Chapter 87
Wendy and Mason
The morning light streamed through Mason's bedroom window, casting a soft glow across the space. Wendy stretched as she sat up, her gaze drifting around his roomâminimalist, a little messy, but undeniably him. A couple of hoodies were draped over his desk chair, an old baseball cap hanging off the edge of his bedpost, and his guitar leaned against the far wall. The faint scent of his cologne lingered in the air, mixing with the warmth of the morning.
Her eyes landed on a pile of clothes tossed over a chair, and without thinking, she grabbed one of his shirtsâa faded, oversized tee that smelled like him. She slipped it over her head, the fabric swallowing her frame, hanging loose against her bare thighs.
As she turned back toward the bed, she caught Mason watching her, his head still half-buried in his pillow, his dark hair a mess from sleep. A slow, lazy grin spread across his face.
"That's my favorite shirt," he murmured, voice thick with sleep.
Wendy rolled her eyes, running a hand through her tousled hair. "Yeah? Well, it's mine now."
Mason chuckled, his grin widening. "Can't even be mad. You look good in it."
She scoffed, but the warmth creeping up her neck betrayed her. Mason just stretched, propping himself up on one elbow, eyes still heavy with sleep but full of something that made Wendy's stomach flip.
"Come back to bed," he said, voice low, coaxing.
Wendy huffed, crossing her arms. "I need coffee first."
Mason smirked. "You need me first."
She shot him a glare, but it had no heatânot when he was lying there, looking at her like that. With a shake of her head, she turned on her heel and padded out of the room, the hem of his oversized shirt brushing against her bare thighs.
The apartment was quiet as she made her way to the kitchen, her fingers combing through her tangled hair. She was halfway to the coffee maker when she froze.
Lily.
Standing by the counter, her long dark hair spilling over her shoulders, a mug in hand.
Wendy felt Lily's eyes drop to the shirtâMason's shirtâand widen slightly before her lips curled into a slow, knowing grin.
Lily didn't say anything. She just giggled.
Wendy groaned. "Shut up."
Lily took a sip of her coffee, still grinning. "I didn't say anything."
"Your face is saying plenty."
Another giggle.
Wendy sighed, shoving past her to grab a mug. The silence between them stretched as they moved around the kitchen, the only sounds being the drip of the coffee maker and the clinking of mugs. But Lily's gaze was heavy, filled with amusement, and every few seconds, another soft laugh escaped her lips.
Wendy finally turned, narrowing her eyes. "Lily."
Lily batted her lashes innocently. "Wendy."
Wendy groaned again, pouring her coffee. "You're the worst."
Lily just giggled, sipping from her mug like she had all the time in the world. She slowly walked to the bar stools and sat down, pretending all was normal and that her best friend didn't just step out of her bother's room half naked.
The sound of slow, heavy footsteps filled the quiet kitchen, and Wendy didn't have to turn to know who it was.
Still half-asleep, his dark hair a mess, Mason's shirtless form radiating warmth as he trudged toward her with the lazy confidence of someone who didn't care about an audience. He didn't say a wordâjust went straight to her side, standing close, his bare arm brushing against hers as he pressed a slow, lingering kiss to her cheek.
Wendy stiffened.
Lily choked on her coffee.
Mason, unbothered, reached around Wendy for a mug, his voice still thick with sleep as he finally acknowledged his sister. "Morning, Lily."
Lily blinked, staring between them, her mouth opening and closing like she was struggling to find words. Because neverânot onceâhad Mason and Wendy been this open in front of her.
Wendy didn't pull away.
Wendy didn't shove him off or roll her eyes or make a sarcastic comment.
Instead, she just stood there, gripping her coffee, her cheeks a little pink.
Mason looked toward his sister as he took a small sip of Wendy's coffee, "Lily, this is Wendy. My girlfriend."
Lily gasped.
Wendy shot her a look, but that only made Lily grin wider.
Mason, still utterly unfazed, took a sip of the coffee again, "And babe, this is Lily. My favorite sister."
Lily gasped again, "Babe?"
Wendy turned her head toward him. "She's your only sister."
"That we know of," Mason chuckled. "Have you see our dad? Man could have anyone he wanted."
"Hey, hey!" Lily snapped her finger. "We're not brushing past this. What is this? Is this official now? Please tell me this is official now!"
Mason smirked, entirely too amused by his sister's excitement. "It's official."
Lily gasped again, clutching her mug like she had just won the lottery. "Oh my God. Finally!" She turned to Wendy, her eyes wide with delight. "You're dating my brother!"
Wendy hesitated, still adjusting to the fact that Mason had so casually dropped the word girlfriend like it was nothing. But when she glanced at himâhis smug, half-awake face, his easy confidence, the way he looked at her like it was the most obvious thing in the worldâshe sighed.
"Yeah," she admitted, her voice softer. "I guess I am."
Lily squealed.
Mason winced, rubbing his ear. "Jesus, Lilâ"
"No, no, you don't get it!" Lily was practically bouncing now. "This is the best thing ever! My best friend and my brother?! Do you know how long I've been waiting for this?!"
Wendy groaned, running a hand down her face. "Please, please don't make this weird."
Lily ignored her completely. "Oh my God, family vacations are going to be amazing. Double sleepovers? Yes. Oh! Thanksgiving! You guys have to sit next to each other, and I will be watching the entire timeâ"
Mason rolled his eyes. "Okay, dial it back. You're making it weird."
Lily beamed. "Weird? Weird? Mason, my two favorite people are together! This is the happiest day of my life."
Wendy tried to fight back a smile, but it was impossible. Because as much as Lily was over the top, her excitement was infectious. And maybeâjust maybeâit felt good to be something real. Something official. Something worth celebrating.
Mason wrapped an arm around Wendy's waist, pulling her closer as he took another slow sip of coffee. "Told you she'd be happy," he murmured in her ear.
Wendy sighed, leaning into him just slightly. "Yeah, yeah."
Lily was still grinning as she watched them, her heart practically bursting. "I knew this would happen. Best day ever."
_________________________
Theo and Daphne
Theo stepped into the bar, the low hum of jazz music blending with the soft clink of glasses. The lighting was dim, casting long shadows over the polished wood floors and the sophisticated decor of dark leather booths and marble countertops. It was the kind of place where every detail, from the glint of the silver rimmed glasses to the polished brass of the bar, screamed wealth and power. The air was thick with the smell of aged whiskey and expensive cologne.
Luca sat at a corner booth, his sharp gaze cutting through the haze of conversation, looking every bit the powerful man he was. Daniel lounged casually next to him, a drink in hand, his demeanor more relaxed but no less commanding. The moment Theo entered, both men's eyes flicked toward him, their expressions unreadable but expectant.
Theo's stride was purposeful, his jaw set tight, the anger simmering just below the surface. He didn't bother with pleasantries. As he neared the table, he stopped short, standing tall and crossing his arms over his chest.
"It wasn't Jake," Theo said, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. He kept his gaze locked on his father and then flicked to Daniel.
Luca's expression remained impassive, his sharp features unreadable. Daniel's gaze sharpened as he set his glass down with a soft clink, the silence between them stretching.
Theo didn't wait for their response. "The CCTV footage doesn't show Jake. It shows someone else. His face was hidden," Theo continued, his frustration evident in every word, the tension in his shoulders betraying how much he was holding back.
Luca leaned back in his seat, a flicker of something dangerous in his eyes as he studied Theo, but his face remained calm, like always. Daniel's fingers drummed on the edge of his glass, his expression shifting, sensing the gravity of the situation. Theo stayed rooted, waiting for their reaction, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.
"We need to stop pretending this is nothing. We need to start being proactive." Theo's voice dropped lower, but there was no mistaking the weight behind his words. His gaze flicked between his father and uncle, the tension in the air palpable. Theo's fists clenched at his sides, a subtle sign of the simmering frustration that had been building inside him.
Luca's eyes narrowed, his usually unreadable expression giving way to the faintest shift of acknowledgment. He sat back in his seat, fingers tapping once against the sleek, polished surface of the table. For a moment, the only sound was the quiet hum of the bar, the atmosphere thick with the realization of what was being said. Theo's words had cut through the pretenses, and Luca, though usually the one to keep things close to the chest, couldn't deny the truth of the situation any longer.
After a long pause, Luca nodded slowly, as if something had clicked in his mind, the weight of the situation settling in. There was no denying it now; something bigger was at play.
"Lily will be home in the morning," he said, his voice quieter but no less commanding. "I still have some favors I can pull in California. Let me see if anyone has heard anything through the grapevines "
His words were decisive, a signal that he was finally willing to shift gears. The facade of dismissing it was gone; now, it was time to take action.
Theo's posture relaxed ever so slightly, but his eyes remained sharp, watching Luca for any sign of hesitation.
"Don't worry about it," Daniel said. "Go home, I'm sure Daphne is waiting for you. We'll take care of it."
"Lily's my sister," Theo said as if reminding them.
"And you're my son," Luca reminded him. "I have worked too hard to keep you away from all this. You're not getting involved. Go home. Go take Daphne out to dinner some place nice. Daniel and I will take care of this."
Theo's jaw tightened as Luca's words hit him, each syllable like a weight pressing down on his chest. He stood there, silent for a moment, the frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. He wanted to argue, wanted to insist that he was capable of handling this, but there was no use. He could see it in his father's eyesâLuca wasn't going to budge
_____________________
Lily
As Lily made her way to Gabriel's door, her heart was still light from the news about Mason and Wendy. Laughter and warmth lingering in her chest.
But just as she reached the porch, she collided with someone rounding the corner.
Alexa.
The air between them instantly thickened, the tension suffocating. They hadn't spoken since their fallout, and neither of them seemed eager to break the silence now.
Lily straightened, her expression cooling as she stepped past Alexa, reaching for the door. But thenâ
"Here to see Gabriel?" Alexa's voice suddenly stopped her.
Lily let out a small sigh and looked over her shoulder, "On your way to go see Jake?"
Alexa's lips curved into something cold and knowing and her eyes sharpened.
"Enjoy the little time you have left with my brother, Lily," Alexa said, voice smooth, almost sweetâalmost. "Because I'm coming for you."
Lily stilled, her fingers tightening around the doorknob as she slowly turned to face her.
Alexa tilted her head, feigning innocence, but the glint in her eyes was anything but. "I know what you did at the makeup store," she continued, voice dropping lower. "I know you set me up."
Lily didn't reactânot at first. She kept her face neutral, unreadable, but inside, her heart kicked up, pounding against her ribs.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," she said evenly.
Alexa let out a short laugh, shaking her head. "Please. I know you better than that." She took a step closer, her voice laced with something almost amused. "And I hope you know me well enough to understandâI don't let things go."
Lily held her gaze, refusing to back down.
"Enjoy it while it lasts." Alexa smirked.
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Lily standing there, her pulse roaring in her ears.
Lily clenched her fists as she watched Alexa walk away, her smirk still burning in her mind. That connivingâ
Her mood soured instantly, the warmth she had felt just minutes ago completely snuffed out. She sucked in a sharp breath, trying to steady herself, but irritation twisted in her stomach like a storm. Who does she think she is? The audacity of Alexa's words, the smugness in her toneâit made Lily's blood boil.
Shoving the door open, she stormed inside, barely aware of her own movements as she made her way up to Gabriel's room. She needed to push this downâneeded to focus on him instead of the anger clawing at her chest.
When she stepped into his room, Gabriel was sitting on the edge of his bed, his phone in hand. The moment he saw her, his face lit up.
"Hey, baby," he said, his voice warm, pulling her in like it always did. He reached for her waist, ready to pull her onto his lap, but then he stopped. His brows knitted together as he scanned her face.
"What's wrong?"
Lily hesitated for only a second before forcing herself to exhale, shaking her head quickly. She wasn't about to tell him what had actually happened. She wasn't going to give Alexa the satisfaction of getting under her skin.
"I'm just upset about leaving," she lied, setting her purse down as she sat beside him on the bed. She kept her gaze down, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sweater. "I won't be able to see you until next semester."
Gabriel's expression softened, but his eyes still searched hers, like he wasn't quite convinced. His fingers brushed over her knee.
"That's what's bothering you?" he asked slowly, tilting his head.
Lily forced a small, sad smile and nodded. "Yeah."
It wasn't a total lieâshe was going to miss him. But right now, her mind was consumed with something else entirely.
"When is your flight?" Gabriel asked.
"Tomorrow morning," Lily said, stepping forward and taking a seat on his lap.
"So I have you all to myself for the whole day and whole night?" Gabriel smiled.
"Who else could it possibly be, Mr. Reyes?" Lily cracked a soft smile. She took in a deep breath and looped her arms around his neck. "I guess you can keep me occupied all day but what will we do.....all night?"
Gabriel's smile widened, his dark eyes glinting. His hands slid up her thighs, his grip firm and possessive as he leaned in, his lips grazing the shell of her ear.
"You don't want me to answer that," he murmured, his voice low and smooth, sending a delicious shiver down Lily's spine.
Lily felt the heat crawl up her neck, spreading across her cheeks. Her fingers tightened around the fabric of his shirt, but she lifted her chin, feigning confidence. "I do."
Gabriel chuckled, his breath warm against her skin. "Careful what you ask for." His hands trailed up her sides, slow and teasing, his thumbs brushing beneath the hem of her sweater. "Because if I tell you all the things I plan on doing to you..." His lips ghosted over her jaw, lingering just below her ear. "You won't get on that flight tomorrow."
Lily's breath hitched, her blush deepening. "Tell me...," she managed.
Gabriel exhaled a quiet laugh, but there was something deeper in his gaze nowâsomething intense, something that made Lily's stomach tighten with anticipation. His fingers traced lazy circles on her hips as he studied her, as if committing every inch of her to memory.
"When it finally happens," he started, his voice quieter now, more serious, "I don't want to rush. I want to take my time with you, all of you." His thumb brushed over the curve of her waist, slow, deliberate. "I want to explore every part of you."
Lily swallowed, her pulse racing.
Gabriel lifted a hand to her face, his fingers grazing her cheek with a tenderness that made her melt. "I want to learn the exact way to make you shiver, the sounds you make when you can't think straight, the way your breath catches when I kiss you just right." His lips barely skimmed hers, teasing, but not claiming. "I want you to come apart in my hands, over and over, until you forget your own name."
Lily's breath was shallow, her entire body aflame with his words. She gripped his shoulders, her head swimming.
He tilted his head, his lips curling into a smirk as he studied her flushed cheeks, the dazed look in her eyes. "What's wrong, angel?" His voice was thick with amusement. "Blushing already?"
Lily scoffed, turning her face slightly to hide her burning cheeks. "You talk too much," she mumbled.
Gabriel laughed, his thumb brushing over her bottom lip. "Then whut me up."
Lily didn't hesitate. She surged forward, pressing her lips to his in a deep, hungry kiss. Gabriel responded instantly, his hands tightening around her waist as he pulled her closer. The kiss was slow but heated, each movement deliberate, as if they had all the time in the world.
Lily shifted on his lap, adjusting herself so she could straddle him properly. The moment her knees settled on either side of his hips, Gabriel let out a quiet groan, his fingers pressing into her sides. Her hands tangled in his hair, tugging lightly as she deepened the kiss, her body molding against his.
His hands began to wander, sliding up her back, tracing the delicate curve of her spine beneath the fabric of her sweater. She shivered at his touch, heat pooling low in her stomach. Her own hands mirrored his movements, exploring the firm lines of his shoulders, the way his muscles flexed beneath her fingertips.
Gabriel's lips trailed down to her jaw, then lower, skimming the column of her throat as he hummed against her skin. "You taste sweet," he murmured, his voice thick with something dark and teasing.
Lily's breath hitched, her head tilting back slightly as her fingers gripped the hem of her sweater. In one fluid motion, she pulled it over her head and tossed it aside, her flushed skin now exposed to the warm air of the room.
Gabriel's hands immediately found her bare skin, his touch reverent, almost worshipful. His eyes roamed over her, dark and full of something unreadableâsomething intense.
"Damn," he breathed, his voice rough, his hands splaying across her back as he pulled her impossibly closer.
Lily felt weightless, like she was floating, completely lost in him.
Her heart pounded in her ears, each beat thundering louder as Gabriel's fingers moved to the button of her jeans. The soft click of it coming undone sent a shiver down her spine. His hands, warm and deliberate, hovered at the waistband, his dark eyes flickering up to hers, silently asking for permission.
Lily swallowed hard, her breath uneven as she nodded, her fingers gripping his shoulders. The anticipation was electric, her skin burning everywhere he touched. She could feel his breath against her collarbone, his lips brushing against her skin as he took his timeâslow, intentional, making her melt beneath his touch. And thenâ
A sharp knock on the door.
Lily froze, her entire body going rigid as Gabriel let out a quiet curse, his forehead dropping to her shoulder.
"Gabriel?" Carmen's voice carried through the door, muffled but clear.
Lily's eyes went wide, her stomach dropping. Oh God.
Gabriel exhaled, his grip tightening around her waist for a brief second before he pressed a quick, reassuring kiss to her shoulder. Then, with a reluctant sigh, he leaned back, his fingers moving to fix her jeans.
"I'm going to kill her," he muttered under his breath as he buttoned her back up, the heat in his gaze replaced with barely restrained frustration.
Lily, still trying to catch her breath, scrambled off his bed, her hands shaking as she grabbed her sweater and yanked it over her head. Her cheeks were burning, and she could barely look at him without feeling like she might combust.
Another knock. More insistent this time.
"Gabe, my car's making a weird sound," Carmen called again. "Go take a look at it. I don't want to take it to a mechanic."
Gabriel groaned, running a hand down his face before shooting Lily a lookâhalf amused, half exasperated. "I swear, she has the worst timing."
"Why didn't you tell me she's home?" Lily smacked Gabriel's arm.
"I didn't know," Gabriel whispered.
Lily shot him a glare, though it lacked any real heat, her heart still hammering against her ribs. "You didn't know?" she hissed. "How do you not know if your mother is home?"
Gabriel gave her a helpless shrug, his lips twitching like he was holding back a smirk. "I don't keep tabs on her, angel."
Lily groaned, tugging her sweater down as if that would somehow erase the situation. Another sharp knock made them both flinch.
"Gabriel," Carmen's voice grew impatient. "Are you seriously ignoring me?"
Gabriel exhaled through his nose, clearly at the edge of his patience.
"I'm coming," he called back, rubbing his temples before standing. His eyes flickered to Lily, still flushed and flustered, and the amusement in them deepened.
She narrowed her eyes. "Don't look at me like that."
"Like what?" He grinned, taking a slow step toward her.
"Like you're enjoying this."
"Oh, I am enjoying this," he murmured, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered at her jaw, his touch making her breath hitch. "You should see yourself right nowâstill blushing, still looking like you want more."
Lily let out a frustrated huff and shoved at his chest. "Go fix the damn car, Reyes."
Gabriel chuckled, catching her wrist and pressing a lingering kiss to her palm before finallyâreluctantlyâpulling away.
"Don't go anywhere," he murmured, his voice low and teasing. "We're not done."
Lily folded her arms, trying to appear unaffected, but her face betrayed her. "Just go."
With one last smirk, Gabriel grabbed a hoodie off the chair and strode to the door, shaking his head as he muttered, "Cockblocked by my own mother."
Lily groaned, burying her face in her hands. She was never going to recover from this.
________________________
Mason and Wendy
The boardwalk stretched out before them, the salty breeze tousling Wendy's hair as she triedânot very successfullyâto suppress the ridiculous warmth bubbling inside her. Mason's hand was wrapped around hers, firm and sure, his thumb absentmindedly tracing circles against her skin. She shouldn't feel giddy about it. It was just hand-holding.
Totally normal. Totally casual. Totally not making her want to grin like an idiot.
Mason glanced at her, catching the way she kept darting quick glances at their joined hands, as if she still wasn't sure what to do with the reality of it. A slow smirk curled at his lips.
"You know, this is what normal people do," he teased. "They hold hands, they go on datesâwild concept, I know."
Wendy scoffed, lifting her chin as if she wasn't just internally freaking out. "Oh, please. I've been on dates before."
Mason hummed, unconvinced. "Yeah? With who?"
She opened her mouth, then promptly shut it.
Mason grinned. "That's what I thought."
Wendy groaned, rolling her eyes as she tugged at his hand in a half-hearted attempt to pull away. "Get away from me."
"In your wildest dreams," Mason said easily, pulling her right back against his side, his arm slinging loosely around her shoulders. His body was warm, solid, and comfortable.
Wendy sighed, letting herself lean into him just a little. "Yeah," she muttered. "Whatever."
"You like this?" Mason asked, smiling down at her. "Are you having fun, my little gramelin?"
"Don't call me that," Wendy's eyes narrowed.
Mason chuckled, unfazed. "I'll stop when you admit you're having a good time."
Wendy huffed, glancing away, but Mason wasn't about to let her hide. He slowed their steps, giving her hand a small squeeze. "You hungry? Thirsty? We can grab some food, or I can win you one of those ugly stuffed animals you like."
She shot him a look. "You think my stuffed animals are ugly?"
"Absolutely hideous," Mason said solemnly. "But you love them, so I guess I have no choice but to win you one."
Wendy bit back a smile, failing miserably. "I could go for a snack."
"That's my girl." Mason steered them toward a nearby food stall, making sure she didn't bump into anyone in the growing crowd. When they reached the counter, he let her pick whatever she wanted, then took her drink from the vendor before she could carry it herself.
"I can hold my own drink, you know," Wendy pointed out.
"I know," Mason said, handing her the snack instead. "But I like taking care of you."
Wendy didn't have a comeback for that. Instead, she focused very hard on taking a bite of her food, pretending the warmth spreading through her chest was just from the summer air.
Mason grinned, watching her. "Yeah," he murmured, nudging her playfully. "You're having fun."
She swallowed, glancing up at him. "Shut up."
"Never," he said, reaching over to wipe a crumb off the corner of her mouth with his thumb. His touch lingered for just a second longer than necessary, his gaze warm, teasing.
Wendy's heart did a stupid little flip.
"What do you want to do for the rest of the day?" Mason asked, leaning back against the wooden railing.
"You tell me," Wendy chuckled. "You insisted on this date."
Mason smirked, tilting his head. "Yeah, because someone needed to experience a real date for once. You're lucky to have me, you know."
Wendy rolled her eyes and laughed. "Am I?"
"Mm-hmm." Mason reached for her hand again, intertwining their fingers like it was second nature. "And since you're so lucky, I'm giving you options."
He glanced toward the bustling boardwalk, the waves crashing gently in the distance. "We could grab some ice cream, walk down to the pier, maybe go on that Ferris wheel you keep pretending not to look at."
Wendy scoffed. "I'm not pretending."
Mason just grinned, tugging her closer. "Orâand hear me outâwe could just find a quiet spot on the beach, sit in the sand, and I'll let you tell me all about how much you actually like spending time with me."
She narrowed her eyes, trying not to smile. "That's not happening."
"Guess we're going on the Ferris wheel, then," Mason said easily, already steering them in that direction.
Wendy groaned, but the sound was half-hearted. "You're exhausting."
"And you," Mason grinned, dropping a kiss to the top of her head as he pulled her along, "are terrible at hiding how much you like me."
________________________
Lily
Lily sat on the steps of Gabriel's porch, her arms wrapped loosely around her knees as she watched him work on his mother's car. The evening sun cast long shadows across the driveway, the warm glow catching in his dark hair.
He looked effortlessly goodâtoo goodâin a fitted white tank top and worn blue jeans. There was something unfairly attractive about the way he moved, his strong arms flexing as he worked, his fingers skilled and precise as he adjusted something under the hood.
Her heart gave a small, traitorous flip when he glanced over his shoulder at her, his sharp eyes locking onto hers with quiet intensity. The corner of his mouth lifted, just barely, like he knew exactly what effect he had on her.
Lily swallowed and quickly looked away, pretending to inspect the chipped paint on the porch railing. But she could hear him closing the hood, could feel the shift in the air as he wiped his hands on a rag and started toward her. His steps were slow, confidentâlike he had all the time in the world.
When he finally stopped in front of her, he tilted his head, studying her with a knowing smirk. "You keep looking at me like that, angel, and I'm gonna start thinking you're obsessed with me."
Lily rolled her eyes, even as warmth crept up her neck. "I was just making sure you actually know what you're doing."
Gabriel chuckled, crouching slightly so they were eye level. His fingers brushed lightly over her knee, sending a shiver through her.
"I always know what I'm doing," he murmured, his voice smooth and teasing.
Lily sucked in a breath, her pulse racing. God help her.
As Gabriel stood up, the front door opened, and Carmen stepped out, dressed in her nurse's scrubs, the pale blue fabric looking crisp and neat. Her shoes clicked lightly against the porch as she adjusted the stethoscope around her neck, ready for her shift. She smiled apologetically at Lily.
"Sorry for keeping Gabriel," Carmen said, glancing at him. "But you know how it is, I had to get my car fixed before heading into work. It's been a bit of a mess."
Lily smiled, her voice light. "It's fine, really." She gestured toward the driveway as Carmen prepared to leave.
Carmen gave her a small, grateful nod. "Thanks for being understanding. I'll be gone for a while, but you know where to find him if you need anything."
Gabriel rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "I'll be fine, Mom."
Carmen shot him a wink before slipping into her car. "Take care, both of you," she called over her shoulder as she started the engine. "Look after her, Gabe."
"Yeah, yeah," Gabriel said as he waved her off.
Lily watched as the car pulled away. As soon as Carmen's car was out of sight, Gabriel wasted no time. With a playful grin, he scooped Lily up, lifting her effortlessly and throwing her over his shoulder. She let out a small squeal, her hands instinctively gripping onto his back for balance.
"Gabriel!" Lily laughed, her heart racing as he carried her toward the house. "What are you doing?"
He grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Taking you inside." He gently kicked the door open with his foot and walked through, making his way straight to the kitchen.
Lily's stomach fluttered with nervous energy. She wasn't sure why she was suddenly so jittery, but the thought of what they could pick up where they left off made her pulse quicken.
Gabriel carefully set her down on the kitchen counter, his hands resting on her hips for a moment before he stepped back slightly, taking in her flushed face with a smirk. "Relax. We're not going to do what you think we're going to do just yet."
Lily stared, trying to mask her impatience as she sat on the kitchen counter, her legs dangling slightly. She peered at Gbariel for a few seconds longer before sighing dramatically and throwing her head back with a groan.
"I'm seriously going to die of impatience here." Her fingers tapped rhythmically on the counter as she gave him an exasperated look. "Do you make all the other girls wait like this too?"
Gabriel's smirk only widened, a glint of amusement in his eyes as he leaned against the counter, his arms crossed casually.
"Nah," he drawled, his tone teasing, "they don't get the privilege of keeping me on my toes." He took a step closer, his gaze intense as he studied her, savoring the way her impatience and desire mixed in the air between them.
Lily rolled her eyes and shook her head, still tapping her fingers on the counter.
"Seriously," she muttered, her voice a mix of annoyance and playful frustration. "You're driving me crazy."
Gabriel chuckled softly, a satisfied smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "The fun is in the waiting." His hand grazed the side of her hip, his touch slow and deliberate as he watched her reaction.
Lily huffed, her patience wearing thin. She couldn't take it anymore. With a quick movement, she jumped off the counter, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.
"Fine, you win," she said with a sigh, trying to hide her frustration. "I'm just going to go home and pack. You can keep playing your little games, but I have things to do."
She turned toward the door, her mind set on leaving, but before she could even take a step, Gabriel moved quickly, stepping in front of her and gently cupping her face in his hands. His touch was soft, almost reverent, and his gaze was full of warmth and something deeper that made her pause.
"You're not going anywhere," he said quietly, his voice tender and calm, like a soothing balm to her nerves. He pulled her toward him, wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her close.
Lily looked up at him, her breath catching at the sudden tenderness in his touch. Before she could say anything, he lowered his head, brushing his lips softly against hers, a slow, lingering kiss that made her pulse race. It wasn't hurried or demanding; it was soft, sweet, and full of the kind of affection that made her heart flutter.
When he finally pulled back, Gabriel smiled at her, the tenderness in his eyes evident. "I want to take you somewhere," he said, his words low and intimate, his hands resting gently on her back.
Lily stared up at him, her frustration melting away in the warmth of his embrace. The tension that had been building inside her faded, replaced by something else entirelyâsomething softer, sweeter.
"Where?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes searching his for any hint of what he had in mind.
Gabriel's lips curled into a mischievous yet loving smile. "You'll see," He kissed her again, this time with a little more heat, as if showing her that no matter what happened, he was focused entirely on her.
Lily's body melted into his embrace, her tension dissolving as she let herself relax against him. She rested her chin against his chest, her fingers curling gently into the fabric of his shirt, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her cheek. She looked up at him through her lashes, her heart racing for an entirely different reason now.
Gabriel's smile softened, his eyes gleaming with affection and something more. He leaned down, brushing a tender kiss across her nose, his lips lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
"You're so beautiful," he murmured, his voice filled with warmth and admiration. His hand gently caressed her cheek, his thumb brushing over the curve of her jaw as he looked down at her with an expression that made her chest tighten.
Lily's heart fluttered, and she felt her breath catch in her throat. All the irritation from before seemed so distant now, replaced by a softness she didn't know she needed until now.
Gabriel's smile deepened, his voice low but playful. "Now go wait for me in the car. I'll be there in a minute."
Lily nodded, unable to form any words as she looked up at him. She stepped away slowly, reluctant to leave the warmth of his embrace, but the promise in his voice made her stomach flutter. With a soft, almost dreamy smile, she turned and walked toward the door, her fingers brushing her lips as if still feeling the imprint of his kiss.
Once outside, she slid into the car, her mind racing with a mixture of excitement and curiosity about what Gabriel had planned. The quiet hum of the engine was soothing as she sat back, her hands resting on her lap, waiting for him to join her.
After a minute or two, Gabriel walked out of the house with a calm, purposeful stride, his figure immediately drawing Lily's attention as he approached the car. He had changed into a black hoodie that fit snugly around his broad shoulders, the sleeves slightly rolled up to reveal his forearms. The casual outfit only accentuated his athletic build, making him look effortlessly cool. The baseball cap he wore was pulled low over his eyes, adding an air of mystery to his already intriguing presence.
Lily's breath hitched as she watched him draw closer, her eyes tracing the confident way he moved. There was something about the way he carried himselfâso effortlessly masculine, so undeniably attractiveâthat made her heart skip a beat.
When he reached the car, he slid into the driver's seat with a casual ease, offering her a smile that was just as captivating as ever. Lily couldn't help the small flutter in her stomach as she took in his appearance. There was something about him in that black hoodie, looking so effortlessly hot, that made her pulse race.
"Ready?" Gabriel asked, his voice low and smooth, his eyes glinting with warmth as he glanced at her.
Lily nodded, unable to form the words at first, still slightly dazed by how good he looked. "Yeah," she managed, her smile both fond and a little bit awestruck. "Let's go."
The city lights glittered outside the car window as Gabriel drove through the quiet streets, the hum of the engine a steady rhythm in the background. The world around them had shifted from the quiet of the suburbs to the energetic pulse of the city, with neon lights flashing and buildings towering above them. Gabriel's fingers drummed lightly on the steering wheel, his focus on the road.
As they neared a quiet corner, Lily noticed a small parking lot tucked away next to a cozy, quaint-looking bookstore. The sign above the entrance caught her eye.
Daydreamers.
It was illuminated with soft, golden lights, the letters glowing against the night's dark canvas, creating a charming, almost magical atmosphere. The storefront windows were dimly lit, and the faint glow from inside showed off the hundreds of books waiting to be discovered.
Gabriel pulled the car into the parking lot with ease and parked. He didn't immediately get out, taking a moment to let Lily peered at the bookstore. Then, with a soft chuckle, he turned to her, his gaze warm.
"I passed this place the other day," he said, his voice casual, but there was an underlying softness there, something personal. "And I thought of you." He smiled, a touch of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Figured you'd like it."
Lily raised an eyebrow, her heart giving a small skip. "You thought of me?" she asked, her voice teasing but soft.
Gabriel's smile deepened, and he nodded. "Always," he replied, his voice thoughtful. "It just seemed like the kind of place you'd enjoy."
Lily smiled to herself, touched by the gesture. Without saying another word, she reached for the door handle and opened it, stepping out into the cool night air.
"Shall we go in?" she asked, her voice light with excitement.
Gabriel followed her, his steps slow and easy as he walked beside her. "After you, princess," he said with a smile, his hand brushing against hers briefly before he opened the door for her. The bell above the door jingled as they entered, the scent of books and paper welcoming them into the cozy, intimate space.
Lily's breath caught slightly at the warm, inviting atmosphere. It was everything she had hoped forâsmall and charming, with shelves lined with books that seemed to whisper for attention. It was like stepping into a dream, where everything seemed just a little bit more perfect than the real world.
Her heart raced with excitement, and she couldn't help the wide grin that spread across her face. It felt like Christmas morning, with a sense of wonder bubbling up inside her, as though she had just discovered a treasure trove of hidden worlds. She stepped forward, her fingers grazing the spines of the books as she wandered deeper into the aisles.
"Oh my God, they have this one!" Lily exclaimed as she pulled a book off the shelf, her voice rising with giddiness. "I love this author. Have you ever read any of her work?" She turned to Gabriel, her eyes sparkling with excitement, holding the book up to him as if she were presenting a rare gem.
Gabriel watched her with a soft smile, his gaze full of amusement and affection. He followed her around the store, never too far behind, quietly observing as she moved from one shelf to another. She was in her element, like a child in a candy store, unable to contain her enthusiasm as she named off the authors she loved, each one coming with a little backstory or a fond memory attached to it.
"The Hating GameâI love Sally Thorne!" she said, pulling the book off a shelf. "It's one of those that I can read over and over and never get bored." She placed it carefully in her arms, her excitement palpable. "And oh, Pride and Prejudice," she added with a soft sigh, "I swear I could live in that world forever."
Gabriel laughed softly, enjoying the way her eyes lit up as she spoke. He had always loved how passionate Lily was about the things she cared about, and seeing her so excited over something as simple as a bookstore made his heart swell.
"I can tell," he teased gently. "Here, give me some of those."
Gabriel took the books from Lily's arm, allowing her to gather more as she fluttered around.
Lily was in her element. She pulled one book after another off the shelves, her eyes gleaming with joy as she looked over each title. Gabriel followed her, quietly amused by her energy, but soon found himself holding an ever-growing pile of books.
He didn't mind, of courseâwatching her in this state, so completely immersed in something she loved, made him feel like the luckiest guy alive. The way her eyes lit up with each new discovery, the way she smiled to herself when she found a book she adored, made his chest tighten in a way he couldn't quite explain. It was like seeing a piece of her soul, laid bare in the books she so lovingly picked out.
Lily was practically floating, her excitement practically buzzing in the air as she darted from one shelf to the next. Gabriel, who had originally intended to just observe, now found himself as her unofficial book carrier. But he didn't mindâit gave him an excuse to stay close to her, to watch her with that soft smile playing on his lips as she beamed at the titles she picked.
"Here," she said, offering him yet another book. "I have a ton of them already, but I have to have this one too."
Gabriel took it from her, not saying anything, just watching as she continued to gather more and more titles. He was fully aware that he was probably carrying more than his fair share, but it didn't matter.
In that moment, as he stood there surrounded by her enthusiasm and the soft glow of the store's lights, he couldn't help but feel something deeper stir inside him. Something that made him realize that this momentâthis simple, innocent actâwas something he'd never done for anyone else.
He'd never been this attentive, this patient, this willing to indulge someone in their simple pleasures. With anyone else, this would have felt like a chore, but not with Lily.
The way she filled his arms with books, the way her hands brushed against his as she handed him more, it made him feel like he was part of her world. And, for once, he didn't mind the weight of the pile in his arms. It didn't feel like a burden.
Gabriel watched her with a quiet smile, his thoughts drifting. He didn't think much about relationships or all the things that went into them. But with Lily, everything felt different. He didn't have the same walls, the same resistance he usually had with other people. There was something about her.
Lily returned to his side, a few more books tucked in her arms, and Gabriel couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"More?" Gabriel laughed. "Lily, baby, I'm running out of arms."
Lily grinned mischievously, not the least bit apologetic. "What can I say? I have a problem."
"Pile it on," he said, his voice teasing as he reached for the stack of books in her arms. She handed them to him without protest, her smile still bright.
Gabriel took them from her, his hands brushing against hers, and without missing a beat, he chuckled again, shaking his head slightly at the absurdity of it all.
This was exactly the kind of thing he had never thought he'd doâcarrying a pile of books for someone in a bookstore, listening to them talk about authors with so much passionâand yet, here he was. Following around the girl who used to follow him around.
<3 ah, everything is so good