Free Forgiven by J. B. McGee Page A

pulls them down and tosses them to the floor. Instead of taking my t-shirt off, he just simply pulls the duvet up and tucks me in while placing a soft kiss on my forehead. He grunts and whispers, “I love you so much.”
    I try to say it back, but I’m sure it comes out as a muffled mess before drifting back into a peaceful slumber.

    “Gabby.” Bradley nudges me. “Gabby, wake up.”
    I roll over into his hard body. His elbow is bent, and his head is supported in his hand. “Hmm? What are you doing awake?” He’s never awake before I leave to go to school. “I could get used to this, though.” I drink in his disheveled hair and exposed chest. I trace my finger over his sternum.
    His eyes are glittering with amusement and then he takes my finger in his hand, and I can see there’s something bothering him. “We need to talk before you go to school.”
    “‘Bout what?” I curiously ask.
    “Moving.”
    Oh . I don’t think I’m going to like this. I push myself up and lean back against the headboard. “Okay...”
    “I called Sam and John last night. They’re going to meet you at your apartment and help get everything packed into one of those Pods.”
    I narrow my eyes. “But you’re not coming, are you?”
    “I can’t leave, Gabby.” He drops his head. “I can’t be that far away if something happens.”
    I look away and bite my lip and proverbially bite my tongue. Nothing that comes out of my mouth right now will be nice, productive, or helpful to the situation. He reaches over and puts his hand on mine. “Look at me.” As much as I don’t want to do it because he’s told me to do it and for no other reason I do. I slowly turn my head and my eyes meet his. I have been so looking forward to moving this weekend. With him. “Please don’t be upset with me.”
    “I’m not upset with you. I’m disappointed.”
    “I knew you would be. It’s been killing me to know I have to tell you this.” I just sit there. I can’t say what I’m thinking. I can’t say that I feel like he’s choosing her over me because I know that is partially irrational. He’s choosing the baby over me, and I should be thankful because that shows how incredible of a father he is going to be, but a father to another woman’s child. I press my lips together and furrow my brows. Do I lie and say I understand? I don’t want to seem like I’m not being understanding or sympathetic. I don’t want to come across as crass. He moves his hand and caresses my cheek. “I’m sorry,” he gently breathes as his lips come closer to mine.
    I nod as I close my eyes. He urges me to release my lips as he brushes his from side to side. I want to kiss him so badly, but I can’t just snap my fingers and turn my emotions off like that. My voice cracks. “This whole ordeal isn’t going to go away, is it?”
    He shakes his head and sighs. “It doesn’t appear that this is going to go away anytime soon, nor be easy or quick.” He kisses my forehead. “Please be patient with me, for me.”
    I glance up and lean into his palm. “I’m trying.”
    He pulls me forward and our foreheads are touching. “I know you are. Are we okay?”
    “We’re fine.” I give into my stubbornness and decide to kiss those delicious lips. “Mmm,” I hum. “I just was looking forward to being together this weekend.” He collapses down on the bed and raises his arm for me to snuggle into his side. “It’s funny because even though we’re living together I feel like we got to spend more quality time together before.”
    “It will get easier. This week hasn’t exactly been normal.”
    I shrug and roll my eyes. “True statement. What time is it?”
    His hands wander to the hem of my shirt and lifts it. “Time enough for us to enjoy our morning before you have to get ready.”
    I can’t help but laugh. “Did I mention that I could get used to you waking up with me in the mornings?”
    He shifts onto his side and starts tracing the trail from my