Page 8 of The Photograph

Once outside, I grunt at the ‘G&M Investments’ silver sign on the side of the building mocking me under the gleaming sun and raise my hand to hail a cab.How did I manage to—

“Aelin?”

I swing around toward the baritone timbre, crane my neck up to Gabe Matthews who sets the darkest eyes I’ve ever seen on me.

“Mr. Matthews, hi again.”

He tilts his head down and his lips twitch. “I’ll give you a ride. Where are you going?”

Home to cry myself for days.I lift my smile to the man who crushed my dreams. “Thank you, but it’s probably out of your way.”

He extends his arm toward a black luxurious car beside which a driver waits with his hands clasped in front of him. “I don’t mind. Please.”

Mr. Matthews doesn’t take no for an answer. Fantastic.

Tightening my grip around my portfolio, I shake my head. “I’m fine, thank you. Have a good rest of the day.”

I put more distance between us when I turn toward the street traffic and wish for a taxi.None in sight.Just my luck.But I have to ask, and I have nothing to lose, so I wheel back and blink fast, a little surprised by his closeness.

“Mr. Matthews?”

“Gabe, please.”

“What did I do wrong?”

The corner of his lips curve up for a split second.Is he smiling? The nerve of him.“What do you mean?”

I hook my gaze onto his. “My designs for Holloway House are good, and I was going to restore it to its former glory while making it comfortable with all the amenities of this century.” Before he can reply, I inch closer. “You left before the end of my presentation.”You’re a rude loud chewer. “So, what did I do wrong?”

My never-to-be employer narrows his eyes. “You did nothing wrong. I asked Ann to select you.”

What?I gape at him. “Pardon me?”

The closed mouth smile softens his expression. “I had to leave to attend to urgent business, but you’re our final choice.”

My heart hurtles against my ribs. “You mean I have the contract for Holloway House?”

Burying his hands in the pockets of his well-cut black slacks, he dips his chin. “You do. Let me drive you home. We can talk on the way.”

Stepping beside him, I follow him to his car, shake my head when his driver reaches for my portfolio, and slide onto the cream leather seat. I turn to Gabe and… Wow. Even seated he’s imposing. And wide. He’s also really close.

I scoot back on my seat and shift to face him. In his late thirties with thick black hair that grazes his collar, he has piercing eyes framed by incredibly long lashes that soften his full arched brows and strong jawline. He’s very attractive in an imposing kind of way.

When he cocks a brow, heat floods my face.Busted.

I clear my throat. “Shall I finish my presentation?”

Gabe’s baritone voice fills the car, and he shakes his head before slanting slightly toward me. “I’ve seen it. Tell me more about you.”

I sent my resume in my proposal, so he means something personal. Tongue tied,I lower my eyes while I wrack my brain to find something he would find interesting. Just as I open my mouth, the ring of his cell fills up the car.

“Excuse me, I have to take this,” he says.

Saved by the cell.I nod while relief washes over me. Nestling deeper in my seat, I focus on the window while he takes the short call, and turn toward him as he pockets his phone.

As the car slows down to a stop, I dive in. “Gabe, why did you buy Holloway House?”

He leans closer and the vibration of his bass voice skitters on my skin. “Why don’t you tell me?”

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