Chapter 19
Kimberley
His glancing is so obvious anyone would notice. If the driver wasn’t distracted, even he’d pick up on it. I try to focus on texting with my mom—later I’m gonna call her and tell her and Dad about my new job—but I can’t stop noticing Gabriel watching me.
He stares. At my legs. My boobs. My hands. Then my face.
My heart starts racing again because his behavior throws me off. He just had that gorgeous woman last night. That redhead with the full lips, the kind of woman I’d call my “upgrade.”
Her hair was thicker, her lips fuller and more feminine. She even had that look in her eyes that impressed even me, and I’m a woman. Bigger breasts, slimmer waist. Whatever I compare, she wins. She radiated elegance. Sex appeal. Just… more of everything.
Wasn’t it enough for Gabriel to have her last night? They definitely didn’t just talk. Not if he was so out of it he forgot his watch.
She got what I missed out on. And oh, how bitterly I regret falling asleep. I shut my eyes for a moment, trying to block out the thought of him still looking at me. By the time I glance over, he should be staring out the window.
I open my eyes again and look at him. Our gazes meet, briefly. He gives me a small smile before finally turning his head toward the London streets sliding past. We’ll be at the daycare soon to pick up Rosie. Soon we won’t be alone.
Maybe… maybe he regrets not having me.
Maybe he thought he’d try a redhead once and since I wasn’t available, he settled for her, to avoid messing up whatever we have. After all, he’s my boss. And there’s a contract between us.
Or maybe it was just coincidence. That woman and I don’t have much in common. Her chest is bigger, her whole presence completely different. Just the hair color. And the freckles. That’s all.
Yeah, it must’ve been coincidence.
Coincidence. Nothing more.
We reach the daycare and walk in together. Rosie comes running toward us, bursting with excitement:
“We went on a trip to the woods today! We collected leaves. And sticks!”
Of course. For a city kid, that’s a big adventure. I kneel down to her level while Gabriel stays standing beside me, smiling at the scene.
“That’s wonderful! Show me,” I say, genuinely impressed, while all around us other kids are being picked up by parents, grandparents, or relatives. The teachers are busy, but the small groups keep it manageable.
Rosie proudly holds up her little wicker basket filled with her small treasures. “Aren’t the colors amazing? First the leaves are green, then they turn yellow, red, or even purple. So pretty, right?”
“They really are,” I agree warmly.
“But Miss Cindy says soon they’ll get all crunchy and we’ll have to throw them away…” Rosie looks at me, clearly hoping I’ll come up with a solution.
“Your teacher’s right. The leaves don’t get water anymore.
It’s like cut flowers—they dry out. But you know what’s nice?
Next spring the trees will grow fresh green leaves, and in fall they’ll change colors again.
Every year, all over again. Then you can collect more.
With your classmates and teacher—or maybe your Uncle Gabriel and I can take you to the woods. ”
“Really?” she asks carefully.
“Promise.”
Gabriel kneels down too and adds, “We can even preserve them.”
“Preserve? Like in a can?” Rosie doesn’t understand, which makes me smile.
Gabriel gives her a sweet smile. “No, we can set the leaves in acrylic. It’s like window glass, only stronger. The leaves keep their colors, but you can’t touch them anymore—only look.”
Rosie scrunches her little nose, trying to picture it. Gabriel goes on, “Kim can pick up the supplies tomorrow, and tomorrow night we’ll cast the leaves in. When we’re back from Italy on Sunday, the block will be ready, and you can take it home and show your mom.”
“I’d rather leave it with you. Mom would just throw it away.” She glances down at her leaves, then asks, “Can we put the sticks in too?”
“Of course.” Gabriel straightens up and lifts Rosie into his arms. I stand too, taking her tiny backpack and jacket.
“But first, home,” he says, “and I’ll cook you both something tasty.”
“Chocolate pudding?” she asks, wide-eyed.
“We can make that too,” I answer. A little treat is fine. I’ll just use almond milk and sweetener—her blood sugar won’t spike so much that way.
She’s tolerated it well do far, which makes me glad.
We leave the school and wave goodbye to the teachers.
After dinner, I bathe Rosie and get her ready for bed so Gabriel can read to her. But tonight, I notice something different: he’s making a point not to touch me.
I keep stealing glances at him, but Gabriel acts like I’m not even there.
As if I wasn't even there.
Or as if I was just... the nanny.
We sneak out of Rosie’s room and once out in the hallway, I ask,
"Would you like some tea?"
“No, thanks. It’s been a long day, and I really need some sleep,” he answers politely.
“Okay. Well… good night.” I feel a little disappointed, though I try not to let it show.
“Sleep well. See you in the morning.” He turns as if to leave, then hesitates, looking back at me. “You’re doing a really great job, Kim. I… Rosie and I—we’re both so glad you’re here.” His sweet smile makes my heart skip all over again.
“I’m glad to be here too, Gabriel. And I’m glad that after my trial week I signed the contract—that I get to look forward to a future with you and Rosie.”
“The trial week isn’t technically over yet,” he says with that same disarming smile, the one that makes it impossible for me not to gaze at him with something dangerously close to affection.
Damn it, my heart leaps every time he looks at me like that.
I swallow, fighting the urge to ask him again if he’s sure he doesn’t want to stay up for tea.
But he’s right—he’s had a long day. He needs the sleep.
“True. But I trust you.” As I say it, our eyes lock for what feels like forever, until I finally look away and nod toward my room. “I’ll head in then. See you tomorrow.”
“Sweet dreams,” he says before turning and walking to his room. I slip into mine and close the door behind me.
It’s late. Too late to call my mom now. Instead, I send her a long voice text, telling her all about my new job.
My first paycheck will hit my account Friday—it’s for the trial week.
I want to transfer it to her right away so she and Dad can finally pay off a chunk of the bills.
The relief I feel at being able to help them is incredible—especially when the insurance wouldn’t…
But Chloe’s still awake, and I’d like to finally tell her where I am and what my plans look like. She’s at the bar right now, so we can’t talk on the phone. I text her instead.
Me: Hey… okay, I’m just gonna come clean. I have a feeling you won’t like it, but I need to tell you. I’m working for Gabriel.
Chloe: Uh, you’re right. I don’t like that. Wait—you mean this whole time you’ve been so quiet?
Me: Yeah. I’m technically still in my trial week, but I already signed the full contract.
Chloe: Whoa. Okay. I mean, I am really happy for you—you finally got something new. That was your goal, your dream. You wanted to work for him. But still…
Me: I know. I know what you’re about to say. I just know you too well. ;)
Chloe: But is this really okay? Be honest.
Me: It is. I think. I want it to be okay, but…
Chloe: Something’s bothering you. What is it? Spit it out. I’m not mad, I just worry about you. :)
Me: Well… I’m going to give up my apartment, because I’m living in his place now. I’ve got my own room—it’s bigger than my whole apartment, totally nuts. He has this huge mansion, and it’s gorgeous. I don’t just work for him—I help take care of his niece. She’s the sweetest little thing.
Chloe: Okay…?
Me: It works. Gabriel’s very polite and respectful. He loves cooking, and I handle breakfast…
Chloe: But you’re basically there mainly because of the child? How old is she?
Me: Four. And he wants to adopt her. I’ve already met his sister—she’s awful. That’s why Gabriel wanted me to move in, so I can always be here for the little one.
Chloe: So basically, you’ve got two jobs now?
Me: Yep. But it’s working really well. Friday we’re flying to Italy—Rome. We’ll be back Sunday. I’ve got Monday and Tuesday off. I’ll come see you for sure, and we can have a girls’ night?
Chloe: Monday’s perfect. You can stay over. I want every detail. Every single one, haha.
Me: You’ll get them.
Chloe: Okay, so. What’s really on your mind, hmm?
Me: Well… I did feel like there was a spark between us. Little touches. Looks. Different than back at the Midnight Lounge or later in the limo. Softer. Sweeter. Like he actually cares. It threw me off. But… I think I like him too.
Chloe: Ha! Who would’ve guessed. Totally predictable. He’s your type to a T, and of course he’s the guy you’ve admired forever. And let me guess—he’s amazing with his niece?
Me: Yeah, he’s an amazing uncle—or actually… no, he’s really her dad. The way he takes care of her, so gentle and loving… you should see him when Rosie’s around.
Chloe: Please. What woman doesn’t find it hot and sexy when a guy’s good with kids and animals?
Me: We’re so typical, huh?
Chloe: Called it.
Me: But something really crappy happened… Gabriel told me he was going to his mother for a few hours, but the next day I got a call that he’d been at a hotel. With another woman.
Chloe: Oof. Low blow.
Me: And since he forgot his watch there, I went to pick it up…
Chloe: Wait—he asked you to?
Me: No, the hotel called me. Gabriel didn’t even know. But when I showed up, the woman he’d spent the night with handed me his watch…
Chloe: Ouch. So… was she pretty?
Me: She looked like me.
Chloe: Oh!
Me: I mean, natural red hair. Freckles. But her vibe was different. I don’t know… could that really be coincidence?