254 I Got This

(Cass)

Gabriel and I arrive at the restaurant a little before Winona. He’s in his usual smooth, confident mode, his hand resting gently on the small of my back as we walk in.

It’s a simple gesture, but it makes me feel... anchored.

Like I’m the most important thing to him right now. I smile, a small flicker of warmth settling in my chest. Everything with him just feels right.

Not like with the guys I’ve known before—the ones who treated me like I was disposable, like I didn’t matter.

Gabriel’s different. He’s attentive, always making me feel like I’m the center of his world. And maybe I am. I’m starting to trust that.

We settle into our seats, Gabriel giving me this look that makes my pulse quicken. He leans in, brushing a strand of my hair back, his fingers lingering a little longer than necessary.

His blue eyes are soft but focused, and I feel like he’s seeing all of me, not just the parts I show to the world. Now I totally get how Winona feels about Jayden. These Brennan eyes are