Guilt slapped me across the face. I tried to hide it, but Gabe saw it. He nodded once and then tapped his finger against his mouth. “My money’s on Michels.”
And heat just exploded across my face.
“In his room?”
I started fidgeting with my keys so I could unlock the door. Gabe grabbed my hand and held it captive. “A word of warning.” His eyes lost all hint of teasing. “He’s probably not the type of guy to get involved with for your first—”
Now Gabe was blushing right along with me.
“My first?” I straightened tried my best to look ignorant.
“Just your first.” He swore and put the key in the lock. “He’s rich. Women want him. Hell, my grandma wants him. Just — just be careful. Guys like that, they don’t do commitment. They do one night stands.”
“Funny,” I said with a snort. “That’s exactly what Lisa said about you.”
“Hey!” He twisted the key and pushed the door open for me to go through. “I don’t pretend to be innocent, okay? I screw girls, they say thank you, and I let them go on their merry way. Both parties satisfied, end of story. I’m up front about what I am and who I am…”
“And he isn’t?”
“He’s secretive.” Gabe swore. “And I know he didn’t rape that girl. I’m just saying, to be careful, that’s all.”
“Careful?” Lisa’s sleepy voice came through the bedroom door, and then she appeared in short white shorts and a tank top. “Who has to be careful?”
I shot Gabe a pleading look. He sighed guiltily. “I do. I totally got drunk and almost bagged your roommate last night.”
Lisa screamed.
Gabe smiled. “At least you’re awake now.”
“Don’t scare me like that!” She swatted him on the arm. “She’s too pure for your blood.”
“Don’t I know it,” he murmured and sent me a wink while I mouthed a thank you.
“Breakfast.” I pressed my hand to my forehead and ran my fingers through the front part of my hair. “Why don’t I make everyone breakfast?”
“Sure.” Lisa yawned and stretched. “I’m gonna go shower real quick.”
After she left, Gabe tilted his head in my direction. “So is this a breakfast or a guiltfest?”
“Hilarious.”
He grinned and lifted his hands into the air. He looked like a buffer version of Adam Levine with his ripped white shirt, tattoos and skinny jeans.
“What?” his eyes narrowed.
“Nothing.” I felt my cheeks blush. Well, I was officially a hussy. “You just look nice.”
“Nice?” he repeated.
I nodded.
“Nice?” He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. “Hmm, never been called nice before. You sure Michels didn’t addle your brain after your crazy night of—”
“—talking and sleeping,” I interrupted.
Gabe snorted. “Really? That’s all that went down? Hmm, didn’t know he was gay.”
“He’s not.” I smirked, and then realized I was caught.
“Oh?” Gabe nudged me with his elbow. “And how do we know that?”
“Er, because, he has a reputation.”
The room was silent for a bit while I mixed some of the pancake batter together and then turned on the stove.
“Good kisser?” Gabe asked.
The skillet fell out of my hands, clattering against the stove. Gabe’s chuckle made me want to stab him with a fork.
He held up his hands in mock innocence. “Just a question.”
“Yes.” I licked my lips. “He is. But it was more like a dare to myself. He didn’t start it. I did.”
“Nice.” Gabe took the batter from my hands and continued mixing while I went to the fridge and pulled out some OJ. “You telling me that underneath that sweater and frigid interior is a sex kitten just pawing her way out?”
I chose not to answer, instead busying myself with pouring juice into the three glasses and making sure the pan was sprayed for the pancakes.