Chapter 559: The Swing (2)
As Gabe placed Arabelle back on her feet, he answered affectionately, "Sorry, miss Arabelle. You’re just too fast for me so I have to make sure that I catch you."
Arabelle beamed at the praise and turned to look at Autumn. A look passed between the two sisters and the next minute, Autumn crept up behing Gabe and tapped him on his shoulder," Tag. It looks like you’re it again..."
With laughter echoing the two sisters then raced away from him as he narrowed his eyes," Oh! You’re going to regret that..."
It took her a moment to realise she’d really miscalculated as he turned his attention to her, chasing her relentlessly, as his long strides quickly covered the distance between them. Panicking, she darted around the swing set, trying to use that as a barrier. But even so, she was almost caught, as his fingers grazed her back, missing her barely as she managed to slip away.
As they raced around breathlessly, Autumn thought she saw someone outside the back fence and was distracted for a moment... only to be almost caught by Gabe at that point. He’d almost caught her when she realized the danger and as she tried to run away with a squeal, his arm crept around her and caught her around the waist, lifting her off the ground.
Shocked and a little thrilled, Autumn squealed and squirmed in his grip while Gabe twirled her around as easily as he had down Arabelle who was now laughing and clapping.
"Do that for me as well..." Arabelle squealed as she bounded towards the couple. Distracted, Gabe turned to look at Arabelle, only to lose his balance in the soft grass as his foot slipped.
Gabe tried to break the fall, but only barely managed, a sound of pain escaping him as they hit the ground. His hold around Autumn tightened instinctively, protecting her from the brunt of the fall.
Autumn found herself sprawled on top of Gabe, their faces inches apart, both breathless from the chase. His eyes met hers, filled with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice strained but gentle.
"Yes, I’m fine," she replied, her cheeks flushed. "Are you?"
"I’ll live," he said with a pained smile, shifting slightly to make sure she was comfortable.