Page 36 of Enchanting the CEO

"You really like to see the good in every situation."

She nodded. "It's how I keep going, no matter what."

"I'm the same," I replied. "At least that's what people say about me."

She took another sip of wine and said, "This is going to my head."

"I'll take care of you, don't worry."

She winked. "Lucky you know where I live."

Yeah. Though I wasn’t sure if I was lucky or screwed.

Chapter Nine

Gabe

"You were so adorable tonight, trying to cook. Hmm, this wine is definitely working some magic. I never use the word adorable," Diane said.

"I'm not sure how I feel about it either," I confirmed.

She sighed. "Tell me the truth. Is this where you bring your dates to impress them?"

"Why? Are you impressed?" I asked with a smug smile. "And if yes, then will you consider this a date?"

She shifted in her seat, but her gaze never wavered.

"You answer first," she said. Her voice was more uneven than before.

"I used to," I admitted. "A few years ago. But lately I only come here by myself or with my brothers or a business partner. I brought Grandmother a few times, but she's not a fan of steak."

I tilted my head and shifted closer to the edge of my seat. My left leg collided with hers, and she exhaled sharply. Then she focused her eyes on her plate, carefully slicing her steak, putting her fork through it and then into one of the potatoes. She didn't make eye contact.

Did she feel the current that passed between us too? Was she used to it? Because I sure as hell wasn't. Another thing about Diane that took me by surprise.

She looked up a few seconds later and asked, "Can I have one of your fries?"

I burst out laughing. That was not where I thought she was going, but I got the message loud and clear—she wanted us to change the subject. "Sure, but only if I can have one of your potatoes."

"Obviously. Sharing is caring." Then she laughed nervously, avoiding my gaze again. After munching on a fry, she added, “I like sweet potato fries better than regular ones."

"So do I. I haven't had them in a while."

"Mom loves sweet potato fries too," Diane added.

"Do you see her often?" I asked.

"Not really. Whenever I want to visit, she insists I use the money for something else. Still, I'm closer to her now than before. One of the reasons I really don't mind that I moved to Boston. Maybe that's why it was meant to be, you know?"

Her tone was optimistic, but her expression had changed. The light in her eyes went out. I felt an inexplicable surge of hate for that guy for taking her joy away. She was clearly trying to be nonchalant about it, but it was obvious that it still hurt.

I couldn't pretend to understand what she was going through. I'd never had a relationship that was significant enough that severing it caused me pain. I'd glided through life by engaging in hookups whenever I felt like it. It hadn't even been a conscious choice; it was simply what I did. I'd never felt the need for anything more.

"I'm so full," she said after taking the last bite of steak. She drank the final sip of wine, then dried her lips with the napkin.

The waiter had refilled our glasses a few times, and even I was starting to feel the effects of the Rioja. I didn't want this evening to end.

Damn it, Gabe. She’s Celia’s sister. You live together.

---