It had been three weeks since Gabriella started staying at Zay's place, and every day felt like something new. They'd fallen into an easy routine, with Zay dropping her off at work every morning and picking her up in the evening. Their connection grew stronger with each passing day, and they found themselves inseparable. It wasn't unusual for them to be all over each other, even in public—stolen kisses, touches that spoke volumes, and that ever-present feeling that they were meant to be.
One evening, after another relaxed dinner together, they curled up on the couch. Zay wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close as they watched TV. Gabriella's head rested on his chest, and she could hear his steady heartbeat. It felt like the world had stopped, and all that mattered was the warmth of his embrace.
As they lay there, Zay glanced down at her, a soft smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Gabby," he said, his voice quiet but full of meaning.
She looked up at him, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Yeah?"
Zay paused for a moment, his expression turning serious but warm. "I love you."
Gabriella's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected those words—at least not yet. There was a flutter of nervousness, a slight hesitation as she processed what he'd just said. But the words felt right, and when she looked into his eyes, she knew she felt the same way.
"I love you too," she said, her voice soft but steady.
Zay's face lit up with relief, and without saying another word, he leaned down to kiss her. The kiss was slow and tender, but as their lips met, the kiss deepened, full of unspoken emotion. They didn't need to say anything more. In that moment, they both knew.
Later that night, after they made their way to the bedroom, things became even more intimate. Their connection felt electric, their bodies moving together in a harmony they both craved. It was a night of firsts, of deepening trust, and moments that Gabriella had never thought she'd experience. Zay made her feel wanted, safe, and loved in a way she hadn't thought possible.
The next morning, Gabriella was at the hotel where she worked, organizing supplies behind the front desk and preparing for another busy day. She loved the stability of her job, even if it wasn't her dream. It gave her the independence she'd always wanted. Just as she was grabbing a clipboard for inventory, the glass doors opened, and in walked Zay, holding a takeout bag in one hand and a coffee in the other.
"Surprise!" he said, walking up to the desk with his signature grin.
Gabriella's face lit up. "Zay! What are you doing here?"
He set the coffee down on the counter and passed her the bag. "Lunch. I know you probably forgot to pack something."
She laughed softly, shaking her head. "You didn't have to do this."
"I know, but I wanted to." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "It's your favorite."
Gabriella peeked inside the bag, her stomach growling at the smell of her favorite sandwich. "Okay, fine. You win. But what's with all this spoiling?"
Zay's expression turned a little more serious, and he rubbed the back of his neck. "There's something I gotta tell you."
Gabriella tilted her head, sensing the shift in his tone. "What is it?"
Zay sighed, resting his arms on the counter. "I'm gonna have to go out of town for a while. I'm opening another sneaker store, and I need to be there to make sure everything runs smooth. It's gonna take a couple of weeks."
Gabriella's smile faded slightly, and she nodded. "Oh... I get it. When do you leave?"
"Next week," he said, watching her carefully. "But don't worry—I've got you covered. I don't want you walking or catching the bus while I'm gone, so I've lined up a driver to take you wherever you need to go."
Gabriella blinked in surprise, then laughed softly. "You're really going all out, huh?"
Zay grinned, reaching across the counter to take her hand. "I just want to make sure you're good. You don't need to worry about anything while I'm gone."
She smiled, squeezing his hand. "Thank you. I'm gonna miss you, though."
"I'll miss you too, baby," Zay said, his voice soft. "But I'll call you every day. You're stuck with me, Gabby."
She laughed, and they shared a quick kiss before Zay left, leaving Gabriella feeling both grateful and a little sad about his upcoming trip. But if there was one thing she was certain of, it was that they would make it work—no matter the distance.
