sun on me playing volleyball with Gabe and the midnight walks along the beach letting the waves crash across our ankles. My eyes close remember his hands on me, holding me close and those wet lips kissing me goodnight.
“Jack, could you call Doug. I have a plan.” I yell towards him walking down the stairs.
“Why? Maddy, Linds and I are extremely busy, can’t this wait?” Jack walks into the room holding some kind of tulle and a ribbon trying to make a bow.
“Just give me this. Go call Doug. It’s time his brothers grow up.” I lead the way into the kitchen sitting down with Lindsey helping her tie her boxes of candy into little tulle packages clasped with a ribbon. Of course Ian sits down joining and we soon have an assembly line going.
Two hundred tulle presents later a scheming plan has been put into place recruiting not only Jack and Doug but Mr. and Mrs. Basso as well. They convinced Trent that the bachelor party should be at the Bassos here with all the press that is probably waiting around for him to show up at the clubs in Chicago. Since Jack isn’t concerned where his bachelor party is held but more who was at his bachelor party, it made my plan that much more possible.
Trent is still at his parents so I text him to meet me at the barn in a half hour. After jotting a down a quick note I hand Gabe’s letter to Ian. “Make sure he reads it.” I instruct Ian holding it firm in his hand.
“I will Maddy.” He practically has to rip it from my hands. I am reluctant to let it go. That is my love letter from Gabe, a goodbye love letter, but a love letter nonetheless. That time in Cancun was ours and I will always cherish it.
“Ian, let’s go.” Jack puts his hand on his shoulder motioning him in to the hallway.
Ian reaches over giving me a huge hug. “Good luck honey. I will be waiting for you after.” Then he retreats down the hall.
“Are you sure?” Jack asks me not following Ian. “When we talked last I thought this was going to end…differently” he falters through his words.
“It’s for the best.” I say.
“For who?” Jack questions but I don’t answer. I just wrap my arms around him trying to assure him this is the right decision.
I pull out of my brothers driveway following the three boys most of the way but when they turn into the driveway of the Bassos I continue on. Turning left at the next stop sign I park along the side of the road about a block down. Déjà vu hits me reminding of all the times I parked my red Jeep in this spot sneaking out to the barn to meet Trent. All the nights we made love or had wild sex. The nights he held me until I feel asleep or comforted me when I cried over my mom.
The tall grass scratches my legs following the path up to the barn. I push the wooden door open and Mr. and Mrs. Basso have already been hard at work preparing it for the bachelor party. There are poker tables and chairs strewed around with long tables along the walls for food and beverages. The barrel in the corner indicating there is a keg coming soon. Jack is going to love his bachelor party.
I climb the ladder up to my hide away spot with Trent. I am surprised seeing him already resting against the hay pale. He is wearing jeans and a t-shirt. One of his legs is sprawled straight while the other is bend with his elbow resting on it. When his eyes meet mine it makes me want to run back down that ladder, out of the barn and back into my mom’s car. I reluctantly walk over to him hearing the floorboards creak with every step reminding me I will never be here again. I take a seat next to him and he grabs my hand smiling over to me.
“Trent” I sigh heavily releasing the breath I’ve been holding for last two minutes.
“Maddy, I am truly sorry for this morning. I have already called Eric and made a statement. I told them that the fight outside the bar was just brothers messing around and you were just trying to get us to stop before someone got hurt. I didn’t explain the pictures of you crying though, I didn’t know how.” Then he releases my hand.
“Thank you.” I bite my lower lip unsure of how to start this.
“What did you want to talk about?” He doesn’t turn his head towards me; he just stares down at the piece of hay he is wrapping around his fingers.
“Um…Well…” I stutter making Trent peek his eyes up at me. I have to gather the strength to this. It will be better for the both of us. “We need to talk about us.” I deadpan.
“What about us?” He asks inquiring. Does he really not know what I am about to tell him? That makes this that much harder.
“We need to say good-bye to each other as lovers.” I turn towards him sitting Indian style in front of him grabbing his hand off his leg.
“So, you are choosing him?” He sneers at me.
“I’m not choosing anyone.” I shake my head back and forth “No, I am choosing you and Gabe. I want you two to get past this fight and be the brothers I know you can be.”
“Maddy, I told you this morning, I tried. He doesn’t want to. Not to mention if I have to lose you for him I am not willing to do it.” He stares down at our hands clasped together.
“Trent, can I ask you a question?”
He shakes his head up and down.
“Would you marry me?” I ask more as an inquisition instead of a sincere request.
“In a couple years yeah.” He shrugs his shoulders indifferent.
“No, I mean right now. Fly to Vegas and be married by the end of the night.”
“Maddy…” he sighs.
“Trent, I love you and I know you love me but you can’t deny we have changed through the years. There was a time when you would have pulled me up right now and had me in your car driving to the airport to marry me. We aren’t those kids anymore. Through the years our paths separated and unfortunately”
“Someone took my spot” he interrupts.
“That’s not the reason, well…it’s not the only reason. We gave it everything Trent but we don’t want the same things in life anymore. You love the clubs and parties where I like quiet dinners and nights in. It was all proven last year.” I take his other hand so I am holding both. “You mean the world to me and what we have shared over the years will never be forgotten. I will continue to support you and be your friend but I cannot be your lover anymore.” I look down at the flower blanket that I lost my virginity on with Trent and a tear falls down soaking a small dot.
“I told you Maddy, I changed.” He confesses.
“Please Trent, don’t fight this. Respect me enough not to argue with what you know is the truth.” I plead with him.
His blue eyes study me for what seems like an eternity. My eyes don’t waver and I can’t tell what he is thinking and it scares me.
“Do you love him?” He softly asks.
“Trent, this has nothing to do with him.”
“Maddy, just answer the question.”
“Yes” I whisper.
“More than me?”
“Trent…” I breathe in exhaustion.
“I know, don’t answer that. Sorry. I don’t think I could handle the answer anyway.” He throws the piece of hay to the ground.
“I never meant for it to happen.” I try to explain me and Gabe. “I know he didn’t either Trent. You have to believe me.”
“It’s my fault, if I wouldn’t have been such a douche all those times.” He shakes his head.
“It might not have mattered Trent. We tried to stay away from each other.”
“Not very hard.” He deadpans.
“Trent, we did.” I beg him but then he turns his head a small smirk runs across his lips.
“Shh…” he puts his finger against my lips. “I’m going to miss you.”
“I told you Trent, I am here for you whenever you need me.”
“Promise me Maddy. Promise me we will always be friends. I can’t lose all of you Maddy.” He drops his gaze back down from me.
“I promise.” I confess and I believe it. I would be there for Trent anytime as a friend.
I wrap my arms around his shoulders pushing myself closer to him. He returns my affection with arms around my waist.
“I love you Maddy.” He whispers in my ear.
“I love you too.” I whisper back.
Another five minutes past and I know I have little time to get out before Gabe will be down here. I don’t want him to see me here.
“Have fun tonight” I say to Trent as I give him one last hug before walking out the doors of the barn.
“I doubt you have to worry about that, of course, I won’t remember any of it. After this I plan on getting completely wasted.” He discloses.
“Be careful Trent.” My voice is serious.
“Always” he smiles at me.
I open the barn door tracing my steps back to my mom’s car when I see Gabe making his way down from the house. I quicken my steps hoping he hasn’t spotted me yet but I fail to consider Gabe’s keen sense of always knowing when I am close by. I shouldn’t have been surprised when his hand grasps my arm just as I am about to hit the tall grass.
“Maddy?” He questions clearly surprised to see me there.
“Hey Gabe.” I try to keep my voice casual.
“What are you doing here?” His eyes don’t have that sparkle in them today and I wonder if it’s because of me or the stories going on in the press.
“I was talking with Trent” I honestly admit.
“Oh.” He puts his hands in his pocket. I sense to keep them from touching me. His hands have always found ways to touch or caress me no matter what we are doing.
“You got the letter?” I change the subject.
“Yes, thank you. You’re friend Ian is very convincing. Here” He digs it out of his pocket handing it back to me. “It reminded me of how important my brother is to me.”
“Good, I’m glad. I hope you both can make amends and have a friendship again.” I confess stuffing the letter in my back pocket.
“Well…Thanks again Maddy.”
“You’re welcome, Gabe.” I turn around finding my way back. I sense his eyes on me until I am swallowed up by the trees, like the protector he has always been.
When I am safely in my mom’s car, I let myself weep. I weep for the boy I have loved for so long and the man that will never be mine. Gabe’s arms will never securely wrap around me. His soft lips will never hit mine again. The idea of those things never happening make me sob harder as I hang my head down in the driver’s seat unable to move away from the man who holds my entire heart.
Chapter 25 – Present Day
I go back to my mom’s house to drop off her car. Mitch’s car is missing from the driveway so I assume they went somewhere together. Ian is helping the boys with the bachelor party arrangements. I can’t bring myself to be in the house by myself so I back out of the driveway.
I decide to go see Mackenna, I haven’t seen her enough this trip and since diapers and feedings will soon consume her life we need to make the most now. Driving through town I see her in the window of her studio. Parking the car I walk up to the window knocking. She excitedly waves to me making her way to the door.
“I’m so happy to see you. Come in” she motions with her hands but she sees my eyes instantly alarming her. “What’s wrong Maddy?” She walks over to me hugging me.
“Do you have time to talk?” I manage to get out in between sobs.
“For you, anytime.” She puts her arm around me bringing me into her shop. I see her glancing around the streets checking if anyone is around. I guess she has already read the gossip sites.
She sits me on a couch and hands me a bottle of water. “You know as well as I do you can’t let those people get to you.” She thinks I’m upset about those ‘reporters’.
I shake my head back and forth. “No…” I swallow. “I told Trent today.” I disclose.
“Finally Maddy.” She leans back on the couch releasing a breath. “So, are you and Gabe?”
“No, I let them both go.” I cry harder into her shoulder.
“Why? You love Gabe.” She continues to hold me but I feel her head moving insinuating she doesn’t understand my decision.
“I can’t have him without hurting Trent. I won’t let them ruin their relationship because of me.”
“Maddy, Trent has hurt you more than anyone. You can’t forego your happiness for him.” She argues never being a fan of Trent’s.
“I’m not doing it for Trent, I did it for Gabe. He needs his brother in his life a lot more than he needs me.”
“I think you are wrong on that. If Trent loved you like he tries to act like he does he would accept you and Gabe knowing how happy you both are.”
“Kenna…” I look up at her knowing we both are aware how selfish Trent is.
“I know. I just think it sucks. You and Gabe should be together. I am going to call Bryan, he can talk to Trent.” She reaches for her phone.
“No Kenna. I don’t want Bryan to talk to Trent. It was hard enough telling them both I don’t want to deal with it anymore. I have two more days and then I will back in New York and the Basso brothers will continue their life. Please, I’m begging you let it rest.”
“What will happen to you?” She asks raising her eyebrows.
“I will manage.” I shrug my shoulders.
“Oh Maddy.”
“So, what are you getting ready to do?” I change the subject.
“I’m getting my cameras ready for the wedding tomorrow.”
“Are you sure you can do it?” My eyes drift her to swollen stomach.
“Yes, god you sound like Bryan. He is insisting on being my assistant. He is going to drive me crazy.” She rolls her eyes.
“I love how protective he is of you.”
She doesn’t respond but she is giving me that sorrow look. The look telling me you could have it too. Quickly, I grab onto another topic to divert her, I am lucky Mackenna can be easily distracted.
I stay there for about an hour and then hug her good-bye letting her know I will see her tonight at the Bachelorette Party. I am happy to find my mom and Mitch back when I return home. They are in the family room discussing something. I peek around the corner, not wanting to interrupt them. Mitch’s arm is around my mom and I see she is crying while he tells her it will all work out and be ok. I turn around to walk upstairs, I know why she’s upset and I don’t have it in me to talk about it anymore.
Walking by my room, I see Ian is lying in Jack’s bed fiddling with his phone. “Hey you.” I say plopping on the bed.
“Hey.” He continues to stare at his phone.
“What’s up? Why do you seem so down?” I ask. He shrugs in response.
“Ian?”
“You’re plan worked.” He admits.
“It did?” I animatedly question.
“Yes. They eventually came back to the house to help with the bachelor party together. I never knew them before the Madeline Jennings feud but Jack and Doug seemed really happy about the way they were with each other.” His voice is flat with no emotion.
“I’m glad. Ian, why are you so upset?” I place my hand on his knee.
“I don’t know, I guess I am too empathetic. I feel bad for you. Although they seemed to make amends Gabe’s eyes still seemed empty. I understand why you did it Maddy but is Trent’s happiness really worth you and Gabe’s misery?” He looks at me for the first time since I came into the room. He is concerned for me as his friend. He saw firsthand what Trent did to me in New York so of course he doesn’t understand.
“Thanks Ian.” I pat his knee. “I’m happy I have you in my life. I need to remind you though Gabe ended it with me. I never had a choice in him leaving my life.”
“I know but it’s all because of Trent. If he wasn’t his brother.”
“If he wasn’t Trent’s brother I might have never had him in my life at all. I will always love them both, in different ways but it was an impossible situation.” I finally seem calm about my decision almost at peace especially since Ian told me Gabe and Trent are better now.
“You’re too selfless Maddy.” Ian says.
“Thank you, I take that as the biggest compliment.” I smile up at him. “Now, I have to find a dress to wear tonight.” I go to stand up.
“Let me help you.” He stands following me out the door. “Did I tell you how unfair it is that you girls get to go clubbing and I’m stuck playing poker in some barn?” He sternly looks at me making me laugh for the first time all day.
I hear the honk of the limo outside so I grab my clutch and walk out of my room. Ian was picked up by Bryan a few minutes ago and I am debating on changing without Ian knowing. He has great style but I think this might be a bit much for these small towns. Pulling my shirt up trying to hide my boobs in the extremely low cut tight black shirt Ian picked out matched with a tighter and shorter black mini skirt I reach for my sandals with three inch heels. I glance in the mirror one last time making sure the curls are still holding in my hair and leave my room.
My mom is downstairs waiting for me. Mitch has left for the bachelor party as well. I am happy to see my mom in a nice pair of dark skinny jeans and a pink blouse. It’s not as conservative as she’s been wearing but not even close to revealing. It makes her look sexy and attractive like she should.
“Oh Maddy, you look beautiful.” She rises from the couch smiling over at me.
“You don’t think it might be too much?” I start pulling my skirt down to get the fabric to stretch closer to my knees.
“Not at all. You will be beating the boys away tonight.” She lightly taps my arm.
“Thank you. You look gorgeous mom.” I place my hand on her arm in exchange.
“Thank you.” She responds while a nice shade of pink rises up her cheeks.
The other bridesmaids have already opened the champagne handing my mom and I a glass as soon as we sit down in the limo.
“Oh no thank you.” My mom says passing her glass back to the girl. I smile brightly over to her and she squeezes my knee in return.
Unfortunately, I down my drink making her frown. Lindsey is all decked out in a veil with plastic penises on it; her white shirt is embroidered with rhinestones saying Bride across her chest. She is wearing jeans with strappy black sandals. Her face is red from either the alcohol or the heat but it looks good on her. The permanent smile spread across her lips makes her that much more gorgeous.
Looking around the limo I notice besides Caroline I am dressed the smuttiest. Caroline is wearing a red halter type dress that shows off her bare back down to her waist line, her cleavage is exposed like one of her boobs is going to fall out if she bends over too quick and her dress is so short I can see she isn’t wearing underwear from my spot across from her. I am thankful Gabe will not be seeing her tonight.
We show up at a club called Spades that is in the town over. There is only a short line but Caroline prances up there and gets us all in while she puts her hand on the bouncers arm pretending to feel how big his muscles are. I can’t believe that actually works. The bouncer who is six feet four inches tall with a bald head and tattoos covering his arms looks Caroline up and down appreciating her body before motioning with his hand to go on in. We all file in line while the bouncer stares at each one of us evaluating our appearance.
The room is dark and with color lights shining down on the packed dance floor. Girls are grinding their asses into boys while their hands roam the girl’s bodies. Caroline finds us a table at the far end of the room in the back. I have never felt more on display walking through the crowd of people with men’s eyes on me. I really wish I had changed from Ian’s suggestion. We all make it safely to the table and Caroline instantly orders a round of shots. Lindsey definitely picked the right maid of honor; she is bossy and pushy as hell.
Before the shots arrive Lindsey and a couple of her bridesmaid make their way on the dance floor. I sit down with Mackenna, my mom and Lindsey’s mom. The shots are delivered and I order a vodka tonic and the other three order sodas. Lindsey is dancing with her girlfriends and whenever a guy comes near her she flashes her ring telling them to stay away. Again why can’t guys just let girls have a night out with her friends? Lindsey is clearly getting married in a couple days.
After a couple songs the girls come over taking their shots while Caroline orders another round for the table. Lindsey downs hers and then grabs me. “Come on Maddy, you are going to have fun tonight.” I stand up letting her lead me out there and I swear Caroline gives me a dirty look on my way. I’m not ignorant to the fact she hasn’t said two words to me all night.
I dance a couple songs with Lindsey letting the music relax my body. I push off any guys that come by us informing them this is a girl’s night. Lindsey smiles thanking me for taking care of it. I am in desperate need of a drink so I wave Lindsey signaling where I am going. She nods her head but continues to dance. Seriously, is this girl ever going to stop dancing?
On my way back to the table, I spot Caroline cuddled up to some guy at another table. She is practically on his lap while his arm is draped over her chair. She gives me an evil stare as I walk by before smiling nicely at the guy next to her. I collapse into the chair next to Mackenna sipping my drink waving the sweat and heat off my body.
“You should dance Kenna. Come on I will go out with you.” I say close to her ear so she can hear me.
“No way Maddy. Don’t get me wrong I am practically about to dance out of this chair but I can’t go out there shaking my body with this.” She points at her stomach.
“Kenna, it doesn’t matter.” I argue.
“No way, I’m surprised I even came tonight.” She admits taking a drink of her clear soda.
I know better than to push Mackenna so I let her be while I observe the people in the club. It is a mixture of twenties and thirties with a few older men and women. I can see couples making out in corners and others appear like they are getting to know each other. My eyes land on a guy standing at the bar looking my way. He is tall with spiky dark hair. He is wearing a black button down shirt tucked into a pair of jeans. The shirt is tight around his shoulders and arms letting me know there are muscles under there but it flows into his pants flaunting his taut waistline. His lips smirk up to me and I smile in return.
I didn’t notice him making his way over to our table but he puts out his hand asking me to dance. I don’t bother looking at the raised eyebrows around me before I accept his hand. Upon closer observation I see his sharp jaw line and hazel eyes with flecks of green in them. After leading me to the dance floor I hear it is a slow song and I suddenly wish I had declined. He wraps one arm around my waist while taking my other hand in his holding it close between us.
“What’s your name?” His deep voice asks.
“Maddy” I respond.
“Chris” he informs me.
“Nice to meet you Chris.” I say.
“Nice to meet you Maddy.”
I dance with Chris for a couple songs before he suggests we go to the bar to talk and have another drink. Since I am here for Lindsey I am about to politely decline when I hear voices caring on behind me and I feel someone grind against my back.
“Little Jennings, you are looking H.O.T. tonight” Shawn Edwards says from behind me.
I turn around smacking him on the shoulder pushing him a couple steps. Obviously he is already wasted. “Get away from me Shawn.” I yell.
“Do you know this guy?” Chris pushes between us holding me behind him. He looks like he is ready to fight Shawn.
“Yeah, don’t worry about him. He’s my brother’s friend.” I say pulling on Chris’s arm to relax.
“What are you doing here? You are supposed to be at the barn.” I ask.
“We got bored and decided to join you guys.” He shrugs his shoulders.
My eyes search the dance floor and I find Jack dancing with Lindsey, the other boyfriends of the bridesmaids are dancing with their girlfriends and Bryan has persuaded Mackenna out to the dance floor. I smile admiring them, Bryan has always had a way with Mackenna. Back at the table I see Mitch sitting next to my mom chatting with Lindsey’s parents. It isn’t until further inspection I see those blue eyes staring right at me while a red head is leaning in front of him whispering something in his ear. He isn’t paying attention to her, his eyes are fixated on me giving me goose bumps through my body.
“Shawn, go find some drunk ass girl to grind against.” I turn him around pushing him towards the dance floor. He walks towards a group of some girls and they are immediately laughing at something he said.
“Chris, thank you for the dance. I am here with my sister-in-law to be and I need to spend my time with her.” I say to him.
“Looks like she is keeping herself entertained.” He sneers glancing at Jack and Lindsey dancing. I never knew how much my brother enjoys dancing as well.
“Well…there are a lot of other people here” I look back at our table noticing Caroline is gone but Gabe is standing up looking right at us. “That I don’t see very often.”
“Oh you’re from out of town.” He isn’t questioning it. He is more stating a fact. This peaks my curiosity.
“Where are you from?” I ask as casual as possible.
“Milwaukee.” He states but starts looking over at Gabe. He isn’t surprised that he is staring over at us ready to pounce, which I find odd.
“Oh, why are you down here when you could be at the clubs up there?” I ask another question trying to make him stumble on his own answers.
“I have friends down here.” His shoulders rise and fall but he is no longer looking my way but he is searching the bar for someone.
“Listen, I got to go. Thanks again for the dance.” I turn to walk around. I know who he is looking for and I am not about to let him find him.
“Maddy, why don’t I escort you back to your table?” He grabs my wrist and I close my eyes because this is not going to go as smoothly as I hoped.
“Get your hands off her.” The deep voice speaks from behind me. His breath tickles my neck and I smile out of uncomfortableness.
I quickly turn around aggressively pulling my wrist out of Chris’s hands. “Don’t do anything.” I put both my hands on Gabe’s chest but he is standing firm. I could feel the anger pouring from him.
“Maddy, please step out of the way.” He speaks through his teeth as his eyes never leaving Chris’s.
“Chris, just go. I know who you are and I am begging you to leave here tonight.” I turn back around towards him standing in front of Gabe.
“You have to be kidding me.” He laughs and raises his arm snapping his fingers. Before I can ask there is another man in front of Gabe and me snapping our picture with his camera.
“What the hell?” Gabe shouts.
“So, you two are together now?” Chris asks us.
“Who are you with?” I ask. I peer around not finding Trent, which I am thankful but worried about what compromising situation he might be in.
“No one. But I will be soon after this.”
“After….” Gabe speaks behind me placing a possessive hand on my waist.
“I get the scoop on Trent Basso, his brother and his girlfriend.” He confesses to us.
“So, you knew who I was the whole time?” I ask and I feel Gabe tense behind me.
“Yeah, I was waiting for one of you to show up.” He motions his head at Gabe. “So, where’s your brother?” He directs his question to Gabe.
“Not here.” Gabe answers.
“So, she’s yours for tonight and then tomorrow she’s your brothers?” He sneers.
I know what he is doing. Trying to get a rise out of Gabe. I feel Gabe’s body move forward but I throw myself in front of Chris knowing he won’t do anything with me there.
“Maddy, get.out.of.the.way.” He slowly says staring directly at Chris.
“Gabe, he is trying to get you to hit him.” I look around trying to find someone to help me. I can’t stop Gabe for very long especially if Chris keeps running his mouth. Everyone is dancing or drinking. Surprisingly no one has noticed what is going on here.
Luck is on my side when Chris’s sidekick takes another picture making people turn their heads towards us. Jack, Shawn, Doug, Mitch and a couple other guys make their way over to us standing shoulder to shoulder with Gabe. The rest of our bridal party is standing behind them.
“Maddy?” Jack questions wondering who this man I am protecting is.
“This is Chris, he wants to be some piece of shit reporter and thinks an exclusive on Gabe, Trent and I will make him somebody.” I sarcastically speak moving from Chris to Gabe.
“Really?” Shawn speaks up stepping toe to toe with Chris. “Listen dipshit. I suggest you get the fuck out of here before I knock you out because no one gives a shit if you get a picture of that.” Then he steps over to his friend grabbing the camera out of his hand. “Kenna?”
She comes over taking the camera away from Shawn. She takes the memory card out handing it back to him.
“Thanks babe.” He says handing the camera back to Chris’s partner. “Now the two of you need to leave right now and I better not see your faces anywhere near here again.” He is practically spitting on Chris he is so close to his face.
Chris and his friend remain quiet when they turn around walking out of the bar.
“Thanks Shawn.” I put my hand on his shoulder.
“Anytime Jennings.” He picks me up swinging me around. “What a bunch of assholes.” He puts me down while his hands graze my ass.
I am going to let him have that one for helping me out but someone else isn’t. “Easy Edwards.” Gabe says behind me.
“Oh, don’t worry Basso. I know whose she is.” He smirks down at me and then walks away to dance with a group of women who seem impressed by his display of protectiveness.
“Do you want a drink?” I ask Gabe.
“No, thank you though.” He stares at me for a few minutes before turning around towards the table.
“Gabe?” I scream over the music.
He turns around looking at me. I can see the torment in his eyes. “Yeah.”
“I’m sorry.” I mouth to him.
He walks over to me with purpose before he grabs my arms pulling me into him. “Don’t ever think I wouldn’t have chosen you. You are the one for me…always.” He kisses me on the cheek close to my ear.
