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Gabriella Martinez from New York. She was Dani’s best friend.
    “Nice to finally meet you, Gabby,” I said with a tone that could have frozen the Sahara.
    Gabby sighed and cast her eyes downward, clearly aware that she screwed up. “You, too,” she mumbled.
     
    *~*~*~*~*
     
    Danielle  
    I had been waiting patiently (okay, not really) for Gabby’s call.  My original plan was to go home and wait for her. Instead, I picked up a McDonald’s ice cream cone and drove around town.  The whole time I was on edge.  One minute I was worried that he’d figure out who she was, then the next I was terrified that Gabby would fall for him the same way I did.  Or worse—that he’d fall for her.  It was all these thoughts that kept me from returning home and chilling out in front of the warm fireplace. 
    Lord, I had issues.
    As I drove up to the bar, I felt butterflies dancing wickedly in my stomach.  I’m sure it had to be preventing a peaceful rest for my little bean. 
    “I’m sorry, baby. I’m just so scared,” I whispered timidly to my little one.  My little bean was probably far too small to hear me, but I chose to believe it could.  Actually, I needed that reassurance in my heart that I wasn’t nearly as alone as I felt.  “I just needed to make sure Daddy hadn’t forgotten me.”
    My car slowly pulled into the parking lot and standing directly outside the bar door was Gabby. Even from afar, I could see she was uncomfortable.  That’s when I noticed that standing behind her, was the most amazing man I’ve ever known.  He was in jeans, a hoodie, a beanie and everything about his appearance may seem plain but not to me.  He was perfect and it fit my fading memory of him flawlessly - strong jaw, downright sexy body and those piercing blue eyes.  Even in the night, I couldn’t miss those blues.  They were all I had thought about for months and now they were staring a hole straight through me.
    Gabby lifted a hand and coyly waved, as if she didn’t completely blow our cover.  My heart was in my throat as I half considered turning around and speeding the hell out of the parking lot.  But I knew I couldn’t. I was so drawn to this man and his intimidating glare that I couldn’t turn away if I wanted to. 
    When I stopped my car, Corey took hold of Gabby’s upper arm and led her to the passenger seat.  He opened the door for her and helped her in.  I watched in complete awe, not truly believing this was happening.  That was when he looked into my eyes and my heart melted.  I saw it. Behind that cold, hard stare was every ounce of pain and sorrow he felt.  That I caused.  I felt the air leaving my lungs as I was punched with the reality of what I had done.
    “Don’t you fucking dare drive away,” he scolded before slamming Gabby’s door.  My eyes locked onto him as he stalked around the front of the car towards my side.
    “I am so sorry, Dani!” Gabby practically pleaded with me.  Although I was pissed, I’d deal with her later because right now all I could think of was Corey. My Corey, I hoped.
    In a second, he flung open my driver’s side door and clenched the top of it until his knuckles turned white.  He leaned in and the scent of aftershave hit me like a ton of bricks.  I wanted to grab hold of his sweatshirt and breathe in the smell I missed so much.  It tickled my senses and my very-emotional-self wanted to break down and cry because of how damn much I really did miss and need him.
    “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?!” Corey’s voice came out in a growl causing my own to get lost in my throat.
    “You disappear for three goddamn months and you come back to what—test me?!” Unfortunately, it was the naturally defensive side of me that spoke up, not the apologetic side that should have made an appearance.
    “I was not testing you, I was just …”
    Corey immediately cut me off.  Steam practically billowed from his ears.
    “You just what? Wanted to see if I