Page 191 of Damaged Mogul
I figured today he would be busy doing CEO stuff and I wouldn’t see him until later. He surprised me in the best possible way. He slipped out of my bed early and headed to the office to cram as much work as possible in the first hours of the day, so we can have an extended lunch.
When Mikki suggested we enjoy an afternoon French tea, I let her know I was hanging out with Gage.
She was more excited than I was.
Not that I know how that’s even possible, considering, I’ve been counting the minutes until I see him again.
I’m being reckless with my heart. In two days, I fly back to New York, and this fairytale will surely come to a screeching halt.
Gage hasn’t talked about us seeing each other or keeping in touch.
I didn’t bring it up.
I refuse to stress over things I can’t control. I prefer to enjoy a wonderful day with a man that knows how to rock my world. The billionaire mogul could be wheeling and dealing. Instead, he chose to play hooky with me for a few hours. He could’ve bought me the most expensive gift on the planet, and I wouldn’t be this elated.
Spending time with him trumps everything.
The ride up Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu in Gage’s German automobile was as exhilarating the second time around. This is another perfect day to enjoy a picnic outside. This time around, we’re in a different resting spot than the one we were at the last time. Since it’s Wednesday, there’s only a smattering of people here and there, which is nice.
Instead of ordering sandwiches from the Pompadour Hotel, we dropped by one of Gage’s favorite Italian eateries. The lip-smacking chicken cutlet pesto hero sandwich is one of the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth… other than Gage’s cock.
My gaze swings in the brooding hottie’s direction.
He left his suit jacket and tie in his car. Even with his white shirt unbuttoned and sans tie, he gives off the vibes of a badass CEO.
He winks.
God, I have it bad for this guy.
“I thought I was being too greedy when I couldn’t decide between the cookies and cream flavor and the chocolate cookies and cream.” I feign he doesn’t affect me. “I’m glad I followed your advice and selectedboth.”
“Two ice cream flavors chock-full of sandwich cream cookies outsourced from a local bakery? O’Dwyer’s know what they’re doing.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” I say. “I’m a huge fan of Oreo cookies, but I must say this gourmet option is outstanding.”
“You’re sure you don’t want me to help you with the ice cream?”
“No.”
“You didn’t even finish half your sandwich.” Gage reaches for my dessert.
I angle my body. “Hands off, buddy.” I was only able to handle a quarter of the colossal sandwich. I’m full, but I won’t admit it. I narrow my eyes at him. “You knew what you were doing when you picked that sandwich place. Your plan was to get me so full, you’d end up eating my ice cream.”
He finished his half pint of ice cream a while ago and he’s been watching me with amusement as I struggle through mine.
He gives one of my braids an affectionate tug. “The sun is beating hard. Your ice cream is going to melt. Take one more bite and give me the rest.” He attempts to grab my half pint.
I pull my ice cream away from his greedy hands. “Wash your mouth out with soap. Even when this”—I lower my eyes to the container I’m holding—“turns to the consistency of milkshake, I’ll still soldier on.”
“If you say so.” He chuckles.
Gage is probably going to have to carry me to his Wiesmann GT MF4, but I manage to finish the last spoonful of ice cream. It’s on the tip of my tongue to say,showed you, but I refrain.
He rummages through the freezer bag and pulls out another container of ice cream.
He bought himself two?
“Peanut buttercup ice cream.” He shrugs. “I couldn’t resist.”
