Unexpected

Chapter 12

GABRIEL

Jo and I spent a wonderful day at the beach creating music and just taking it easy. It goes without saying that it completely messed with my head. It's incredible how easy it is to be around her. I feel like I can't get enough of her presence. She's smart and funny and so creative. It's beautiful to watch her come up with ideas.

I ache to welcome her into my world and tell her all my secrets. I'm excited to hear her tell me about her life. I want to bask in her enthusiasm for storytelling. I long for more moments with her, where I can just witness her joyous laughter.

I want to kiss her. Bad.

But God, my life is such a chaotic whirlwind right now. There's so much I can't just tell her without risking scaring her away.

I don't know what to do. I just know that I don't want this day to end.

But unfortunately, when I see a couple of cars parked in front of the house as we and pull over, I know my blissful days are over.

"I guess they're all here." I hear her say when I open the door of the car for her.

"Yep." I sigh, helping her out of the car.

"Hey." She stops in front of me, her eyes shining with humor. "You're pouting."

"Am not." I frown, and she laughs as if just proving her point.

Grabbing my shoulders, she freaking shakes me a little. "I'm sure things will work out once you guys have a chance to sit down and talk."

If only that was the only problem plaguing my mind.

"I guess..." My hands find her waist as if having a mind of her own. Because damn, she's too close, too beautiful, too captivating. She thinks I'm upset because I'll have to deal with the guys, but the reality is I don't want them here. I want this time on the beach to be just ours.

"I really enjoyed today..." she whispers, her eye all soft and inviting.

Fuck! Don't do it, Gabe! My brain screams at me in vain.

I need to kiss her.

I need to feel how good her lips taste.

I need...

"Jo, I'm..." I start when a loud noise coming from the house startles us.

"What's going on?" She looks past me, and I close my eyes for a second, letting go of the hold on her waist.

"Only one way to find out." I sigh as we both walk inside.

The second I step through the door, I need to take a double look. Josh is doing a fucking strip-tease on the coffee table. Twisting and turning, his movements are punctuated by the guys' hoots and hollers from the couch. To my surprise, Maria is filming the whole thing.

"What the fuck?" I shout, and Maria jumps back in surprise as soon as she spots me.

"Hey! Where the hell have you two been?" She pulls her phone away before walking to me and throwing herself in my arms for a hug.

"I missed you too, Mimi." I hug her tight, sighing when she relaxes in my arms.

Pulling away, she looks at me. "Are you okay?" she whispers, and I nod before scanning the room. All of them seemed to be enjoying a game of cards and a few beers. My body immediately relaxes when I realize they didn't invite anyone. This house is already crowded as it is.

"Jo." Maria pulls her into a hug, too. "You look amazing. Can't wait to spend some time down the beach, too."

"I can't believe you're here." Jo smiles. "Let me grab a quick shower so we can hang out."