Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72990 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72990 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
“No way. That’s my job. You’ve done more than enough.”
Gab beams at me, something as simple as an offer to share the burden of a task lighting her up. In the end, I wash, and she dries, and after, I carry the dinner she helped me make to the front door.
“This was nice,” she says softly.
“You’re amazing,” I say, and she beams again.
“I hope the rest of the Nowaks enjoy their dinner.” She leans against the wall, watching as I fasten my sneakers, long legs gleaming, tempting me to throw her over my shoulder and take her back upstairs. But her mom will be home soon.
“They will. I know they will. And I’ll see you soon, yeah?”
“You will,” she nods.
I want to kiss her goodbye, but the dish is in the way. It doesn’t matter though because I know this isn’t the last time we’re going to spend time alone together. There will be more.
As I stroll toward my house, the urge to whistle with happiness is overwhelming.
10
BLAKE
Two days have passed since Dalton went over to Gabriella’s and we’re all starting to think she’s not going to call again. Kain has checked in with Dalton that their time together was good numerous times, and I’ve ribbed him continuously that he’s put her off Nowaks for life. Then, as I’m leaving work, a text comes through.
Gabriella - Who’s free?
I drop my bag on the sidewalk so I can answer.
Me - Me.
Gabriella - When can you get here?
Me - Twenty minutes.
Me - I’ll need to shower at yours.
Gabriella - Sounds good.
Shit. Twenty minutes. My dick hardens against the thick denim of my torn black jeans, the piercing shifting.
In my car, I adjust myself, taking a quick look in the mirror. My hair still looks good. Ideally, I would have liked to get ready for Gabriella at home, but Dad is probably already there, and I don’t want to raise suspicions.
I’ll have to park my car around the corner, just in case.
This whole thing feels a bit like fooling around with a girl in high school. I haven’t had to worry about what parents think for a few years now.
I listen to my favorite band, knowing the music will hype me up. It’s been a long day and I’m tired, but I’m not missing my chance for my first experience with Gabriella. I’ve had to watch my two brothers walking around with stupid grins on their faces. I’ve had to suffer them being the first to take advantage of this deal that Kain brokered with our best friend’s little sister. My idea, as I keep reminding him.
As I pull up a few houses down, I grab my bag and lock up my car as fast as I can. I stroll to Gabriella’s house, telling myself this is no big deal. I’m no stranger to fucking. I’m no stranger to one-night stands. I know how to work out what a girl likes and give it to her so good she’ll always remember me with a smile.
Dalton and Kain might have been filled with trepidation about taking this step with Gabi, but I’m not. She’s no shrinking violet. She’s had her fair share of sexual experiences, some of which I’ve heard a little about on the grapevine. Dudes are like that about girls they’re not in love with. They like to share the graphic details of their encounters as a way of building up their macho status.
For Gabriella to want this deal, she’s proven herself to be sexually confident. And we’re the lucky three men who get to build on that.
Part of me wishes that Kain and Dalton shared the details of what went down when they visited the Cross house, but those dudes have chosen to be respectful of Gab’s privacy. Seems weird when we’re all sharing her, but what the fuck do I know? My brothers both have their own minds, unfortunately.
I ring the bell at Gabriella’s house, something I’ve been doing for more years than I care to count. Inside, there’s only a muted yellow glow, and it’s completely quiet. When we were kids, this house always seemed filled with life. Funny how things change over time.
Gabriella opens the door, and her pretty shadow-rimmed eyes trail me from head to toe. “Looking good, Blake,” she says as I step over the threshold. I drop my bag on the floor and survey the dimly lit hallway.
“Thanks,” I say. “You too.” She really does. In a soft pink tank and shorts set, Gabriella Cross is as sweet as cotton candy.
“No food today?”
Fuck, I forgot. I could have picked something up on the way, but who’s going to think about tomorrow’s dinner when they’ve got Gabriella waiting?
“No food. Just me.”
“Okay.” She runs her fingers over her long golden hair and gently bites her bottom lip. “Would you like a drink? Have you eaten?”