Page 63 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess
I look up at him — only him — into his dark green eyes that remind me of moss growing on an old stone near a ravine. I blink at him as my pulse gradually calms down.
"I wanted so badly to tell her she’d never have to go back to her mother, but that would’ve been a lie."
My nose stings, tears threatening again. "Why does she say such cruel things to her? Doesn’t Catherine see what an incredible daughter she has? She’s so sweet, so affectionate. So smart. Oh God..."
Before I know it, both his hands are on my back. I step closer and he pulls me gently against his chest. His solid, good-smelling chest.
I stand there, wide-eyed, my hands resting on his sides. He’s still in the white shirt from the office. I swallow as my fingers trace lightly across his back, and finally, I give in to the embrace.
My eyelids suddenly feel so heavy. I'm getting tired. No, I think I'm misinterpreting the situation. I'm not getting tired, I'm calming down. Yep, I'm calming down completely. My heartbeat slows down, and my breathing helps too.
I close my eyes and smile into the intimate embrace, letting myself feel how safe I am in his strong arms. It’s unfamiliar, and yet it feels so good.
He lets me breathe. Recover. All the stress from that conversation is still in my bones, but with every deep sigh I take, I feel a little better. Gabriel’s hand keeps stroking my back. He’s giving me so much support, so much protection in this moment, that I don’t want to let it go.
This—this is exactly what I’ve been searching for my whole life. It’s not just wild sex, hot abs, and a voice that makes me horny. It’s moments like this too. Or maybe I should say: this is what separates a real man, a true gentleman, from just another guy who only wants one thing. Gabriel is different. Gabriel is a real man. An absolute gentleman. And—even though Rosie isn’t his daughter but only his niece—he’s a true father and a real hero.
And that’s exactly what fascinates me about him. That mix. Gabriel is bold, smart, charming, and full of secrets I want to uncover.
I want more of this man…
My desire for him grows day by day, second by second, every moment he holds me.
“My sister has always been like that. I don’t think she’s going to change for the better in this lifetime. But as soon as I have custody of Rosie, she’ll have to change.” His words come right against my ear—calm but also angry. I can feel how much the situation eats at him.
Maybe I can give him some of the warmth he’s giving me.
“I’ll help you, Gabriel. And I’ll stay with you. Even though the trial week isn’t over yet, I want a permanent contract. That is, if the offer still stands?”
Gabriel hesitates. I feel him slowly pulling back from me, so I take half a step back too.
“Of course. I’ll have it updated for you right away and you can sign it tomorrow morning.” He looks a little surprised, but only for a moment. Then he smiles and adds, “That’s exactly what I was hoping for. I know we didn’t get off to a great start, but I’m really glad things are going so well between us now.”
“Yes, me too,” I say, feeling my cheeks heat and my heartbeat pick up again. I run my hands over his chest and ask, “Tea? We didn’t get a chance last night.”
“I’d like that.”
I nod and finally let go of him. How cold it feels without his closeness. I hate it. I want to go back to that embrace—that was exactly what I needed, and now it’s gone.
I put water on to boil while he sits at the table and sets out two cups, two spoons, and a jar of honey. The water boils quickly. I pour it into the cups and the rest into the teapot, which I place on a warmer. The little flicker of the tealight is calming in the dim kitchen. Only a few LED lights glow on the ceiling, giving the room a cozy feel.
I sit down beside him and watch his hands cradling the cup. For a split second, I imagine being in that cup’s place, and my mind flashes back to the limo.
I know how he smells.
I know how he tastes.
I know how he sounds when he’s aroused.
I know how he feels.
I know how he looks at me when he wants me.
All of that is sitting in my head, building a picture—no, an entire scene I can daydream about endlessly. But that’s not what I want. I want something real. With him.
And that’s tricky. He’s offering me a job. I’m supposed to care for Rosie. I can’t start a fling with my future boss.
I press my lips together, close my eyes, and force myself to focus on what matters: money. Yes. Good ol’ money. With it, I can help my parents and build a retirement fund. Money matters more than desire.
