Chapter Sixteen
DIANE
Gabe: Diane?
Diane: Permission not granted.
He called me, and I answered right away.
"What permission?" he asked. His voice was low, almost a growl.
"I was teasing you. I don't like my workout clothes, and I'm a bit sweaty, so I don't want to take a picture of myself."
"Diane."
"That’s a final answer." Well, not really. If he kept insisting, I might give in. But I wasn't going to share that bit of information. “Ummm… I’m actually in your living room.” It didn’t feel right to keep that info from him. “I hope that’s okay. Doing a workout in my attic—”
“Diane, you can use the house as you like. Feel free to work in the living room, work out, whatever, okay?”
“Thanks. Are you still stressed?" I asked him.
"Yeah."
"You were so tense this morning."
"Trust me, I'm even more so now."
I was about to say that I'd love to be around and help him out, but where would that lead us? We hadn't talked about… well… us.
"That massage you started this morning was great. If only I had you here to do it."
I felt like my heart was about to leap out of my chest. "You'd want me there with you?"
"Fuck yes."
I swallowed hard. "You can call me anytime. I do have some de-stressing skills over the phone too," I added quickly. "Though they're nothing compared to my in-person skills."
"I might take you up on it."
"Yes, please do," I whispered. It felt like we were walking on eggshells around each other. Actually no, a better description was that we were simply in uncharted territory.
"Then I’ll call you tonight. Now I'd better take care of this shit show.”
"Sure," I said.
I was inexplicably excited after I finished talking to him. I put the phone down and then turned around, intending to head upstairs, before remembering that I was actually working out. Holy shit, he'd made me forget my head completely.
I dutifully did my routine for the next forty-five minutes, keeping an eye on my phone, but he didn't call again. Then my phone beeped, and I rushed to get it.
I groaned. I had a message from my ex.
Chuck: You've got my old laptop. It’s not in my storage room. I'm going to need it back.
Oh for fuck's sake, really?
He could go to hell for all I cared. If he wanted a laptop, he could buy himself one. I didn't want to see him ever again.
My body didn’t tighten up quite the way it had the last time he’d contacted me.
Still, it didn’t mean I wanted to see the idiot, even though it was his laptop.
And yeah, it was at the bottom of one of the boxes I hadn't bothered to open.
But considering I'd financially supported him through post-grad, he could go shove it.
The morning tutoring sessions went by quickly. As lunchtime approached, my stomach began to rumble, so I made myself a quick stir-fry.
While eating, I looked at job ads. It was my favorite pastime nowadays, but damn it, nothing appealed to me at all.
After spending so much time outdoors with my tourist groups, I couldn't imagine being inside a hotel all day.
If only I could find a second job with another touring agency that could pay me more money.
Then a dangerous thought infiltrated my mind. Maybe it was because I already had some experience with tutoring, but… what if I started my own tour company? It would be a one-woman show, of course, but I’d love that. The downsides were affording health insurance and such.
And yet, the more I thought about it, the more excited I became.
I could set my own hours and even do the tours the way I wanted them versus how my boss, George, insisted I do them.
I’d call the shots. Oh, I had so many ideas.
I grabbed a pen and paper and immediately wrote them down, afraid I might forget them once I started my next tutoring lesson.
I did the afternoon sessions in the living room. They passed quicker, and I was certain it was because I couldn't wait to chat with Gabe.
I intended to wait for him to make the first move, but I lost the battle during my last session.
Diane: Hey, want to catch up before dinner?
I chastised myself after I sent it—I didn't want to seem desperate—but he answered immediately. That meant he was looking forward to it, right?
Gabe: I'm gonna have dinner first. Haven’t eaten all day. I'll have a burger at the hotel restaurant.
Diane: Damn, now I'm in the mood for burgers. Okay, then let's catch up after dinner. My tutoring session finishes in forty minutes.
After that, I focused on my pupil, not wanting to be unprofessional.
I couldn't believe my luck—I had ten students now every week.
I assumed it was because I charged less than other tutors, but my price seemed fair since I wasn't actually a teacher—something I specifically mentioned in the bio. I didn't want to mislead anyone because I didn’t have a teacher’s certificate.
"Okay, Diane. I'll see you next time," my student said.
"Next week, same time, right?" I asked.
"Yes. This is great. I'm so glad I found you."
I smiled at that. My clients were so genuine.
After closing my laptop, I got off the couch, stretching a bit. This living room was so gorgeous. I’d have a hard time staying cooped up in my attic again once Gabe was back.
I walked into the kitchen, intending to cook a quick dinner, but then the doorbell rang. I closed the fridge and dashed toward the front door. I'd ordered a number of things from and was happy they'd arrived already, although I was pretty sure the delivery date was tomorrow.
When I opened the door, I was surprised to find a vaguely familiar young man.
"Hey, Diane," he said. Oh, he knows my name. He was carrying a bag of food. "You don't remember me, huh? I work at Gabe's bar. In the kitchen, actually."
"Sorry. You look a bit different in broad daylight." I felt like a moron.
"I've brought you a burger. Gabe said you wanted one."
I stilled. "Oh wow. Thank you."
"You're welcome.”
"How are things at the bar?" I asked.
"It’s probably going to be crazy tonight. I heard someone say we were featured in a TikTok that went viral, so we expect a lot of customers. And with Gabe gone… Anyway, have a great evening. I’ve got to hurry before rush hour starts."
It was super early, only six o clock.
"Thanks again. Have a great evening."
I practically ran to the kitchen, grinning from ear to ear. Hell yes. I opened the bag and put the burger on a plate, immediately taking a bite. It was just as delicious as I remembered. After two more bites, I stopped and grabbed my phone, calling Gabe.
He'd already sent me a message.
Gabe: How's your burger?
I held the phone between my ear and my shoulder as I put the burger on a plate, then went back to the living room, sitting at the dining table.
"Hey." I could hear the smile in his voice.
"Hey. This is such a cool surprise." My heart skipped a beat. "I can't believe you sent me this!"
"Why not? I actually had my burger sent to my room so we can have dinner together, sort of.”
My stomach leaped with joy. It warmed my heart at how thoughtful he was.
"The burger is delicious. I could kiss your cook.”
Gabe growled.
"What was that?" I asked.
"You're not kissing Micah or anyone else."
I pressed my thighs together, shaking my hips a bit on the chair as a shudder went through me.
"It was just a figure of speech," I said.
"You will kiss no one else while I’m gone."
I nearly swallowed my tongue before whispering, “Okay.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, unsure what else to say, then decided to switch topics. “I could use a glass of red wine.”
"You're welcome to take any bottle from the fridge."
I laughed nervously. "Hmm… last time I drank red wine, things were… well, you remember. Who knows what I'll do?"
"What are you afraid of? I'm not even there."
“I can find enough ways to embarrass myself, even on the phone," I assured him.
"Now I'm intrigued."
“No red wine,” I decided. "So, you still have to stay there the whole week?" I double-checked before taking another mouthful of the burger, swallowing it quickly.
He sighed. "Yes. We've managed to make a lot of headway today, but some things can't be rushed, unfortunately. And the team appreciates me being here.”
“I bet they do.”
We spoke a while longer, and after we finished, I noticed I had a message from my sister.
Celia: Hey, girl, are you free tonight?
Diane: Sure. You need me at the bar?
Celia: It would be amazing if you could drop by. We’re swamped thanks to a viral TikTok, and Gabe is on a business trip, as you probably already know.
Diane: I'll be there in around twenty minutes.
I changed quickly, suddenly fueled by energy.
I was looking forward to spending the evening with my sister and helping Gabe at the same time, even though I wouldn't see the man himself. But maybe that was for the best—I didn’t think Gabe and I could be so close to each other and not give ourselves away.
I felt guilty for not telling Celia the truth, but I wanted to talk to Gabe first. This was too messy, though I didn't feel bad at all. I had no idea where it would lead. I was just super happy that I'd gotten a burger and a few orgasms last night. As a plus, Gabe made me swoon today.
To say the place was full was an understatement. I could barely make my way to the bar. Once I was behind the counter, I took a deep breath, then went straight to Celia.
"All right," I said, clapping my hands and looking at the three other bartenders. “Put me to work.”
The pace was insane, nothing like the other time I helped. And I'd thought it was busy back then too.
Everyone was asking for a specific type of cocktail.
That's probably what the viral TikTok was about.
My phone went off with messages several times while I was helping out, but I didn't even have a few seconds time to check them.
I knew it couldn't be anything bad or urgent, though, or the sender would have called.
We were completely swamped right until we closed at two o’clock in the morning.
"I'm exhausted," Celia declared. The guys agreed in unison.
I yawned. "This is insane. I mean, it's good for the business, but you guys definitely need more support."
“Gabe said when he gets home, he’ll hire three more full-time bartenders, even though we don't need them most of the time, because this cannot go on.”
"That's great," I said. I liked that he was a considerate boss who didn't want to overwork his employees.
"Oh, I think someone named Cal is here for us," Celia said, pointing outside. "Gabe texted me earlier. He doesn't want us going home alone."
Holy shit, I'd forgotten about Gabe. Then I remembered the million texts and took out my phone.
Gabe: Celia said she asked you to come to the bar. I really appreciate it, but you don’t have to.
Gabe: Saw some pics online. You’re gorgeous.
Gabe: Cal is going to take you and Celia home.
I was swooning again. Not just because he was taking care of me but because he was taking care of my sister.
"All right, boys. Let's all go," Celia said.
We all walked out at the same time. One of the guys got in his car, the other ordered an Uber, and my sister and I went with Cal.
Once inside the car, I said, "Sir, I'm so sorry that you had to stay up this late."
"Please, call me Cal. And it’s not a problem. Don't worry about me. I’m going to drop you off first.”
“Thank you.”
We were completely silent during the drive. We were both exhausted.
“So, how's everything going? How's living with Gabe?" Celia asked in a low voice as we almost reached the house.
I tensed instantly. I was exhausted, and my defenses weren't on point. "It's good. I'm in the attic a lot. I just cook in the kitchen."
“And things aren't weird at all?" she continued.
"No," I replied, avoiding her gaze. "I mean, you know how things are when you have a housemate. You have to be careful."
"Mm-hmm. That's true. Oh, we’re almost there.”
"Do you want to crash with me?" I asked her.
She shook her head. "No, you know me. I need to decompress a bit."
"True." I kissed her cheek, then looked at Cal. "Thank you so much for dropping me off."
"My pleasure."
I got out of the car and headed inside the house, taking the stairs two at a time and yawning as soon as I stepped inside my bedroom. My head was pounding, but I was hoping it was simply because it was very late. Nothing a good night's sleep wouldn't solve.
I undressed and grabbed my phone to set the alarm clock as I slipped between the covers butt naked.
I had a message from Gabe.
Gabe: Cal said he’s dropped you off. Call me if you can. If you’re too tired, we’ll talk tomorrow.
Oh, no way could I talk now. I was exhausted, but I smiled just before I closed my eyes. How could this man make me swoon so much?