He stopped running. "Dude, you're lost in your own world half the time, you never want to go for drinks, you haven't flirted with a single chick, and I'm pretty sure you're avoiding your family like the plague. You must really have a thing for Gabi."
I stopped on a dime. "What?"
He lifted a brow then chuckled. "Don't even act like I haven't noticed it. Ever since you met Gabi."
"So I'm dating a girl, what's the big deal?"
Now Cole looked at me as if I was insane. "What's the big deal? Wasn't it you who said you'd rather die than be stuck with one pussy for the rest of your life?"
With a push of the button, I started running again. "We're having fun, enjoying each other's company, that's all."
I looked back at him, feeling the weight of his stare on me. "That's not what Charity says."
Hitting the pause button again, I shot him a look. "Charity? Have you been talking to Charity about me and Gabi?"
Cole held up his hands in defense. "Hey, she's the one who told me Gabi was walking around in a dream bubble. That it had been the happiest she'd seen her in four years."
I couldn't help the small crack of smile that formed at my mouth. "She said that?"
He laughed, "Yeah, and I'm going to have to say the same damn thing about you. Dude, you really like her."
There was no sense in denying it. Gabi and I had spent every day together. I had to lay my eyes on her at least once a day or I felt like I would lose my damn mind.
"I like her. Happy now?"
A wide grin spread over Cole's face. He slapped me on the side of the arm. "I'm happy for you dude."
With a roll of my eyes, I started running again. "Jesus, I'm not marrying her. I like her, we're having fun together."
"And the sex?"
I laughed. "I don't kiss and tell, dude."
Cole chuckled as he started up running again. "So, what do you know about Charity?"
Taking a quick peek over at him, I smiled. "You should totally go for it."
"Really? She seems a little rough around the edges."
"Nah, you two would hit it off. I'm positive."
"Huh. Well, she's already turned me down once, so I don't know," Cole replied as he put his head phones back in and ran faster.
I couldn't help but chuckle. Cole and Charity. Yeah, that would be interesting.
Gabi stared at me with her mouth dropped open. "Your whole family?"
Today was my first day off in a week and I couldn't wait to spend it with Gabi. She had adjusted her days off to match mine, but still got called in by that little prick Max every chance he could. Taking a bite of the linguine she had made for lunch, I nodded. "Yeah. Thad and Phoebe are having their baby shower so the whole family will be there."
She chewed on her lip. I could see how freaked out that made her. I was positive Kilyn had filled Gabi in on my family, and then some.
"Would you rather meet my parents first?"
Her eyes lit up. "Yes. I think I can handle that a little better. From what Kilyn has said, I shouldn't go in the lion's den first. I need to ease in."
I laughed. "Kilyn might be a good one to listen to. How about if I see if Thano and Kilyn can join us for dinner tonight at my folks?"
"Last minute like that? Will they be upset?"
This time I laughed harder. "Are you kidding me? My mother will be thrilled, especially if I tell her I'm bringing someone with me."
Gabi's expression turned to pure horror. Standing, I wiped my face and tossed the napkin to the table.
"Don't be afraid, agapiméni. My mother will love you."
"I'm not Greek."
"Kilyn isn't either."
She nodded while she wrung her hands together.
"Do you know what you need?"
She shrugged and asked, "Dark hair, skin, and a Greek name?"
Chuckling, I ran my finger along her jawline. "A kiss."
The corners of her mouth turned upright. "I do need a kiss. A long one."
I lifted my brows. "Oh yeah?"
She nodded. "Anything else?"
"Your hands on my body."
"I like where you're going. Keep talking."
"Your lips on my neck."
Drawing her body close to mine, I buried my face into her neck.
Her head fell back as she let out a long soft moan.
"Next," I whispered.
"Touch me, Nic."
"Where do you want me to touch you, baby?"
My body was on fire. I'd never been with a woman who turned me on twenty-four hours a day. I couldn't get enough of her.