Chapter Fifteen
DIANE
A beeping sound filled the air. I put a pillow over my head and tried to go back to sleep, but I could still hear it. A few seconds later, it stopped. I faintly heard a man’s voice, and after that, silence. But I couldn't fall back asleep.
I took the pillow off, opening my eyes and looking at the ceiling. I smiled. Ah, I was in Gabe's bedroom. I'd spent the night here. I was still half asleep and wondered what time it was.
Then I heard footsteps outside the door, and I glanced in that direction. Gabe stepped in. He was butt naked, holding his phone.
"I woke you. Damn it," he said.
I yawned. "What time is it?"
"Six o'clock in the morning."
"And you're up voluntarily?"
"No. I got a call from the distillery we have in Texas."
"What happened?" I asked. He was clearly worried, or was it annoyed? It was too early in the morning for me; I couldn't properly assess the situation.
"A storm rolled in. We had a blackout at the factory and issues with the generators. Anyway, I'm heading there."
I rubbed my eyes, feeling them bulge. "To Texas? Now?"
He nodded. "Yes. Whenever there's a crisis, I prefer to be there versus trying to coordinate everything over the phone. People seem more motivated if I'm present."
His voice was tight. This was the first time I was seeing the CEO side of Gabe. He was no longer laid-back and ready for fun. Now he was all business.
"Okay."
"I'm going to pack some things."
I made to get out of bed. "I'll just go up to my room."
"There's no need for that," he said, putting two suits on the foot of the bed before coming closer and sitting at the edge of the mattress. "You look like you're about to fall asleep any second now."
I chuckled. "You're not wrong. I can barely keep my eyes open." I yawned. "But still, this is your room."
"Diane," he said, leaning forward to me. Did I mention he was naked? Even though I was half asleep, my hormones went to overdrive.
I splayed my fingers on his chest. I could clearly feel that he was tense. His muscles were taut, and a few veins were popping along his neck. I pressed my thumbs in two spots just on the side of his clavicle.
"Hmm. I can't let you leave like this. You need a massage. You're so stressed," I said. Licking my lips, I kissed down the front of his neck until I reached his Adam's apple. "How about a little de-stressing session beforehand?"
He groaned and fisted my hair. "Don't tempt me, Diane. The plane's leaving in two hours."
I fell back on my pillow. "You coordinated a flight already? You’re very efficient."
He groaned again, and I realized I'd dropped my sheet, so he had a full view of my breasts and my nipples. "I'm so good at tempting you, huh?" I asked.
"Damn. Yes, you are," he said, lowering his head, taking one nipple into his mouth and then moving to the other one.
I arched my back as a spasm of pleasure ricocheted through me. It was so unexpected that I didn't have time to brace myself. Then he straightened up and rose from the bed.
I pouted. "No, you can't leave me like this.”
He grinned. "We can pick up from right there once I return."
I smiled lazily. "That works."
Through a haze I watched him pack his bag. I was getting sleepier by the second, although I did manage to focus on watching him get dressed. He was just as sexy putting his clothes on as he was taking them off.
He put on suit pants and a shirt, then a belt. He added cuff links too. Of course.
I felt a pang in my stomach. I didn't want him to leave, but I knew he'd be back soon.
"Come on, sleepyhead, go back to bed. I can see you want to sleep," he said as he moved his suitcase by the door.
"I am definitely going to sleep like the dead after you're gone, but I didn't want to waste a single minute of watching you dress up. It was delicious."
He smiled and rolled his suitcase out. I thought he’d leave without giving me a goodbye kiss, but he came right back and put a knee on the mattress. Leaning over me, he kissed the side of my neck and said, "Be good while I'm gone."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
He just winked.
"How long are you staying?"
"Probably the whole week."
"Oh." Yeah, the pang in my stomach was definitely one of disappointment.
He was going to be gone for a full week?
I wanted to tell him to call or text me, but that sounded needy even in my mind.
He was just my housemate, after all, even though we'd slept together and been on a date. Now things were confusing.
I smiled at him and said, "I hope everything works out."
This time, he did leave the room. Hugging his pillow under my head, inhaling his delicious masculine scent, I fell back asleep the next second.
When I opened my eyes again, the light outside was much brighter.
Did I dream that Gabe went away?
I looked to my left and then my right.
No, the bed was empty. It definitely wasn't a dream.
I checked my phone. It was eight o'clock. My alarm was set for eight fifteen. I paused it, but instead of getting out of bed, I stayed in, propping the pillow against the headboard and sitting upright, glancing around.
The sheets weren’t just soft, they were luxurious. Maybe silk or Egyptian cotton or something. I tried to replay the morning in my mind. I remembered spying on him while he dressed. His scent lingered all around.
I got out of bed, dashing out of the bedroom and heading to the attic. I didn't want to use Gabe’s shower. It felt like I’d be intruding in his personal space. After all, maybe this was just a onetime thing.
Oh God, that would be so awkward.
I washed my hair quickly and then dressed, not really caring about what I was wearing. I didn’t have any tours today, but I’d scheduled four back-to-back tutoring lessons.
Going down to the kitchen, prepared to forage for food, I stilled when I saw a glass of orange juice. There was a note next to it too.
Morning! I didn’t have time to prep breakfast but figured you’d enjoy this.
I put a hand on my chest. Smiling, I leaned closer, inspecting the note.
It was handwritten, with splashes of juice on it.
I couldn't believe it. He had to leave on an emergency trip, yet he not only remembered that I liked orange juice but had poured a glass for me.
This was so unexpected. I didn't even know what to do except, of course, thank him.
I downed the juice quickly. Today, it seemed to give me extra energy. Was it because a certain sexy man made it? I thought so.
After finishing it, I texted him.
Diane: Thank you for the juice. It really is the best way to start the morning.
I assumed Gabe was flying or something because the message wasn’t even marked as seen. Setting the phone down, I made myself some sunny-side up eggs and ate breakfast standing.
As I glanced around, my chest became a bit heavy.
Crap, what did I do? Why did I fall for Gabe's charms? I was living with the man, and I currently had zero prospects for an apartment. Why did I have to go and mess things up? I had to get a grip on myself for the both of us. Otherwise, things between us could get complicated and living with him would be awkward. Not to mention, I really didn’t want to put my sister in an uncomfortable position.
I had so much energy from breakfast and my juice that I decided to use the time to work out. But since Gabe wasn't home, I didn't have to stay in the attic. I went upstairs to change into my sports bra and jogging pants, then came back down with my mat and set up in the living room.
I’d been down here so often that it felt like a common space, although it obviously wasn’t. But I was getting cabin fever in the attic.
I worked out using the barre method, which I'd discovered when I was in high school. It worked for my body. It resembled Pilates a lot, mixed with ballet moves. Typically, I needed some piece of furniture to hold on to. A stool and a table were just what I was looking for.
I was in the midst of a plié when my phone beeped. I usually ignored messages or calls when I worked out, but I saw Gabe's name on the screen. I immediately reached for it and lost my balance, crashing to the floor.
"Ow!" I’d hit my elbow and my knee. My eyes watered. Damn it! I swallowed hard, rising to my feet as I sighed, rubbing the sore spots. I checked my phone even though my eyes were still watering.
Gabe: My pleasure. Thought you'd like to start your day on a good note.
Diane: Thanks. I love surprises, and this is the best. How was your flight?
Gabe: Uneventful. There is a shit show going on down here. I guessed right. What are your plans today?
Diane: Tutoring and nothing much else.
Gabe: So you're working from home?
That was an odd question.
Diane: I am, yep. It's going to be pajama day all day. Well, right now it's workout clothes hour. But not for long. I'm going to take advantage of the fact that no one can see me. *winking emoji*
I saw the dots moving that indicated the other person was typing.
Forget going back to my workout. I was glued to my phone.
Gabe: I want a picture.
I looked down at myself. Hmmm… I didn't even choose my good workout clothes.