Page 65 of Enchanting the CEO

"Gabe, thanks so much. God, I needed this breakfast."

I spread butter on my toast and then put jam on it afterward, munching it quickly. "Mmm, apricot jam."

"Thought you’d like something sweet.”

"Oh, you're definitely a great guy."

"How do you figure that?" Gabe asked.

I sucked in my breath. "Well, you know, you carried me here. You brought me breakfast. You're basically a knight in shining armor. You’re good at relationships—not that I mean to imply anything."

Gabe looked at me intently. "I've never been in a relationship. Except if you count high school, which I don't. And a two-month fling a few years back."

"You've never had a relationship?" My voice sounded like a cry.

"No. Why is that such a surprise?"

"I don't know. I thought... Never mind, it's none of my business." I looked at my plate intently. "Really, I was just paying you a compliment."

I felt him slide closer to me on the mattress. He nuzzled the tip of his nose against my cheek, then brought his mouth to my ear.

"I feel closer to you than I’ve ever felt to anyone." He put a hand on my waist and kissed down my neck before bringing his mouth back to my ear.

The next second, my entire body relaxed. I wasn't even aware that I was so tense before, but it was as if hearing those words released something inside me.

“I feel the same.”

He straightened up, looking right at me. "So stop being so surprised that I’m bringing you breakfast and looking after you. I always give the very best in everything I do."

I started laughing. "That sounds like a business pitch."

He kissed my forehead before capturing my mouth. The kiss was slow but not tentative. He was exploring me. I shuddered and then began to tremble in earnest. How could he affect me so much with just a kiss?

He pulled back, and I protested. "No, why did you stop?"

"Because I don't want to turn either of us on.”

“Wait a second. Your voice is low and raw and a bit grouchy, so..."

He cocked a brow. I looked down in his lap. He was sporting morning wood.

I grinned. "No comment."

Was I feeling like shit? Yes.

Was I also extremely proud? Hell yes. But right now, I wanted to simply stay in bed and hydrate a lot.

"I've spoken to a family friend who's a doctor. He advised that you limit effort and drink as much as possible. If you still have a fever after four days, you should go to the hospital and see if it's not something bacterial that they can treat with antibiotics."

"You've called a friend of yours?"

"I actually wanted him to come see you right away, but he said it's not necessary."

I hadn’t felt so cared for since I was a kid. Chuck would never have done this for me.

"Gabe, thanks." My voice was uneven. I was sure he could tell.

"I'm at your service today. I don't need to go to the office.”

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