“Sup, bro? The prodigal best friend returns.” I heard screaming in the background, and the sound of tires screeching made me flinch before Ryder ordered the guys to turn the game down.
“I saw you yesterday, Ry. How is that being prodigal?” I worked out with Ryder every damn day.
“You’ve been spending too much time with your lawyer if you suddenly know the meaning of the word.” Ryder’s tone was light. He was joking with me.
“I’ve always known the meaning, dude. Now I just have a legit reason to use it without sounding like a pretentious asshole.” Two could play that game.
“You’ve always been pretentious, asshole. Tell me why you’re calling. Gabbi call it off with you after the big exam? Or are you at your romantic getaway struggling to get it up until you talk to me?” He lowered his voice into a false seductive sound that I nearly gagged at. “Cause you know, baby, I know what you like.”
I burst out laughing, drawing Gabrielle’s attention. Her lips parted as she sucked in a breath, sending all my blood rushing straight to my cock. “Trust me; I don’t need you for that. Gabbi’s got that handled.”
Ryder made a gagging noise at the other end of the line and threatened to hang up.
“No, wait. I got Heather, Gabrielle’s friend, to pick her up this morning so that Gabbi’s car wouldn’t be stuck at the center all weekend. She’s swaying on her feet tired, man. I don’t think she should drive.”
“Say no more. I’ll grab big Dave, and we’ll be there in a few. Rescuing damsels in distress and seeing their steeds safely h
ome? That’s one of the only things that we’re good for.” Ryder joked, but he was already yelling for Dave and his keys.
I clicked off just as the girls approached. Gabrielle launched herself at me, and I caught her more than willingly.
She buried her face in my neck and breathed deeply. “You came.”
“Of course, I did, angel.” We’d settled on a nickname that she didn’t hate.
“You brought coffee,” Heather sighed. “I’m going to need that if I’m going to make it to my car. God knows how much more I’m going to need to make it home.”
“Actually, you’re all taken care of. Ryder and Dave are on their way to pick you up.” I nuzzled Gabbi’s hair. God, she smelled good.
“You mean there are actual Miami Dolphins on their way to pick me up, and I look like this?” Heather squealed, gesturing up and down her body.
Gabbi managed a giggle and an eye roll but sagged against my chest. I wrapped an arm around her. She was in serious danger of falling asleep on her feet. “You always look gorgeous, Heather. Besides, they’re giving you a ride home, not taking you somewhere for a threesome.” Then Gabrielle turned to me, eyes wide. “They’d better not be, Ryder—”
“Relax, Gabbi. They’re taking her home. To sleep. By herself.” I assured her.
Gabrielle’s eyelids fluttered closed deliriously. “Hmm, sleep. That exam was the worst.”
“I’m sure you aced it, angel.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“I’m not,” she grumbled against my chest.
“Well, I’m sure enough for the both of us.” I really was. There was no way that Gabrielle hadn’t made the exam her bitch.
“Are we going home, too?” she asked hopefully.
“Nah, we’re taking a couple of days off. It’s a surprise.” She looked at me quizzically, but her attention was soon drawn to Ryder pulling up behind us.
“Knights in Shining Armor Car Service. Where do you need us?” Ryder winked. I gestured towards Heather.
“Right there. She’ll show you to her car. Straight home, boys.” I ordered. “I’m getting my girl out of here.”
“I’ll never get tired of hearing you call me that.” Gabrielle sighed dreamily, settling into her seat. I reached over to help her fumbling fingers with the buckle.
“I hope so, angel.” When I looked up at her, her eyes were closed and her breathing even. She was fast asleep.
Epilogue
Two Years Later