by Laura Lee
Gavin chuckles. “Kat, relax. It’s totally normal. The ride will smooth out as soon as we get to our cruising altitude.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. “And when’s that going to happen?”
I feel his hand on my cheek. “Hey, open your eyes.”
I find Gavin’s face inches away from mine. “Do you think I’d let anything bad happen to you?”
“You can’t control the pilot,” I argue. “And what if something malfunctions? It happens all the time.”
He smirks. “First of all, it doesn’t happen all the time. They check everything before takeoff. And two, statistically, flying is safer than driving. You’re not afraid to drive, are you?”
“No, of course not.”
“Well, then trust me. We’ll be fine.” He pushes the armrest back and pulls me into his side. “Listen to your music if you need to. We’ll be there before you know it.”
“Promise?”
He kisses the top of my head. “Promise.”
It turns out I was being a drama queen for nothing. We landed safe and sound at SFO and now we’re walking around Fisherman’s Wharf hand-in-hand.
Gavin inhales deeply. “God, I love the smell of this place.”
I wrinkle my nose. “It smells fishy.”
“Well, yeah, but it’s more than that. The salty breeze coming into the pier…fresh clam chowder in sourdough bowls…hell, even the sea lions add to the appeal.”
“So you like stinky things?” I joke.
He shrugs. “It’s nostalgic, I guess. I’ve had a lot of good memories here.”
“With Hailey?” I ask hesitantly.
“No, strangely, Hails and I never spent any time down here. She thought it was too touristy but I’ve always loved the vibe.”
I look around, taking in the eclectic group of people mixed with the charming architecture and breathtaking landscape. “It does have a good vibe.”
“Right?” he smiles. He tugs on my hand and points to the large Ghirardelli sign in the distance. “C’mon, let’s get you some real hot chocolate and the perfection that is an Earthquake Sundae.”
“You had me at hot chocolate.”
After spending an incredible afternoon in the city, we’re now pulling up to Gavin’s family home. Nestled in the heart of Sausalito’s Historic District, the house is a stately affair; a tri-level with dark shaker siding and sweeping views of the bay and city lights. He parks our rental car on a sunken parking slab beneath the house and turns off the ignition.
“Are you ready to do this?”
I take a deep breath. “I think so.”
Gavin pops the trunk and exits the vehicle to grab our luggage. I step out with my carry-on bag over my shoulder and look around.
“So…electronic gates and underground parking, huh? Pretty fancy.”
He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “It’s pretty common for the neighborhood.”
“A swanky neighborhood.”
My nerves ratchet up quite a few notches when I realize how outclassed I am. Gavin clearly comes from wealth. He grew up in this posh neighborhood filled with multi-million dollar homes. I would’ve never guessed; he’s such a simple, laid-back guy. What if his family isn’t the same? What if they take one look at me and decide I’m not good enough for them? I’m suddenly feeling very out of place. Gavin senses my hesitation when he grabs my hand and I dig in my heels.
“What’s wrong, Kat?”
“I don’t know about this…how do you feel about staying in a hotel?”
He laughs. “Yeah, right. My mom would kill me.” His expression sobers when he takes a good look at me. I’m sure my face is broadcasting how uncomfortable I am right now. “Kat, seriously; it will be fine. They’re going to love you.”
I fling my arms out, gesturing to our surroundings. “Gavin, look at this place!” I spot something to the left of the parking area and gasp. “Oh my God, is that an elevator? Your house has a freaking elevator?”
He obviously senses my impending meltdown because he drops the bags and grabs both of my hands.
“Kat, look at me. Breathe.”
I take some much needed air into my lungs and look into his eyes pleadingly. “Gavin, this house is so…extravagant. I couldn’t be more out of place if I tried. Your parents are going to take one look at me and want to throw me out with the trash. Can we please stay somewhere else?”
His jaw hardens as he grabs my face with both hands. “Kat, please don’t do this. Don’t lessen your worth just because they have money. My parents couldn’t care less if you were homeless or deep-ass in debt as long as you make me happy. And you do. I’m happier than I’ve ever been and they know that. They can’t wait to meet you.”
“But…”
“But, what?” he challenges.
“But…I can’t possibly live up to their expectations.”
He sighs. “Kat, think about what you’re saying for a minute. You’re telling me that you think my parents are going to judge you based on your bank account?”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying.” I shake my head furiously.
“That’s exactly what you’re saying,” he argues. “Do you honestly think I was raised by people who are that shallow?”
“No, of course not.”
“Kat, they’re good people. Some of the best people I know. They adopted me for Christ’s sake—they took me into their home when they had no need to other than the fact that I had a need and they wanted to help.” He pulls on the ends of his hair. “Look, my dad is a software developer…he got into the business at the right time and did very well financially. But there’s much more to them than their money. Quite frankly, Kat, it’s judgmental of you to assume the worst of them.”
His words shock me. Mostly because they’re true.
I hang my head in shame. “I’m sorry, Gavin. I don’t know why I’m being so anxious.”
He pulls me into him. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. I get that you’re out of your element but you need to trust me. I would’ve never brought you here if you had any reason to worry. Okay?”
I nod and force a smile. “Okay.” Gavin lightly pokes my ribs where I’m ticklish, making me laugh. “Hey!”
“There’s a real smile!” He taps the end of my nose. “You ready to go up?”
I smirk. “Yeah, let’s do this.”
He picks up our bags and leads me to the gate, punching in a code to unlock it. He gestures for me to go through first.
“After you, milady.”
“Always such a gentleman.”
He swings me around and places his hands on my ass. “Not always.”
He punctuates his statement by pulling me into his growing erection. My bag falls to the ground as I wrap my arms around his neck and get lost in a deep kiss. As I’m trying to climb him like a tree trunk, a deep voice crackles through the air.
“Dude…I can’t say I blame you, but you’d better tone it down before Mom walks in here and sees you trying to hump your girlfriend in the garage.”
I pull away, breathless. “What the hell was that?”
Gavin groans and reaches behind me. Pressing a button on an intercom that I’m just now noticing, he says, “If you don’t want to see it, don’t look at the monitor, you perv.”
“Hey, buddy, I’m enjoying the show. I’m just saying Mom wouldn’t. I’m sure she’d still like to think her precious Gavie’s virtue is intact.”
“What is going on?” I whisper. “Who is that?”
Gavin jerks his head to the video camera perched above the elevator and presses the talk button again. “Kiss my ass, Jack.”
A smooching sound comes through the speakers. “Bend over, baby.”
Gavin throws his hands in the air and laughs. “And that, ladies and gentlemen, is my brother, Jack. Ignore him; he’s an idiot.”
I wiggle my fingers at the camera and smile. “Hi, Jack.” I didn’t press the intercom button but I’m hoping it was simple enough for him to read my lips.
�
�Get up here and say that in person, Gorgeous,” he says through the speaker. “And bring the dumbass standing next to you up too.”
I laugh and give him a thumbs up in reply. Gavin pushes the call button and the elevator doors slide open a moment later. He takes my hand as we ride up to the level marked, S.
“Street level,” Gavin explains.
I hold my breath as the doors open to a covered walkway. We only take two steps onto the brick pavers when the door in front of us opens and a beautiful, petite blonde runs out with her arms open.
“Oh, my baby’s finally here,” she shrieks as she pulls him into a hug.
Gavin blushes, which is quite possibly the cutest thing ever. “Mom, it hasn’t been that long since I’ve been home. You’re acting like it’s been years.”
She pulls back a little and smooths out the imaginary wrinkles on his shirt. “Oh, hush,” she admonishes. “Any amount of time is too long. I don’t like you being so far away. We miss you.”
“I miss you too, Mom.”
I’m smiling like a fool as I watch them interact. Every bit of anxiety I had about meeting Gavin’s family has been erased within seconds. These people clearly love each other and don’t have a pretentious bone in their bodies. His mom steps out of their embrace and turns her twinkling eyes in my direction.
“You must be Kat,” she says while covering my hands with her own. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, dear.”
I smile shyly. “It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Cooper. Gavin says such wonderful things about all of you.”
“Oh, I don’t believe that,” she says and rolls her eyes in Jack’s direction. “But I’m sure he says nice things about most of us. And please, call me Carolyn.”
I didn’t even notice he had joined us. Wow. Jack definitely isn’t lacking in the looks department. His build is slightly bigger than Gavin’s and, like their sister, he has dark hair and smoldering brown eyes. They must take after their dad.
I laugh as Jack whines, “Mom! Quit playing favorites!”
She chuckles as she takes both Gavin and me by the elbow and walks us toward the house. She stops when we reach Jack and pats him gently on the cheek. “Oh, Jackie. You know you’re my favorite.”
Jack beams until she leans over and whispers into my ear, “He’s so sensitive. Sometimes I have to stroke the poor boy’s ego.” Considering Jack is standing right next to us, she obviously intended to be heard.
Gavin claps his brother on the back. “Tough break, dude. Time to play second fiddle for a couple days.”
“Asshat,” Jack grumbles.
“Dickhead,” Gavin retorts.
“Boys!” his mom scolds. “Language!”
I laugh. “Oh, this is going to be fun.”
Gavin winks at me in response.
Jack glares at him and throws his arm around my shoulder. “Welcome to California, Kat. It’s going to be so nice getting to know you.”
“Uh…” I stammer.
Gavin picks his brother’s heavy arm off my shoulders and pulls me into him. “Keep your hands to yourself, Jack Off.”
Jack punches Gavin playfully on the arm. “Just giving her options, Bro.”
Gavin punches him back. “She doesn’t want options.”
Carolyn takes my arm and pulls me through the door. “Ignore them, Kat. They always act like children when a pretty lady is around.” She looks over her shoulder. “Gavin, why don’t you show Kat to your room so she can get settled? I have you two in the guest suite.”
“Kat, my apartment is only a few minutes away if you want to shack up with a real man,” Jack offers. “Just go down the Excelsior, take a right, and I’m one block away.”
“What’s the Excelsior?” I ask out of curiosity.
Gavin rolls his eyes. “Kat, don’t encourage him. It’s the large staircase to the left of the house. It leads into the downtown area. We can head down there in the morning and walk around the shops.”
Jack smirks. “Bro, it looks like Gorgeous here does want options.”
Gavin shoves him to the side and catches up with me. “C’mon, Kat, let’s go get settled in our room.”
Now that I’m no longer distracted by their sibling rivalry, I actually take a look at the inside of the house. “Wow,” I say. “This is incredible.”
I’m guessing this is the main level because it’s an open floorplan showcasing a gourmet eat-in kitchen, a dining room, and a large living area with double doors framing the San Francisco skyline off in the distance. The entire space is decorated in shades of white, gray, and beige with red and dark blue accent pieces. The ceilings have to be at least twenty feet high.
“Is that a library?” I point to the sunken room off to the side that features a large stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling bookcases.
“It is,” Carolyn confirms. “It was always Gavin’s favorite room in the house.”
“I can see why.” I’ve never seen anything this nice in my entire life. I honestly only thought it existed on those home improvement shows. I can’t fathom actually spending your childhood here.
Gavin saves me from embarrassing myself with excessive gawking when he tugs on my hand. “C’mon Kat, the guest suite is downstairs.”
I clear my throat. “Okay.”
“Gavin,” his mother calls. “Your sister and father should be here shortly. Don’t take too long; dinner will be ready by seven.”
“Okay, Mom,” he replies and then he ushers me down a staircase until we reach another living area filled with several puffy recliners. “This is the theater room,” he says. “The bedroom is toward the back.”
“You have a theater room? Holy shit, Gavin! You realize how amazing this house is, right? I can’t believe you grew up here.”
“Yeah, I was definitely a lucky kid. They always made sure we knew the meaning of hard work, though. Nothing was ever handed to us.”
“They sound amazing.”
“They are,” he agrees. He leads me toward the back through a double doorway. I step into a large bedroom complete with a sitting area, a king-sized bed, a fireplace, and a private balcony. I’m pretty sure this room is bigger than my entire apartment.
I set my bag by the doorway and sit on the edge of the bed. “I can’t get over this place.”
He walks toward the bed and leans over me until I’m forced to lie back on the mattress. “I can’t get over you.”
I lift my head up to nip his bottom lip. “You’re such a big softy.”
“If you want hard, I can give you hard.”
I laugh. “Oh, wow. That was cheesy. Soooo cheesy.”
“You know you love it.”
“I do,” I chuckle.
He runs his hands through my hair. “I love you, Kat. I’m so happy you’re here with me.”
I almost return the sentiment but bite my tongue at the last second. I think Gavin can see my internal struggle because he gets a sad look on his face before he masks it. “It’s okay. You know you don’t have to say it back.”
My eyes get watery. “But I should be able to. I feel it, Gavin; you know I do. I’m so fucked up because I can’t just say it.”
“You will,” he says with confidence. “Just give it time.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I just am.” He shrugs.
“You’re too good to me.”
“Nah, it’s the other way around.” My body arches off the bed as he starts kissing my neck, making me forget all about my issues. Just as things are really starting to heat up, someone barges into the room.
“Knock knock, kids! I hope you’re decent.”
Gavin groans in frustration. “Goddammit, Jack! The door was shut for a reason.”
I laugh as Gavin rolls over and flops onto the mattress. “Hi, Jack.”
He winks. “Hi, Gorgeous. Sorry to interrupt play time, but Mom wanted me to tell you to get your asses upstairs. Dad and Elle are back from the store and dinner’s ready.”
Gavin and I stand u
p and straighten our clothing. “We’ll be right up.”
Jack gives me a good once over. “Let me know if you change your mind, Gorgeous. I’ll show you what a real man is like.”
“Jack, go!” Gavin shouts.
Jack laughs. “Okay, Bro, I’m going. See you two upstairs.”
“So…your brother is…interesting.” I smirk.
Gavin rolls his eyes. “He’s harmless. He’s just flirting with you to drive me crazy. It’s this thing we do.”
“Oh, really? I’d love to hear more about that.”
“Maybe later. Right now, we have some home cookin’ calling our names. If we don’t hurry up, the food will be gone with my dad and Jack in the house.”
We all convene in the dining room around a fully set table, covered in delicious smelling dishes. I recognize Gavin’s sister from when we met before but I haven’t met the man who looks exactly like a silver fox version of Jack. This must be their dad.
“There you are!” the man’s husky voice booms across the room. “Son, welcome home.”
“Hi, Dad,” Gavin replies. “Kat, this is my dad, Neil. Dad, this is my girlfriend, Kat.”
It’s so strange hearing him to refer to me as his girlfriend in front of other people. I could definitely get used to this.
Neil pulls out a chair and gestures for me to sit. “Welcome to our home, Kat. Please have a seat.”
“Thank you.”
“Kat, it’s nice to see you again,” Elle smiles from across the table. “Didn’t I tell you I’d see you around?”
“Hi,” I reply, slightly embarrassed about the first impression I must have made with her back home. “You certainly did.”
“I’m glad to see my little brother didn’t screw up and scare you off.”
“Oh, Elle, leave your brother alone,” Carolyn says. She’s making her way around the table with wine. “Kat, would you like red or white?”
“Oh…um…” Shit, how do I answer this? Do they know how old I am? I wouldn’t think so if she’s offering me alcohol. “Neither, thanks. I’ll stick to water.”
Gavin must sense my discomfort because he squeezes my thigh under the table.
“Okay, dear. The bottles will be on the table if you change your mind.”
“Thanks.”