JOANNA

Words.

The word doc that was empty just moments ago is now filled with thousands of words.

This is heaven. A writer's heaven, at least.

For the last four hours, I felt the vibrations of the keys beneath my fingertips as my typing sped up.

I usually spend some time planning a story, but today I'm so overwhelmed with ideas, my brain is buzzing with creativity.

The words are coming to me so easily that I can feel them coming to life on my computer screen as I type.

Taking the conversation I had with Gabe, I went with the scene idea I told him and wrote an entire chapter that included the same kind of heat we've experienced together.

This book will be definitely more daring and sensual than my previous work, yet I know this is the path I must take.

As I'm writing the story, I can feel the chemistry and attraction between the characters. It's so strong that it's almost like I can see it on the page. They are not just a concept that is unformed and hazy in my mind. They are real. Genuine.

I am so excited to share them with the world soon.

This is it. This is what I love doing. A content sigh leaves my lips as I stare at the new book I started.

I had gathered my things about an hour ago and made my way to the beach to enjoy the weather.

The sound of the waves crashing against the shore has brought me solace. The feel of the sand against my feet has grounded me as the sound of the seagulls in the distance has kept me company.

Now, watching the sun slowly set on the horizon, I can't help but notice the exhaustion that comes with the end of the day.

Gazing upon the gorgeous sight of the sun setting, I am filled with a great sense of contentment, and with a delighted exhale; I realize how happy I am.

It's like every awful experience I went through has led me to this moment where I can connect with the writer within me and strengthen my sense of self-worth.

Maria was absolutely right in suggesting that a change of scenery would be a great idea for me.

She was unaware, though, that the short time spent with Gabe here would lead to me falling for her brother.

What started out as an innocent crush would eventually transform into something much more meaningful.

I'm madly in love with Gabriel Morales.

I've known this man for as long as I can remember. For years, I've been infatuated with him. Only to discover now that he had always felt the same way. How funny can life be sometimes, right?

Being around him was a a delightful experience that surpassed all of my expectations.

Over the years, I have known him to be a brother, a son, and a good friend. And he has always played those roles well. He is incredibly compassionate, always looking out for those he loves with a protective instinct like that of a mama bear.

But now, I got the chance to look at the man beneath all the masks he wore. I can't hide the truth that I'm eager to keep exploring this thing between us. Even if it means exposing my heart to the potential of being hurt again.

Saying goodbye to Jaxon was heartbreaking. Seeing the dreams I had gone to waste, and understanding the harsh reality that I was not good enough for him made me feel dejected. But I knew that I would eventually move on.

However, when it comes to Gabe...

Damn, it's only been a minute with us and I'm head over heels in love with him. He's the only one who can truly break my heart to the point where I know it'll be harder to put the pieces back together.

Because as much as all my instincts keep telling me to be careful, I'm already one hundred percent in.

Sighing, I start gathering my things when I see him walking towards me. He's caring a bag of chips and a coke with him, and my heart warms when he sits by my side.

"Is that for me?" I smile as he offers me the snack.

"You've been here for a while. I thought you'd be hungry."

"Thank you." I take a sip of my coke, turning my computer to him. "I have some good news to share."

"Oh?" He turns to me, his head cocking to the side as he squints to read the words on the screen.

"My new book." I squeal, pulling him into a side hug. "Look, I wrote almost five chapters already."

"Wow." He pulls the computer into his lap, but I close it fast so he can't read anything.

"Not so fast, Mr. Morales."

"What?" He frowns. "You won't let me read it?"

"God, no!" I laugh, making his eyebrows shoot up. "I know myself well enough to know I'll second guess everything I wrote if I allow anyone to read it before I have written a few more chapters. Let me finish the first Act, then I'd love to hear your thoughts."

"Okay." He nods, his eyes searching. "Did you go with expanding that scene you told me?"

"I did." My lips curl into a smile. "Only it's way more erotic than I had first anticipated."

"Oh... Do tell." He puts my computer away.

I laugh, happiness bubbling inside me. "What can I say... My personal life might have influenced it a little." I lean into him, my lips almost touching his.

His fingertips caress my cheek. "Is that so?"

My breathing hitches and my voice gets lost deep inside me at how tender he always is. "Kiss me," I whisper, and he pulls away just slightly to look at me before pressing his lips to mine.

He kisses me lazily and softly as if memorizing me. It feels like I'm melting; like I'm drugged with his scent and taste.

He kisses me as if that was the only natural thing to do. And damn, it's addicting. It's sexy. It's the way I've wanted to be kissed my whole life.

"Gabe..." I speak over his lips and he runs his fingers along my neck until his hands ease down my breast over my tank top.

Arching up to his touch, I hold onto his shoulder, pulling him closer to me. I kiss him hard and deep, afraid of letting him go. Afraid of learning this is just a dream and I'm about to wake up.

"God..." he raps, his eyes big and searching as if he's always feeling a bit overwhelmed, too.

"Gabe, I..." I open and close my mouth, unable to tell him the truth. To tell him I love him; that I've loved him for as long as I can remember. "You were right," I say instead.

He looks at me confused, and I clear my throat before going on. "About us... I mean... We're both adults. There's no reason for us to hide that we are... You know..." Jesus, what am I saying? I'm totally rambling right now.

His eyes widen a bit, and I try to take everything I said back. "I mean, it's okay if you don't want to tell anyone, or..."

He kisses me.

Tender and firm and just enough to ground me. "I'm not hiding us."

"Okay..." I lick my lips. "I'll talk to Maria later today."

Nodding, he pulls me to him, tucking me by his side. In comfortable silence, we watch the sun set, both of us lost in our own thoughts.

It's when his phone rings and he stiffens by my side that I realize how tense he is.

"Jo..." He looks away. "I... I need to take that."

"Uh, sure." I nod, noticing how serious he is. "Is everything okay?"

"That's a loaded question..." He sighs. "I know I mentioned writing together but... I have some legal stuff to deal with and... Tom, Aaron, and Lena got an Airbnb not far from here, so we're all driving there for a meeting and..."

"Oh... Okay." I search his eyes. "Are you coming back today or...?"

"The house they rented is big enough to accommodate the guys better, so they're moving there." He cups my neck. "But I'll be coming home later today, yeah."

"Okay," I smile. "I'll see if Maria is up for going out to eat."

"I'll come home as soon as I can." He pulls me into a kiss that is meant to be comforting, but my heart tells me something is wrong.

_____

A/N: *sighs* Did you guys know that I fall in love with every couple I write? <3

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XOXO

Celeste