Unexpected

Chapter 10

GABRIEL

What in the world is wrong with me? I feel like a teenager going out on a first date all over again.

Jo went to her room to change into a bathing suit and get her computer while I get my guitar and pack something for us to eat later. My heart is fucking racing with anticipation and I need to take a couple of deep breaths to cool down. Jesus!

I can feel Josh's eyes following me around after I told him about my plans to travel down to the other side of town with Jo. But I can't deal with him right now. Especially after learning he and Jo are Instagram buddies.

There's a secluded beach around twenty minutes north, and that's where I plan to spend the day with her. The rest of the guys are arriving any time now, and I need Jo out of here while they all butt head.

"I thought you were over her, man." I hear Josh say. I decided to make some quick sandwiches to take with us, and he has been studying me since I entered the kitchen.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I open the fridge to get us some drinks.

"And doesn't she have a boyfriend anyway?" he asks, clearly ignoring the warning in my voice for him to drop it.

"He cheated. She broke up with him." I meet his gaze just in time to see the surprise in his eyes. "Maria suggested she stayed here for a while, so I'd appreciate you guys not messing with her summer."

"Always knew that guy was a jerk." He shakes his head.

"You and me both." I find a thermal bag in a cabinet down the sink, but before I have time to start packing things, I get a text from Maria.

MARIA: My boss gave me the okay to work from home, so I was thinking about getting there later today.

ME: Sounds good. I miss your ugly face.

MARIA: Hilarious! See you later in the afternoon.

"That was Maria." I look at Josh. "She's arriving late in the afternoon."

His eyes widen in surprise. "You didn't mention she was coming too."

"I invited her so Jo wouldn't feel outnumbered..." My eyes narrow when he swallows hard. "Is it a problem?"

"Nope." He heads to the fridge to get a bottle of water, and Jo chooses this time to join us. She's wearing a cute flowery summer dress, and I force my eyes not to linger on her legs.

"I'm ready." Jo smiles, adjusting a small backpack on her shoulders.

"So let's get out of here." I rush to pack our food and soon we are hitting the road.

Jo and I talk about the weather and about dinner last night at Ed's while I drive. She laughs when I ask if we can trick him into cooking for us again, and my heart feels too big inside my chest when I realize how simple things are when it's just the two of us.

There's nothing special about this moment, but I feel like I should treasure it. The wind is softly blowing her hair, and she has a content smile on her lips while she talks about the couple she saw earlier on the beach. I learn she has a habit of creating imaginary stories about their lives while she watches them, and I can't get rid of the smile on my face as I hear some of them.

My eyes keep darting to her face as she talks, and I realize how fast I'm getting used to being around this girl. She's always been gorgeous, but I never allowed myself to do a double-take. I always kept my distance.

Maybe, subconsciously, I knew she was dangerous. I knew she held the power to make me fall for her.

But now... The more time I spend around her, the more I want to be around her.