Page 76 of Enchanting the CEO

"Oh, you two are so sweet. How long have you been together?" the guy’s wife asked.

“Not long,” I said vaguely because I felt a bit embarrassed to tell them the truth.

"I always say it's a great mark for longevity and predicting that a couple will get along long term if they can laugh together like you two do.”

“And if you know how to conspire with each other. Like you did earlier when you covered up for how bad Gabe was in the kitchen by doing the more complex tasks," one of the other attendees said.

Gabe jerked his head back. "I didn't even notice that."

I grinned at him. "Hey, we're a team. I've got your back."

"You remind me of us when we were younger," the oldest couple said, and something shifted inside me.

"Really?" These happy couples all thought we had what was needed for something long term? How could they tell?

But then my enthusiasm deflated quickly, like someone had popped a balloon. You could never judge a book by its cover. They only saw this playful interaction, but I bet they’d change their opinions if they knew I was basically living in his house. Gabe wasn't someone who wanted to commit, and neither was I. At least not at this point in my life, especially after what I’d been through.

After the way things ended with Chuck, I needed another decade or so to pass before I would even consider settling down. Trusting someone again and building a relationship like I thought I had with my ex took a lot out of me.

I needed some recovery time.

For the rest of the courses, I only ate my portion. Not just because everyone had caught on to my tactic but also because I was super full. The host kept filling us with wine on top of all the fantastic food.

She'd premade the dessert for us because it needed to stay in the fridge overnight. It was a delicious cheesecake, and it was creamier than anything I'd ever tasted.

Once we all finished it, she said, "Well, that concludes today's session. I'm really happy that we had such a great time. If you want, please leave a review."

"I most certainly will," I said. As someone who depended on reviews, I knew just how important they were, and I never passed an opportunity to leave one. Though if I had a bad experience, I preferred to withhold my opinion because everything was subjective. Maybe I caught someone on a bad day. I didn't want to ruin their business.

We bid everyone goodbye, and we were the first to leave. Once we stepped out, Gabe practically attacked me, kissing me as he walked us backward to the car.

Ladies and gentlemen, this was definitely the hottest kiss Gabe Whitley had ever given me. A little desperate, a lot hot, and I responded in kind.

He finally pulled back, face a bit flushed. "Fuck, I wanted to do that the whole time."

"Really? I couldn't tell."

"You have no idea how many times I fought the impulse to make up an excuse to pull you into the hallway and just kiss you. But I knew I'd make a spectacle of us."

"I have an idea, then," I said.

"Mmm?" he murmured, feathering his lips up and down my neck.

"Let's go home."

"That's the best thing I've heard all day."

Chapter Nineteen

Gabe

I rarely lost my head, but right now all I could focus on was getting Diane somewhere alone. Home sounded like the best idea.

We barely spoke during the ride; I was too focused on driving, knowing if I didn’t hurry, I’d just pull over in a secluded spot and have her right here in the car.

I couldn't understand why I needed her so much, so badly. It wasn't only about sexual satisfaction; it was something different, something I'd never felt before.

We both got out of the car quickly. Diane walked in front of me, and now that we were alone, I had free rein to touch her, so I cupped her ass with both hands.

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