Give Us A Shot

[Gabrielle's POV]

I look around me, slowly taking in the large trees that block the sunlight from above and the green grass covered in wildflowers. It's familiar—too familiar—and it makes my heart ache to just look at it.

“Gab,” the gentle voice drifts towards me on the breeze, making my heart both ache and feel full all at the same time. “I've been waiting.”

Turning, I watch as Trent makes his way toward me with a gentle smile on his face and his eyes sparkling with love. Just seeing him like that makes my heart race and my insides tremble with excitement and fear.

“I was beginning to believe you weren't coming.” He continues, reaching out and gently touching me.

Not come? How could I not come when he was the one to ask me to?

I finally recognized what was happening and knew what would come next, but I can't move.

“Trent,” I whisper, both wanting to hear the words that would come next and not wanting to hear them at the same time since I knew what followed. “You aren't real.”

As the words leave my lips, I feel myself falling into a dark abyss.

Gasping, my eyes fly open, and I find that I'm staring up at Gregory's ceiling. It is partially lit by the rays of the sun that manage to shine around his blackout curtain, indicating that morning was here and it was time for me to make my escape.

“Fuck,” I groan, blinking a few times to eliminate the last bit of haziness that remains. “Why?”

Why the hell would I have that dream? Was it because I saw him the night before? Did this mean his face would start haunting me again?

No. I wouldn't allow that to happen. Not again. Not ever.

Sighing, I slowly sit up so that the blanket that is wrapped around my body slides down, revealing my naked chest.

“You've really gone and done it,” I huff just as the scent of cinnamon and bacon reaches me, causing my stomach to rumble with hunger. I guess it wouldn't hurt to stick around for a bite before leaving.

Deciding it was time to get up, I slide out of bed, grab one of Gregory's shirts and my underwear, put them on, and then head out of the room and towards the kitchen.

When I arrive, I find Gregory clad in nothing but a pair of boxers, so his muscular body is in full view, immersing himself in cooking.

Remaining silent, I lean against the kitchen door frame and watch as he flips over some French toast and then bacon, either completely oblivious to my presence or enjoying me watching him.

“Are you just going to sit there and stare?” He asks, confirming the latter. “Could you grab some plates?”

“Sure,” I respond, doing as I'm asked and then hopping up on the counter beside him. “Why didn't you wake me up when you did?”

For a moment, Gregory doesn't speak as he examines me.

“I figured you could use a little more rest.”

His words are a lie; that much is certain by the way the tips of his ears turn bright red. It was a tell-tale sign of his that I knew well.

“Wanna answer honestly this time?” I ask, raising a brow.”

Once again, Gregory remains silent while his eyes come to meet mine so that I can see each and every emotion he is feeling.

“I didn't want you to run away,” he says slowly. “Do you know how fucking painful it was watching you walk out that door when I confessed my true feelings?”

At his words, I feel my wall going up and slamming in place as I prepare to jump down and go get dressed so I can leave.

“Gab,” Gregory continues, his expression growing serious. “Am I really that bad of a choice?”

“No,” I respond immediately. “But you knew..."

“I did, and I still couldn't stop myself,” he huffs as the scent of burning food wafts around us. “I know you have your fucking rules in place, but can't you just say fuck them and see where this could actually go?”

“I…” I begin, but stop as I once again remembering how my body just moved on its own last night when I was hurting and needed someone the most. Instead of going home, I found my way to Gregory; didn't that mean something?

“I know that you were hurt in the past, even if you won't openly say it. And don't you dare try to deny it.” He continues when I prepare to argue. “That's the only reason someone would do everything they could to keep someone at arm's length.”

“Gregory,” I hiss as black smoke begins to erupt from the now-burnt food on the stove. “You've…”

Letting out a grumble of frustration, Gregory moves the pans from the front burners to the back, turns off the stove, and looks at me again.

“As I was saying,” he continues, determination shining in his eyes. “I know you have your reasons, and I respected that in the beginning, but now is different. I've fallen for you, Gab. Fallen head over fucking heels. Can't you throw those rules to the wind and actually trust me not to hurt you? Can't you give us a try?”

Growing quiet, Gregory keeps his determined gaze fixed on me while I remain silent and unable to respond.

Fuck. Why couldn't I just tell him sorry not gonna happen? Did I actually fall for Gregory? Even if I did, would it actually be fair to him to be with him when my heart and soul would always belong to another?

“Let me,” I begin as a war begins to rage in me. “Think about it.”

Nodding, Gregory wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me toward him while his head comes to rest on my chest.

“That's better than a no,” he sighs. “I know I've sprung a lot on you and will give you the time you need.”

“Thanks,” I murmur, wondering what the hell I was even doing right now.

Closing my eyes, I try to let myself get lost in this moment with Gregory's warmth pressing against me and the scent of burnt food invading my nose, but I still find myself drifting back to that dream where Trent stands waiting for me to hear the words that would ultimately desTrent us.

Opening my eyes again, I gently touch Gregory's hair and begin to run my fingers through it like I did so many nights before.

“Are you trying to lull me into a false sense of security so you can flee like a little rabbit?” He chuckles, lifting his gaze to mine.

“Maybe,” I smirk. “Will it work?”

“Not a chance. You had the chance to escape, and you still came back, so you're mine now.”

His… Did I actually like the sound of that? I guess I would decide later.