Don't You Dare

Chapter 8: Shared Spaces

"Happy birthday, sweetheart," her mom said, her voice filled with love and pride.

"Thank you, Mom," Andrea replied, her heart full. "This has been the best day."

As the evening approached, Andrea's anticipation began to build. She couldn't help glancing at the clock every few minutes, her excitement growing with each passing second.

At 5:45, she went upstairs to change. She slipped into a comfortable yet stylish outfit—a soft, flowy dress paired with her favorite boots. She added a touch of makeup and let her hair down, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as she glanced at herself in the mirror.

Just before six, the doorbell rang. Her heart leapt, and she grabbed her jacket, practically running down the stairs.

She opened the door to find Gabe standing there, looking effortlessly handsome in a casual shirt and jeans. His eyes lit up when he saw her, a wide smile spreading across his face.

"Hey, birthday girl," he said, his voice warm and teasing. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks," Andrea said, her cheeks flushing with a mix of excitement and shyness. "You look pretty good yourself."

He grinned, holding out his hand. "Ready for your surprise?"

"Absolutely," she replied, taking his hand and feeling the warmth of his palm against hers.

They walked to the car, where Ryan and Megan were waiting, both grinning like they knew something she didn't.

"Happy birthday, Andrea!" Megan called from the backseat, her excitement infectious.

"Thanks, guys," Andrea said as she slid into the passenger seat, glancing back at her friends. "So, are you going to tell me where we're going?"

"Not a chance," Ryan said, his eyes twinkling. "Just sit back and enjoy the ride."

Gabe started the car, and they headed toward New York City, the anticipation in the air palpable. The car was filled with laughter and banter, everyone in high spirits as they teased Andrea about the surprise. She tried to guess, throwing out wild ideas, but Gabe and the others just laughed and shook their heads.

As they drove down the highway, the city lights began to appear in the distance, glittering against the night sky. Andrea felt a thrill of excitement. New York was so close, yet she rarely went there. The idea of spending her birthday in the city made the night feel even more magical.

"Wait, are we really going to the city?" she asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Gabe glanced over at her, his smile widening. "Yep. I figured we'd make it a night to remember."

Andrea's heart soared as they crossed the state line into New York. The closer they got, the more alive she felt, the city's energy buzzing in the air. They wove through the bustling streets, finally pulling up to a venue that made her breath catch.

"Is this...?" she started, but Gabe was already holding up the tickets, a proud smile on his face.

"Yep. The Weeknd concert. Happy birthday, Andrea."

Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of the marquee, The Weeknd: Tonight Only flashing in bold letters. Her heart felt like it might burst from the sheer joy and disbelief.

"Gabe, this is incredible!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. "I can't believe you did this."

"You deserve it," he murmured into her hair, holding her close. "I wanted to make your day special."

She pulled back, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears of happiness. "This is more than special. This is perfect."

They made their way inside, the energy of the crowd buzzing around them as they found their seats. Andrea could hardly believe it was real—the lights, the stage, the excitement in the air. She felt like she was in a dream.

As the music started and The Weeknd's voice filled the space, Andrea was swept up in the magic of it all. They sang along to every song, the music pulsing through her, making her feel alive and free.

During one of the slower songs, she glanced over at Gabe and found him watching her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. The dim lights of the concert hall cast a soft glow over his features, highlighting the gentle curve of his smile as he leaned in closer. He slid his hand into hers, his touch warm and steady, sending a shiver of anticipation down her spine.

He brought his lips close to her ear, his voice barely audible over the music. "Baby, we don't need to rush," he murmured, his tone playful yet serious. "Lets take it step by step."

Andrea threw her head back, laughing at the irony of his words and their relationship. It felt like the moment was perfectly tailored for them, his playful spin on the song's message mirroring everything they had been navigating. The sound of her laughter mingled with the music, light and joyful, making Gabe's smile widen.

When she looked back at him, her eyes sparkling with amusement, she saw something shift in his gaze—something deeper, more intense. The playful moment turned electric, the air between them thickening with an unspoken understanding. Her laughter faded, replaced by a flutter of excitement that spread through her like wildfire.

Their smiles disappeared, and the tension that had been simmering between them suddenly ignited. Gabe's hand tightened around hers, and without thinking, she stepped closer, her heart racing as she felt the heat of his body against hers.

"Hey, you two! Keep it PG!" Ryan's teasing voice cut through the charged moment, making them both turn their heads. He was standing a few feet away with Megan, his arm draped casually around her shoulders. Megan was grinning, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Andrea felt her cheeks heat up, but she couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. "We're just enjoying the music," she replied, her voice light.

"Sure you are," Megan teased, raising an eyebrow as she glanced between them. "But don't let us stop you. We all know the real reason Gabe brought you to a concert full of love songs."

Gabe rolled his eyes, but there was a playful glint in them. "I'm just here for the music," he said, winking at Andrea.

Ryan snorted, shaking his head. "Yeah, right. You're as smooth as sandpaper, man."

Andrea laughed, the tension in the air easing as she glanced at her friends. She felt a wave of affection for them, grateful for their presence and their ability to make her feel at ease, even in the most intense moments.

As The Weeknd launched into another song, Ryan turned to Megan, pulling her closer. "Come on, let's show these two how it's done."

Megan giggled as Ryan spun her around, their playful energy drawing a few amused glances from the people around them. They moved in sync, laughing and singing along to the lyrics, clearly enjoying themselves.

Andrea watched them, her heart swelling with happiness. She loved seeing her friends like this—carefree and in the moment. She felt Gabe's hand tighten around hers, and when she looked back at him, she saw that same look in his eyes, the one that made her heart race.

"I mean it," he said softly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "There's no rush with us. I'm here for all of it—every step."

Andrea's breath caught in her throat as she looked up at him, the sincerity in his gaze making her chest tighten. "Gabe..."

Before she could finish, he leaned down, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that was soft, slow, and filled with the promise of everything they were building together. It was a kiss that held back nothing, a kiss that spoke of love, patience, and understanding.

Andrea's fingers tightened in his hair, her heart swelling with emotions she couldn't put into words. The music swirled around them, but all she could focus on was the feel of his lips, the warmth of his body against hers.

When they finally pulled back, they were both breathless, their foreheads resting together as they shared a small, private smile. "Best birthday ever?" he murmured, his voice rough with emotion.

"Definitely," she whispered, her eyes shining as she leaned in to kiss him again.