Page 76 of Pinch

It’s more than that. I want to be the place she goes for safety.

Walking to the glass doors, my palms are a little sweaty, but I wipe them down the front of my jeans before reachingout to try the handle. It’s locked, but Mav sees me and lets out a yell.

“What the hay?” He runs over to unlock the door, flinging it wide and pulling me in for a bear hug. “Bruh, what are you doing here?”

Shit, I’d been thinking so much about seeing Haddy again, I didn’t give much thought to a good excuse for appearing on their doorstep.

“You talked about this place so much, I wanted to see it.” I give him a shove, as Gigi jogs up to where I’m standing.

“Gavin!” She throws her arms around my neck, and I give her a hug. “Merry Christmas!”

She’s a little wobbly, and I chuckle. “Merry Christmas to you. I’ll have what you’re having.”

“It’s this ginger-spiced hard cider.” She puts her hand on my chest, leaning closer. “I’m addicted! I’ll get you one.”

She dances off to hook me up, and like a little earthquake, my eyes meet Haddy’s. She’s still standing with her dad, but a smile is on her lips, and she blinks at me a few times before walking over to where we’re standing.

“Gavin…” She stretches up to give me a hug, speaking low in my ear. “What are you doing here?”

“Couldn’t stay away, Princess.” I give her a wink, and her cheeks flush a pretty color. “Figured you could use some support abstaining.”

“Abstaining?” Her eyebrow arches, and our roommate appears.

“See what you think.” Gigi shoves a copper mug of hard cider into my hand. “Aunt Allie came up with it, and it’s delicious. It warms your whole body.”

I lift the mug at Haddy, and her eyes narrow.

“Sure you don’t want some, Hads?” Gigi turns to her cousin.

“No…” She moves a hand over her midsection. “My stomach is still kind of weird.”

She sticks her tongue out, and I give her a knowing look before taking a sip of the beverage Gigi gave me. It’s actually pretty damn good, and she’s right, it does warm me all the way to my toes.

“Who’s this kid?” A big man walks over to where I’m standing, slapping me on the shoulder.

I straighten to my full six-foot-two height, but I’ll be damned. This guy’s got two inches on me.

“Grizz!” A petite woman runs up behind him and jumps on his back. “Are you trying to intimidate my son’s best friend?”

He catches her under the legs, yelling, “Get off me, Banshee!”

A dark, curly head peeps around his shoulder. “Are youtheGavin Knight I’ve heard so much about from my little boy?”

Her amber eyes twinkle, and I’m immediately at ease. Mav’s mom reminds me a lot of Elaine. She sticks out a hand from over her giant brother’s shoulder.

“Yes, Ma’am.” I reach up to shake it. “It’s really great to meet you all. Mav’s told me so much about all of you. I had no idea he was such a good cook, and Gigi said we have you to thank.”

“That’s my little ginger snap!” Dylan calls to our other roommate, who looks up from where she’s swiping on her phone to give us a happy wave.

“That’s my daughter Gina.” The big guy glares down at me. “Don’t be getting any ideas, hockey boy.”

“No, sir.” I shake my head, taking a step back and holding up both hands. “Gigi is safe with Mav and me.”

From the corner of my eye, I see Haddy’s hand cover herlaugh quickly, but I hold my expression steady. He has no idea how safe his daughter is with me.

His brother’s daughter, on the other hand…

“Stop being a party pooper, Grizz.” Mav’s mom tilts her head to the side, then hops off her brother’s back. “You kids have fun. You’re only young once.”