Waterfall Kisses (The Kisses 9)

“If you change your mind, let me know.” I grinned at him. “I love a good love story, especially when it involves billionaires.”

“Don't we all,” he remarked, taking a sip of his drink. Something in the way he twisted his mouth and gulped at the liquid made me pause. There was far too much emotion in the movement.

“You met someone, didn't you?” I guessed.

“What?” Gabe nearly spit out his drink.

“You met someone, didn't you?” I repeated, wondering who could have captured Gabe's heart. He was always flirting with some sweet young thing or another, but they never seemed to last long. He loved his flavors of the month, but never had anyone that made him sad when they left.

Gabe stared at his half-empty champagne flute for a moment, as if seeking the answer in the clear golden liquid. “Can't keep anything from you, can I, Miss Nosy-pants?” He sighed and shrugged. “I thought I did. She was... there was a connection that I haven't felt before.”

“What happened?” I asked softly.

He looked over, his face twisting into a sad grin that only made the loneliness in his usually joyful eyes even more obvious. “Apparently, she feels differently.” He tilted up his glass and finished the last of his drink in one long gulp.

I put my hand on his arm. “I'm sorry, Gabe.” I hated to see him like this. Even though he was much more my brother's friend than mine, I had grown up with him and his little sister. I gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “Well, I hope you're not pining away for me.”

If he had been drinking, he would have most certainly done a real spit take.

“You?” Disgust dripped from his voice at the notion. “That's revolting!”

“Wow,” I said, taking back my hand and holding it like he had hurt me. “Thank you for boosting my self esteem.”

Gabe shook his head, trying to take back his harsh words. “No, it's just...” He paused as he realized I was grinning at him.

“Don't worry, I find you revolting as well,” I assured him.

“You're not revolting,” he amended. “It's just, when I look at you, I don't see a hot, sexy woman. I see a little girl in pigtails playing tea party with Chloe. I can't not see that.”

I smiled, remembering hundreds of afternoons playing princess with Gabe's little sister while the two older boys ran around outside in the backyard. We'd try to get them to join in on our games, but they both thought we were just stupid girls.

“I can't see you as anything but my sister,” he trailed off and made a face. “So, sorry, but blech.”

I laughed. To be honest, the idea of kissing Gabe was about as disgusting as the idea of kissing Bastian. I'd rather eat dinner off my shoes after walking through a public park.

“You're killing all my hopes and dreams of us, Gabey-poo,” I teased, pushing out my bottom lip in the biggest fake pout I could manage.

Gabe rolled his eyes. “You're sooooooo funny.”

I laughed, dropping the pout. “I am pretty hilarious, thanks.”

“I'm happy for you and Leo, though,” Gabe said, smiling as he looked down at me. “It's been a long time coming.”

“People keep saying that,” I replied, shaking my head. “Don't tell me- Murdoch owes you twenty bucks, too?”

“Nope.” Gabe shook his head and grinned. “He owes me forty.”

“Poor Murdoch's going to go broke!” I laughed. “He can't keep betting all you billionaires on a bodyguard salary.”

“That's probably why he hasn't made any other bets with us,” Gabe observed. He looked around the room and then down at his watch. “Speaking of Leo's personal protection, where is Leo? Bastian looks like he might explode if he doesn't make a toast about his engagement soon.”

Bastian and Ava were practically bouncing with excitement. Sam was oohing and ahhing over her ring.

“I'll go find him,” I offered, handing Gabe my empty champagne flute. “Let Bastian make the announcement without me if necessary.”

“Will do,” Gabe said. He grinned and I turned to hurry out of the restaurant to go find Leo.

Chapter Twenty-Two