She'd had a few drinks, and her dress ripped. True, she told me to kiss her. She clearly wanted me. But I wasn’t going to take advantage.
"Diane," I murmured, stepping back.
She clasped a hand over her mouth, the other on her dress. "Oh my goodness, I'm so embarrassed right now."
And cue the regrets.
Fuck, I shouldn’t have kissed her. I was an opportunistic bastard.
"Wow. Tonight was a bit insane. I don't think you anticipated that you'd be flashed like this and then I'd jump your bones."
"I kissed you," I reminded her.
"Right! I should change."
I had to leave. "I don't want to intrude. Just wanted to make sure you got to your room safely. See you tomorrow."
She laughed, and then it turned into a hiccup before she said, "Good night," in a high-pitched voice.
I closed the door, turning around and taking a deep breath.
What the hell did I just do?
Asking her to move in was one of my worst ideas.
And yet, I didn't regret it.
Chapter Ten
Diane
The next morning, I gave myself a pep talk as I finished putting on my makeup.
"Come on, Diane. Don't be a chicken. Go downstairs, have breakfast. If Gabe is there, just play it by ear."
But I didn't know how to play it by ear. I could still feel his lips on mine and his hands slipping under my dress. I'd enjoyed it so much that for a few seconds, I lost myself in the memory, smiling at my reflection in the mirror. Then I shook my head. I had no idea how last night ended the way it did, but I didn't regret one bit.
I descended with quick steps, stopping when I was on the last one, listening intently. There was no sign of Gabe, even though it was nine o'clock. Still, I entered the living room cautiously, looking around. Everything was completely silent. I sighed with relief.
I stepped into the kitchen and smiled. There was a small tray with a glass of orange juice on the counter, as well as toast and sunny-side ups. There was also a note.
Diane,
Last night was unexpected. And delicious. My cooking skills suck, but I make a mean breakfast. Enjoy.
My face exploded in a huge smile. So he wined and dined me last night, then kissed the panties off me, and now he's left me breakfast? Who is Gabe Whitley? Is he an alien or something?
I ate the food, then downed the juice, still trying to figure out how to handle the situation. He said it was delicious, so clearly he was still in a flirty mood.
Then my smile fell. I couldn't do this. I had to shut it down. Celia would seriously be pissed off if I got involved with her boss. Besides, she’d told me that Gabe was a bit of a womanizer.
My stomach constricted at the reminder. Oh, that's why he's such a good kisser. That’s why he knew how to charm me.
But still, this had been a nice gesture, so I took out my phone to text him.
Diane: Gabe, thanks a lot for breakfast. It's a great way to start a day.
He didn't reply. He was probably in a meeting or something. Then again, I didn’t know how to have this conversation with him, so it was likely a blessing in disguise. Maybe I’d have an idea or two by tonight.