Page 416 of Seasons of Love
The excuse was valid. I wasn't keen on the show myself, but it was the way Gabe sat next to Jake and looked so proud of himself for remembering Jake's favorite dishes that made me wonder if there was more to it.
The day I'd met Gabe, he was full of charm and exuded confidence and swag, but there was clearly another side to him.
I don't know at what point I fell asleep during the movie, but I woke up to Mal caressing my face and whispering.
"Hey, gorgeous," he said. "How do you feel?"
"Okay, headache is definitely not as bad now, and I don't feel as dizzy."
He smiled at me in the most adoring way and then cocked his head.
"You know, if you wanted to host an orgy, all you needed to do was ask."
I didn't get what he was talking about until he pointed at Jake and Gabe, both asleep on the other sofa, leaning against each other.
"That is wrong in so many ways, I said, slapping him gently. “Are you here to stay? Can we go to bed?"
He kissed me and nodded and then went over to the guys and woke them up gently.
"We have a spare room with a big bed. Why don't you crash here?" he said.
Gabe yawned and stretched out like a cat.
"Thanks, I think I'll just head home," he said before turning to Jake. "Your car's outside, so I take it you don't need a lift.”
"I'm good, thanks," Jake said.
"All right. See you guys. Hope you're better soon, Griff," Gabe said and then left.
Jake rubbed his face from sleep and turned to Mal. "How're things at work? I should probably head out there to help."
"Everything's okay. We've had to move a few guests because some worrying cracks appeared in the walls on the west side. I'll need to find a structural engineer to check it out before we allow people on that side. Fortunately, the resort wasn't at full capacity, and some guests cut their holiday short."
"How are Hailey and Pete?"
"They're both taking turns with Alana and Brian. Why don't you grab a good night's sleep? If you want to head out there first thing tomorrow, maybe you can help Hailey with her admin. I spoke to Frank earlier and briefed him on what happened."
I found myself drifting off as they talked. Why were their voices so soothing? And could I have this all the time but without clothes?
"Right, mister. Off to bed with you," Mal said.
I opened my eyes and met Mal's. He must have been crouching right by the arm of the couch, where I was leaning.
The way he looked at me was everything. Even in the dimmed lights, I still saw my heart reflected back at me, with all the love it contained.
Mal stood and helped me to my feet. I leaned on him and put my arm around his waist, feeling his warm strength.
He then did the last thing I ever expected him to do, but also the one I'd hoped the most. He stretched out his hand to Jake.
Jake took Mal's hand slowly as if he were afraid it was going to be taken back and let out a small sigh when Mal pulled him closer to us.
"Let's just sleep, okay?" Mal said, placing a gentle kiss on Jake's lips.
Jake nodded and then looked at me as if asking for permission. I gave it with my lips and then pulled Mal in for the same.
We walked to the room and undressed in silence. I got a T-shirt for Jake to sleep in since we were about the same size.
I swallowed at the sight of the two men I was about to spend the night with, even if it was just sleeping.
