Page 25 of Gabbi's Goalie

Once she's back in the driver's seat, her belt latched around her, she frowns at the navigation screen. "It wants us to keep going instead of turning around."

"It's probably rerouting us instead of having us backtrack."

"Through the woods?"

"It knows more about the ways to get where we're going than I do, Temptation."

"Should I follow it?" She peers out of the windshield like she's trying to see into the future. "It doesn't look like it added any extra time to the drive."

"Up to you," I say with a shrug. "You said you make the rules, remember?"

She sticks her tongue out at me and then mumbles under her breath. I'm not sure if she's insulting me, technology, or both. I lean back in the seat as she pulls off, following the GPS along the gravel path.

I check my phone and see a message from an unknown number. Judging by the message—a warning to keep my damn hands to myself or lose them—I assume it's Jordan.

I add his number to my contacts before texting him back.

Me: New phone. Who dis?

Cranky Future Brother-in-Law: You know who this is, fucker. Keep your hands off my sister.

Me: It's odd. I feel like someone told me the same thing recently, but I can't remember who.

Me: Or when.

Me: Or what.

Me: Oh well. It must not have been important.

I can't help but needle him. He tried to warn me away from Gabbi, and he threatened to send her to a convent. He deserves to sweat a little for that bullshit. I get that he's been responsible for her since she was a little girl. He probably feels more like a father to her than her brother. But I'm not the enemy here.

The sooner he learns we're on the same page when it comes to her, the better all our lives will be. She's worth fighting for, and I'll go down swinging if that's what it takes.

Cranky Future Brother-in-Law: I'm not fucking around, Jacks.

Me: You said you want me to marry your sister, right? Don't worry. I'm all over it.

Cranky Future Brother-in-Law: Tell her to answer her phone.

Her phone didn't even ring. I'm guessing she silenced it because she doesn't want to talk to him. I'm Team Gabbi on this one. At least for now. I'll convince her to call him after he has time to stew for a little while.

Me: Can't. She's driving. Safety first. Besides, I think she's giving you the silent treatment.

Cranky Future Brother-in-Law: I know. It's pissing me off.

Me: Maybe don't threaten to send her to a convent next time?

Cranky: She started it.

Me: Are you two?

Cranky: You do remember that I own the Falcons, right? That basically means I own your sorry ass. Don't insult me. You may accidentally get loaned out to another team. I hear the East Coast is nice this time of year.

Me: Liar. It's colder than a well digger's ass over there.

Cranky: Take care of her, Jacks. I fucking mean it.

Me: With my life.