Chapter 30

Chapter 30
As the morning light filtered in through the curtains, casting soft golden streaks across the bedroom, Gabriel stirred from sleep. He reached out instinctively, searching for the warmth of Joslyn's body beside him, but his fingers found only empty sheets and cool fabric. He blinked his eyes open, disorientation washing over him as he registered her absence.

With a low groan, he sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. His gaze swept the room, taking in the rumpled sheets and the faint indentation where she'd been lying. A frown tugged at his brows as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, the cold floors sending a shiver up his spine. His mind immediately went to the worst-case scenario—that she'd snuck out while he slept, putting distance between them once again, and retreating behind the walls she'd so carefully built.

But as he donned his boxers to conceal his nudity and stepped out of the bedroom, Gabriel heard it: shuffling sounds drifting from what appeared to be the kitchen, followed by the unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Relief washed over him, warm and immediate, and he allowed himself a small smile.

Gabriel made his way down the corridor, following the sound of clinking silverware and soft footsteps. When he reached the kitchen doorway, he paused, taking in the sight of Joslyn by the counter. Her back was turned to him, her focus entirely on the coffee machine as she moved with quiet efficiency. The morning light caught the edges of her hair, casting her in a soft glow that made his chest tighten as the last words he had whispered the night before rose to his mind.

I love you, Joslyn.

“Good Morning,” he greeted, his voice rough with sleep.

Joslyn jumped at the abrupt sound, her shoulders tensing as she spun around, a coffee mug clutched tightly in her hands. Her eyes widened in surprise, as though she'd forgotten he was in her house—or perhaps she'd been bracing herself for something else entirely. A flicker of uncertainty crossed her features before she masked it with a small, awkward smile.

“Morning,” she responded, her voice carrying a hint of gaucheness that made Gabriel's heart ache. She shifted on her feet, gripping the mug like a lifeline. “I, um—I was just making coffee.”

Gabriel noted the shuttered expression on her face, the way she seemed to be holding herself back, and he felt the familiar, unspoken tension settle between them once again like a weight. Without a word, he closed the distance between them, his footsteps soft against the tiled floor. When he reached her, his fingers cupped her chin, tilting her face upward until her gaze met his.

Their eyes locked, and Gabriel saw everything in hers—the doubt, the fear, the longing she was trying so hard to suppress. He leaned in and kissed her.

The moment their lips met, Gabriel felt a surge of electricity race through him. His heart pounded with an intensity that surprised him, his soul craving the connection he'd been denied for so long. His lips moved against hers with a tenderness that belied the depth of what he felt—a silent reassurance that he wasn't going anywhere, no matter how much she might try to push him away.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. He could feel the rapid flutter of her pulse, the warmth of her skin beneath his fingertips.

“If you think I'm gonna let you call what happened last night a mistake,” he said softly, his voice carrying the weight of conviction, “then I suggest you think again, sweetheart. Because we've just crossed another line there's no going back from.”

Gabriel watched her closely, searching her eyes for any sign of doubt or hesitation. He knew he was taking a risk, laying his feelings bare like this, but he couldn't hold back any longer. Not after everything they'd shared.

"What about Sig?" Joslyn's voice broke the silence, her honey-brown eyes reflecting her inner turmoil. The name hung between them, a reminder of the tangled web they'd woven.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," Gabriel replied, his tone firm but gentle.

"But she's my best friend," Joslyn protested, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She pulled back slightly, her brow furrowed. "Don't you think we should tell her soon? Immediately, like right n—"

Before she could finish her sentence, Gabriel silenced her with another kiss. It was softer this time, a gentle press of lips that carried a promise. “I said we'll cross that bridge when we get there, Joslyn,” he murmured against her mouth, pulling her close. “Besides, you can't tell her over the phone, now can you?”

For a moment, Joslyn hesitated, her expression caught somewhere between doubt and longing. Then she sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “I guess you're right,” she finally conceded, her voice barely above a whisper.

Joslyn stared into Gabriel's eyes for a long moment, gauging the sincerity behind his words. There was a quiet intensity in his gaze that sent a flutter through her chest, reassuring her in ways she couldn't quite explain. The walls she'd so carefully constructed seemed to crumble just a little more.

“By the way,” she began, her voice soft but steady, “I was just going to ask you how you like your coffee.” She offered him a coy smile, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes as she handed him a cup and took a sip from her own.

Gabriel's lips curved into a smile, his blue-green eyes alight with amusement as he stared into hers. “Black, please,” he replied, accepting the cup from her with a grateful nod. As he took a sip, he couldn't help but marvel at the way Joslyn's presence seemed to fill the room, as if she belonged here with him.

Joslyn smiled in return, a soft warmth spreading through her as she gazed into Gabriel's eyes. “I knew that,” she said simply.

Their eyes remained locked, a silent conversation passing between them as desire flared in their gazes. Despite having spent most of the night tangled in each other's arms, their yearning for one another seemed only to grow stronger with each passing moment. Perhaps it was the consequences of having waited too long to finally give in because now… they simply couldn't get enough of each other.

Joslyn set down her mug of coffee, the forgotten warmth of the beverage fading into the background as she stepped forward. Closing the distance between them, she positioned herself between Gabriel's legs where he leaned against the counter. With a subtle grace, she reached out to retrieve his cup as well, her fingers brushing against his in the process. She set it aside and turned to face him, a seductive look gracing her features.

Joslyn trailed her hands up his naked chest, and she couldn't help but admire the sheer allure of Gabriel's physique. His chest was sculpted and perfectly defined, his toned muscles seeming to beckon to her—a silent invitation to explore every inch of his being. Rising up on the tips of her toes, she brought her lips to his ear, her voice raspy with desire.

"I was also going to ask if you would perhaps like to shower together?"

Gabriel's response was a guttural groan, raw and primal. Without a word, he leaned down and scooped Joslyn effortlessly into his arms, drawing a squeal of laughter from her. Locking his lips with hers, he carried her off towards her bedroom once again, their longing reignited as they surrendered to the undeniable pull between them.