Page 20 of Kiss Me

“Please.” I smiled at her my most charming smile, or at least I hoped it came off that way.

“Perfect,” she chirped.

Gabi’s hand slid into mine without thought as we made our way to the island and sat on stools. Gabi seemed to be oblivious to the looks she was getting from her friends. Either that, or she didn’t care, and I took my cue from her.

“Before I start, can I say that your kitchen is gorgeous? It’s so homey, warm, and welcoming. I absolutely love it, and now I know why you spend so much time in here,” Gabi gushed. “You should see Jax’s house. He’s done all the work himself and it’s amazing.”

Turning from the counter by the stove where he’d been rolling out the dough, Luke looked over his shoulder with eyes narrowed. “How did you meet?”

If Gabi hadn’t spoken so highly of him, it would have bothered me, but instead I liked that he was looking out for her.

Gabi scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Geez, I’ll get to it. Where’s my cinnamon roll?” Her question came out on a growl.

Alex winked and giggled from across the counter. Sidling up behind Luke, she wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his back. “Relax. Can’t you see how happy she is?”

Nodding his head, Luke went back to doing whatever it was he’d been doing. I had been expecting him to pull out a roll of cinnamon rolls from the refrigerator and sprinkle something on top or something like that. Not to actually have them from scratch.

“Please continue. We’ll try to keep our questions until the end.” She tried to hide a smile but wasn’t successful.

“As you know, I wasn’t planning on coming to your New Year’s Eve party because I had planned to be in Vegas.” Gabi took a deep breath. “The guys decided to kick me out of Shadowed Alley.”

“What?” Alex gasped, eyes wide.

Luke turned around his mouth hanging open.

“No one was more surprised than me,” she laughed bitterly.

“What were they thinking?” Alex asked. Her eyes turned sad.

“They didn’t like not being the center of attention. They’re starting a new band, and I’m not invited.” The last was said on a sad murmur.

“Well, they’re fucking stupid,” Alex slammed her hand down on the island. “They won’t last if they ever get started.”

“Are you going to go solo?” Luke asked as he put the rolls in the oven.

“I have no idea what I’m going to do except take a much-needed break. Surely you can appreciate that.” She eyed the actor.

“After all the back-to-back projects, living out of suitcases and hotels, I totally know where you’re at. I appreciate all my time here with my family and away from the limelight. If there’s anything you need from us, just let us know.”

Gabi’s eyes softened, and a sweet smile graced her lips. “I will. Thank you. So,” She drew out the word. “I decided what better way to drown my sorrows than to surprise you guys by coming to your New Year’s Eve party.”

Alex’s brow furrowed. “But you didn’t come, and we canceled the party.”

Letting out a laugh, Gabi shook her head. “I tried to come. I booked the first flight here and rented a car once I got here. I think the ice storm started while I was waiting in the airport.”

“Oh no!” Alex inhaled sharply.

“Let’s just say I didn’t get very far. My phone was already dead by the time I landed, or I would have called, and I don’t know what I would have done.” She shook her head. “I guess ask you to come rescue me. Anyway, that’s how I met Jax,” Gabi looked over at me with nothing but stars in her eyes.

Hell, she was good for the ego. I hadn’t felt wanted in so long, I didn’t know what to do with all the emotions she invoked in me.

Lacing her fingers with mine, Gabi squeezed as if she had been reading my mind. “I wrecked my rental car and was unconscious when he found me.”

“You were unconscious?” Alex squeaked out. “Did you go to the hospital?”

“Fuck no! Can you imagine what would happen if it got out that Gabi Santina was in the hospital from wrecking her car after Shadowed Alley broke up?”

Luke grunted from where he stood by the oven. A frown marred his face.

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