Page 43 of Stick Fight

To answer his unasked question, I place my hand gently on the small of Gabby’s back, offering her that steadying touch. “Rip, you remember Gabby from high school.”

Rip’s eyes widen for a moment before he grins and opens his arms wide. “Gabby, it’s so good to see you!” He pulls her into a light hug and tugs on one of her curls, his smile broadening. “Love this. Suits you.”

Gabby laughs softly, and I see the tension in her shoulders melt just a bit. “Another sweet talker.” Her eyes glint with playfulness. She looks over at Gemma, one of the bridesmaids, and her voice drops teasingly, “We need to be careful with these two.”

Gemma chuckles, clearly taking it all in stride. She notices that Gabby doesn’t have a drink, and her smile is warm and welcoming. “Come on, Gabby,” Gemma says, her voice friendly and light. She winks playfully at her. “I’m Gemma. Let’s get you a drink and trade stories.”

Gemma loops her arm through Gabby’s, guiding her away from the group, and I can’t tear my eyes away as they walk toward the bar. Every few steps, Gemma stops to introduce Gabby to someone new, and I see Gabby’s smile widen as she gets comfortable, the compliments pouring in for her outfit.

I stand back for a moment, just watching her. Something about seeing her with my friends,comfortable and laughing,makes something in my chest warm. Gabby fits in here.

“How’s it going?” Rip’s voice breaks through my thoughts, low and serious.

“Good. Told you that outfit was a good idea.”

He chuckles, slapping me on the back. “You’re a good guy, helping her out like that.”

I nod, feeling the weight of his words. It’s not just about the outfit—it’s about her, and I know I’m doing what feels right. But I can’t let her think there is more going on. Rip was right about that. I spot Elias and Taylor in the distance, and I figure I better introduce Gabby now, considering they’ll meet her back in Boston and will probably have questions.

“I better go make the rounds,” I tell Rip, and start heading toward the one person who stands out more than anyone on this rooftop, not just because of her bright, glowing orange dress, but because of the way she shines brighter than any woman here.

When I reach her, a smile pulls at my lips. I pull her to me, and as she melts into me when I wrap my hand around her waist, I can’t ignore how natural it feels. How right it feels. We fit together perfectly, like two pieces that were meant to be.

I grab us a drink at the bar, and we make our way around, introducing her to my friends. The conversations flow easily, everyone laughing and chatting, and by the time the night moves on, I pull her away from the crowd to find us a quiet corner, just before the fireworks start.

“I can’t believe how nice everyone is,” she says, her voice soft as she touches my cheek.

“Why wouldn’t they be?” I ask.

“I don’t know. I guess I just didn’t expect it. I figured they’d be judgmental.” Her laugh is quiet, but it carries a lightness that I haven’t heard from her before now. “I am in a Mrs. Roper dress.”

More people spill onto the rooftop, and I pull her closer, my arm wrapping around her as my eyes scan the crowd. The last thing I want is for him to show up and ruin her night.

She glances at her phone, her excitement mixed with a nervous energy. “It’s almost time.”

We lean against the railing, our bodies pressed together, and I can feel the warmth of her close to me. The countdown begins and when my gaze drops to her lips, I’m suddenly reminded that she was supposed to be kissing a different man tonight.

But she’s not.

She’s kissing me.

Even though we don’t have a future, we have tonight.

That’s all I want.

At least I think it is.

The countdown hits zero, and as the fireworks explode in the sky, our lips meet.

That’s when I realize, I’ve never been more unsure about anything.

Shit.

12

Gabby

Laughter bubbles out of me as Roman dances me around the rooftop. I never knew this guy was so much fun. Okay, maybe that’s not true. I knew he was fun, but I never knew there was a serious side to him. One I recently experienced and liked. A lot.

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