“That’s right,” Gabe says into my neck, his voice husky. “Permanent is possible.”

Banks tips up my chin. “It’s not only possible, it’s happening.”

“You’re going to be a smash at university, Elise.” Tobias kisses my forehead. “And we’ll be smashing you non-stop along the journey.”

“Jesus Christ,” Banks groans. “Way to ruin the moment.”

“Excuse me, I added to the moment.” My body is shaking with laughter and Tobias takes a moment to watch me, pleasure softening his handsome features. “Are you sure the two of you can’t call in sick? She needs all three of us this morning.”

As if on cue, Banks’s phone starts to ring. “Believe me, I want to stay more than anything. God.” He leans in and brushes our lips together. “But you’ll have to keep her satisfied until tonight. My staff is already waiting for me at the team offices.”

“I’m going to break traffic laws getting back here,” Gabe growls, raking a hand down my bottom and kneading roughly. “Keep her happy.”

Tobias takes a deep inhale of my neck. “It’s my new life mission.” He nods at the other two. “Our new life mission.”

Something serious, like a vow, passes between them and my stomach gives a slow, happy, perhaps slightly nervous flip. I’m not completely cured of my fears surrounding people passing in and out of my life, but I’m getting there. And I’m willing to stick until those fears are gone.

Voices fill the kitchen.

A lot like this morning in the bedroom. It’s the same feminine lilt and masculine boom that woke me up from the other side of the window. Gabe’s brother and his ex-wife. We can actually hear them talking about their plan to meet at the pub for a drink after work. Not for the first time today, I marvel over Gabe’s ability to live like this. So up close and personal with the two people who played fast and loose with his feelings. His life.

Tobias, Banks and I all look at Gabe.

He starts to glance away, embarrassed, but something changes in him. Maybe it’s the fact that we’re locked together, a literal united front. Or maybe we’re just witnessing a personal change in him, but he suddenly appears determined.

“Take up your space, Gabe,” I whisper in his ear, echoing what I told him the night of the gala. “Don’t apologize for it.”

Tobias and Banks clap him on the shoulder.

I hold my breath as he leaves our embrace and moves across the kitchen. An imposing figure with his chiseled back and tattoos, while on the inside, such a sensitive man. He hesitates with his hand on the doorknob, before pulling it open. “Hey,” he calls in a steady, no-nonsense tone. The conversation that had been taking place in the driveway cuts out abruptly.

Banks, Tobias and I exchange a look of shocked anticipation, then we run to the blinds to peek through the slats. Gabe’s brother is leaning against the hood of his car and he is visibly stunned by the sudden appearance of Gabe. “Yeah?” he says slowly.