Page 71 of Even Ground
“That’s not what I meant.” I rub my forehead with my palm.
“I’m teasing. I’m guessing whoever you were picturing was what caused it.”
I frown. “How did you—”
“We rehearsed that scene. Your eyes were open in rehearsal. Once you closed them …” She cocks her head. “I know it wasn’t me, but you were thinking of someone.”
I look away. Gabby is close with Delaney too. I’m not sure I know her well enough to spill my secrets to her.
I turn back toward her. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.” The corners of her mouth curve up a little in a curious smile.
“How did you know Antonio was the one?”
Her whole face lights up, her blue eyes twinkling. “He was just right. I don’t know how to describe it.”
“How did you work it out?”
She places her hand over mine. “We just worked. We talked, we laughed, we were just the perfect fit together.” Her cheeks grow pink. “That was before the sex.”
I laugh. “I don’t want to know.”
Gabby smiles again. “The point is that while we were definitely attracted from the first day, it didn’t take long for both of us to just know. I can be myself with him, and we can sit and not talk and it’s just as comfortable when we do.” She cocks her head. “Why do you ask? Is there someone special?”
“I’ve just been thinking a lot since Josh’s wedding …”
She blinks rapidly. “Don’t tell me it’s Delaney. He’d kill you.”
I shake my head. That’s the last thing I need her to think. “Oh, I love her, but not like that. It’s one of her friends.”
She slowly nods. “The one I met at the wedding? I’m sorry, I can’t remember her name. Tania?”
“Pania.”
“That’s the one.” She seems to study my expression. “I didn’t meet her for long, but she seemed nice.”
“She’s fiery, and smart, and not like any woman I’ve ever been with.” I gape. “Not that I mean the women I’ve been with aren’t smart. Or fiery.”
Gabby chuckles. “I understand.”
“When I’m with her, I can’t think straight. That’s so not me with women.”
“So I hear.”
I raise my eyebrows. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
She leans back on the step. “It means you have quite the reputation when it comes to women.”
Running my fingers through my hair, I sigh. “I’m sure I do.”
“I’m not judging you. I had my fair share of men before I found Antonio. You’ve got to try before you buy.” Her lips quirk up, and I laugh. “I don’t know you that well, Reece, but you seem like a decent guy to me.”
“I try. You know? I’m not sure if I succeed all of the time, but I try.”
“That’s all anyone can ever do.” She shrugs.
I look down at my feet. “Can you not mention any of this to Josh? I don’t want it getting back to Delaney because she’ll make way more out of it than it is right now. At least, until I work things out in my head.”