Page 55 of Just A Little Love

Gabriel looked as bad as I felt. He’d obviously showered after his flight because I smelled that woodsy, citrus scent that would always remind me of him. The urge to step closer was strong,and my willpower was slipping by the minute. His eyes looked tired, and the circles underneath were dark enough to look like bruises. He hadn’t shaved, and his five o’clock shadow was thick. Until forty-eight hours ago, nothing would have stopped me from feeling the roughness of it against my palm. He’d laugh and nuzzle himself along my cheek, and I'd giggle at how much it tickled.

“Rory, I’ve never lied to you. Yes, I lied to Reed and Jakob, which they know because I stopped there first to tell them. I never once lied to you. My ex, Justin, finagled his way into my apartment and camped out. He thought he could talk me into trying things again. I kicked him out and changed the lock code. The new number code is #548921. He’s gone now. “

I couldn’t think when Gabriel was this close. My body kept swaying towards him, and only bracing myself on the threshold kept me from falling into him.

“I think it’s best if you go. Thank you so much for helping me with my house. Regardless of anything else, I mean that. I'll sign and submit it tomorrow.” The lump had gotten bigger over the last minute or two, and I finally lost the battle. My eyes teared up, and I couldn’t stifle the sob that escaped from me. I hadn’t thought there was enough water left in me for tears, but I was wrong about that too.

“Bunny, there’s more I want to say, but not like this.”

Gabriel reached out and cupped my cheek, and I fucking whimpered.Whimpered.

“I wouldn’t ever lie to you, and I called you my boyfriend because that’s what I want you to be. It’s what I consider you to be, and not a temporary one, either. I want to be your Daddy. There isn’t anyone else.”

His words sounded exactly what I would want to hear, and that was what made them so dangerous. I hadn’t bothered to wipe away my tears, but I closed my eyes. I couldn't resist him once I looked into those beautiful brown eyes. I was not that strong.

“I’m going to let you have some space, okay? Nothing would make me happier than hearing from you.” Gabriel turned to leave but stopped abruptly to add, “I don't have the right to ask, but please call Jakob. He’s pissed that I lied, but he’s heartbroken because he thinks you and Anders aren’t his friends because of me.”

***

Rory: Cuddle Crew and Consult 911. My house.

BFF: OTW

Jakob: I’m confused.

BFF: It means drop everything because one of us needs us.

Jakob: I’m in the us?

Rory: You’re in the us

Rory: It can be 911-ish if you need to check with your papa

Jakob: Papa said he’s a doctor and 911 means go now. He’s gonna bring me over.

Rory: I’ll drop a pin

***

“I like your house,” Jakob said upon his arrival. “The bones are good.”

“Thanks. Let’s go into the living room, and we can wait fo-” the sound of Anders’ arrival interrupted my thought. “Never mind, he’s here.”

After Anders let himself into the house, he joined Jakob and me in the living room. Anders plopped down in his favorite armchair and looked expectantly at me. “I hope you called us here to tell us you’ve stopped being dumb.” Jakob and I camped out on the couch.

Well, hell, this was not how I expected things to begin, but I cleared my throat, squared my shoulders, and tried again. “I was about to thank you both for coming and say to you,” with a nod to Jacob, “I apologize for not answering. I was upset, but Ishould have at least told you I needed a day or three to clear my head.”

“And I should have explained that I was waiting for Rory to find his brain and that if he didn’t in a day or two, we could conspire against him,” Anders said to Jakob.

“S’kay. I'm clueless about what's happening. Uncle Gabe came over tonight, told us he lied and explained a little. I was too angry to pay attention to what Mr. Liar McLiarson said.

“Oof. I need more wine.” There was no way to get through this conversation while fully sober. I was only human. “Anders, I know what you want. Jakob, can you drink?”

“Rory, real talk. I like cuddles and spankings. And wine. Lots and lots of wine. Bring the bottle.” The mini-monologue's impact would have been more effective but a lot less funny if given by someone who remembered to detach the paci from their cow onesie.

Anders and I glanced at each other, and then immediately burst into laughter. Every time we looked at him and then back to the wine, we started laughing until we finally collapsed against each other into a giggling heap on the couch. Jakob took matters into his hands, taking a swig from the bottle before settling into the couch, legs tucked under and chin propped on folded hands.

“Let’s try again. You already knew he lied to us. What happened between you guys? He’d been in London until tonight.”

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