Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3
LEAH
“ L eah.” Gabriel’s voice sounds from my office doorway.
I stop what I’m doing and look up.
“Gabriel?” I ask.
He fills the doorway. His dark hair and olive complexion are witness to his Mediterranean bloodline. Dark eyes lock on mine, framed by thick dark eyelashes most women would die for.
“Do you need me to go over those press releases again?”
I watch as a tick starts along his strong jawline.
“No, everything is under control,” I reply, giving him a quizzical look.
His shoulders sag at my words. The movement is only visible because, having worked closely with this man for over eight years, I know his tells inside out.
“Is everything all right?” I ask.
He shoots me a look of surprise before running a hand through his hair.
“Everything’s fine,” he replies, the harshness of fine making me want to laugh .
“Have a great night with Caleb,” I say, biting the inside of my lip to stop them from forming a smile.
The humph that comes from the door has me coughing as I choke on the air I’m holding in.
“Sorry,” I say, holding up my hand as Gabriel steps closer, passing me the glass of water on my desk.
“Here,” he says, his fingers cupping mine until he knows I’ve grasped it.
“Thanks,” I croak, surprised at their warmth.
“Are you really sure there’s nothing I can do?” He places his hands behind his back, pulling his shirt tight across his already broad chest. My eyes are drawn to the movement.
“No,” I say firmly. “You need to go out and have fun with your brother.”
“Don’t you start,” he says, his eyes once again locking on mine. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“I am,” I say. “If an emergency arises, you’ll be the first to know. However, the market is fine, and it’s time you clocked off. Celebrate! The Callahan presentation is done. There is nothing more you can do until our meeting. Go! Enjoy yourself.”
“When did you get so bossy?” Gabriel asks, raising an eyebrow.
I grin. “Two hours ago, when your brother rang to forewarn me you’d be trying to get out of tonight.”
His forehead wrinkles, and his lips twist.
“He’s got no right,” Gabriel mutters.
“Caleb knows you too well.” I drop back in my chair. “If you don’t go tonight, you’re only postponing the inevitable. He’s not going to let you off the hook.”
This time, I don’t hide my smile as he huffs.
“Go,” I say, waving him out of the door. “I have work to finish before my friends arrive. You’re not the only one with plans. ”
Gabriel scowls at me before he turns and leaves.
“Have fun!” I shout after him.
A hand in the air, appearing over his shoulder. The only acknowledgement I get that he heard me. By his reaction, anyone would think his brother was asking him to donate a kidney or right arm, not socialise with friends.
I shake my head and smile. The man has no idea how devastatingly handsome he is. He just needs to loosen up and let someone in. Maybe tonight is the night.
I finish the last couple of emails I need to send, the whoosh of the last leaving my outbox has me dropping back in my chair and closing my eyes. Should I have shown Gabriel more sympathy? It’s not like I haven’t been restless all day with the prospect of going out tonight. Our drunken girls’ night turned into Project Leah’s Reintroduction to Society . I take a deep breath before opening them and power down my laptop.
My phone pings on the desk next to me.
STELLA:
We’ll be with you in 20.
ME:
See you soon.
I look up at one of the many clocks on my wall.
How the hell did that happen?
It’s been over an hour since Gabriel left my office.
I grab my bag from under my desk and head to the ladies’ room.
I lean against the sink unit, my eyes locked on my reflection. Dark circles have appeared around my eyes, and my skin is becoming pinched. Butterflies dance in my stomach, and the temptation to call off this evening’s shenanigans is almost too strong to ignore .
I puff out a breath and bend down, unzipping my holdall and pulling out my makeup.
“In for a penny, in for a pound,” I say to my reflection as I repair the day’s wear and tear, adding a little more eyeshadow and blush than usual. Tonight is, after all, a girls’ night out, and I am single.
I unzip my clothes bag and pull out the little black dress Stella convinced me to wear. I purchased this for one of Vince’s work events until management had decided not to include partners anymore, or so I believed. More fool me. Anyway, tonight, it will get its first airing. I step out of my trouser suit and blouse before shimmying into my dress. Folding the other items into my bag. I stand back and observe the finished effect in the mirror, smoothing the material over my hips and stomach.
My hands go to my chignon, pulling out my clips. I let my hair cascade down my back before pushing my fingers into the roots and shaking it, bringing body and volume back.
I turn left, then right, checking my appearance. The dress hugs my figure in all the right places. But then again, it should. I spent enough on it. Hair, makeup, clothes.
The door crashes open, making me jump.
“Oh, sorry, Leah,” Amanda says, coming into the room. “Wow, you look amazing.” Her grin helps to calm the desire to flee the building in my chest. “Going anywhere nice?”
“Thank you. Just out with some friends,” I reply. “You’re welcome to join us.”
Amanda gives me one of her motherly smiles. “I’d love to.” She winks. “But I have a husband and two hangry teenagers at home waiting for me.”
I return her smile, knowing Amanda’s husband and children are her life outside the office. Something I envy. At fifty-five, she’s worked for Gabriel almost as long as I have, initially being employed by his father. When Frazer Investments took off, Amanda made the move and took over my role as PA, which allowed me to focus on the communications role I’d trained for.
“Another time,” I add.
She smiles. “Most definitely.”
I grab my things as she makes her way into one of the stalls. “Have a lovely evening, Leah.”
“Thank you. I’ll try,” I say, as the empty feeling in the pit of my stomach returns.
I make my way back to my office to dump my bag. No point taking it with me. We’re only going around the corner. I can collect it before I head home tonight or over the weekend. I’ll be around tomorrow when I start apartment-hunting.
I pick up my phone and find several messages from Stella and Nat.
STELLA:
Makeup, dress, HEELS!
NAT:
She’s made me wear heels, so you definitely are!
STELLA:
Five minutes out.
I look at the message stamp and realise it was ten minutes ago. As if on cue, my phone rings. Stella’s name flashes up.
“Where are you? We’re in reception,” she says.
“Just about to head down. Perfection takes time,” I say dryly.
Stella laughs. “See you in a minute. And Leah... remember your heels!”
I look at my bare feet before digging into my bag and pulling out the shoes Stella chose earlier in the week. I slide them onto my feet, rebalancing myself. I reserve wearing heels for specific occasions, such as client meetings or parties, where limited alternatives are available.
Grabbing my clutch bag from the desk, I head to the door, switching off the light before closing it behind me. The office floor is relatively empty, and only a few people remain at their desks. I wave goodnight and walk to the elevator, my muscles twitching the closer I get.
Waiting in reception, the girls are sat on one of the many leather sofas littered about.
“Wow,” Stella says, pulling me in for a hug. “I knew that was the dress. You look...” She places her fingers on her lips and kisses them, throwing the kiss into the air. Her exaggerated movements make me laugh.
Stella and Nat have also dressed up. Nat is in her preferred navy trouser suit, with flared legs, while Stella has opted for a red, fitted dress, showcasing her natural curves, topped off with killer heels.
“Girls on the town,” Stella says, linking arms with both of us and pulling us to the door.
Nat gives me a sympathetic look over Stella’s head. Oh heck, what have I let myself in for?
“Change of venue,” Stella adds. “Mr Dyer was giving away invitations to a trendy new wine bar that’s opening tonight. I snagged three tickets. Wine tasting, with cheese and charcuterie, and hopefully plenty of young, sexy men for us to choose from.”
The butterflies in my stomach settle. How raucous can a wine tasting bar opening get?