Page 36 of Slay Bells

When she’d declined, to say he’d had a fit would be a major understatement. He’d huffed and slumped onto the floor like a petulant child. Which made Gabriela wonder even more if he was gay.

“Look,” she’d told him, lowering to the floor. “I love gay people. If you’re homosexual, it’s okay.”

He’d sat up and glared at her. “I’m not gay. I am so in love with you, I want to ensure everyone knows you’re mine and I want us to be the couple everyone envies. I want to be the one couple others strive to be like.” His face had brightened up. “We should start a YouTube channel.”

“What?” She gaped as he stood and began pacing, a strange wide smile on his handsome face. “I took the liberty of hiring a graphic artist to make a logo.”

“Stop.” Gabriela got to her feet and shoved him in the chest. “What is wrong with you? Do you need a pill?”

Ignoring her, he’d gone to the computer and three clicks later she watched an animation of them walking hand in hand, her dog trotting next to them.

“What do you think?”

Gabriela pinched the bridge of her nose. “I think this is creepier than when you take pictures of me while I sleep.”

A week later while he was at work, she’d moved out. Within two hours she and her dog were in her parent’s spare bedroom and most of her belongings packed in her car.

The San Diego airport was complicated and yet familiar to Gabriela as she pulled into a parking space in the multi-level complex, exited her car and hurried to the terminal.

After dodging cars in the drop off and pick up area, she managed to get to the escalator and up to where she’d be able to wait for Jeremy.

Gabriela fidgeted with her purse strap and once again checked the archway where the passengers would be coming out. Jeremy’s airplane had landed and with each passing moment, she became more excited about seeing him.

Finally, he walked out. At six foot three, it was easy to spot him. His flat gaze moved across the crowd. A pair of women to Gabriela’s left openly gawked.

When he spotted her, a grin split his face and she could barely keep from running to him. Instead, she waited for him to come closer and envelop her in a bear hug. She sagged against him needing the strength he radiated.

He lifted her face and his mouth immediately covered hers. Gabriela closed her eyes not caring who watched and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I missed you,” he whispered into her ear, the warmth of his breath making her tingle.

Jeremy’s hand was wrapped around the passenger door handle, his knuckles turning white as she zigzagged through traffic. “Move out of the way moron,” she exclaimed. “Jeez.”

“You’re tail-gating,” he said not giving up his hold. “Maybe I should drive.”

She glanced at him. “You won’t survive. These people are out for blood.” She zipped into a tight space and continued forward. “I think it’s fun. Keeps me on my toes. I’m kind of like one of those Jedi fighters.”

“Right.” He let out a long breath and pressed back into his seat when they were narrowly missed by a van sliding in front of them.

“Hungry?” Gabriela changed the subject.

“Starving.”

“Good, you’ll love this place.”

She took the next exit and took a few turns before pulling into a parking space in front of an eatery. “They make the best food.”

“Flying Biscuit?” Jeremy frowned up at the sign. “Interesting.”

It was hard to eat with her stomach tumbling over the announcement she was about to give Jeremy. Her mind was made up. She didn’t want him to waste any time visiting the police department there or whatever else he’d planned to do in order to start the process of transferring.

They walked in and were seated immediately since it was late morning and the breakfast crowd had cleared out.

“I-I.” Her stomach churned. Damn nerves. Jeremy lifted a brow.

“What’s up?”

“I’ve got to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” Gabriela jumped up and rushed into the small eclectically decorated bathroom and stared at her reflection. She really needed to get a hold of herself. Yes, it was a big decision and sure each time she saw Jeremy again her hormones went haywire, but seriously, she was going to marry the man. They would spend the rest of their lives together, no need for so much drama.