Page 56 of Fragile

Asher was worried about me. He thought I’d be out of my depth with his brother and he was right but it appeared I was already sinking.

I went straight into the bathroom and showered. I made sure the temperature was cooler than usual to soothe my muscles. I then dried myself off, threw on my robe and went back to my bedroom. I could hear Asher watching TV and again, I wondered where Gabriel was.

Closing the door, I turned towards the bed. My brow wrinkled as I saw a large fancy box sitting on the duvet.

What the heck?

Pushing a lock of wet hair back from my shoulders, I moved towards the parcel.

For some strange reason, I approached the box like it was a bomb. As I got closer, I could see my name was written on the card sitting on top.

As I lifted the gold paper, there was a message.

This dress was made for you. I would like to invite you to accompany me to an event next weekend. If you come, you OWE me nothing. G.

Excitement bloomed in my chest as I threw myself onto the bed and lifted the box onto my lap. When I opened it, I was met with gold tissue paper, loads of it and excitement thrummed through me. I’d loved opening presents as a little girl.

Rustling through the paper, my hands touched something silky and it didn’t take me long to push to my feet and draw out a dress. A beautiful satin red dress. It was the one from the boutique I’d seen from the car yesterday.

I felt so thrilled and was dying to find Gabriel to thank him but I decided to play it cool.

Wrapped in my robe, I made the finishing touches to my application form for Felice’s and then pulled on shortie PJs, before heading out of my room to find Gabriel.

Luckily, he was home as both brothers were sitting on the sofa with the TV on but they were talking. As I walked into the kitchen Ash stated that there was pasta left over and I grabbed a bowl.

I plonked myself in the chair around the coffee table. Gabriel was on his phone. I wasn’t sure whether to mention the dress with Ash sitting there.

Spooning some pasta into my mouth, Asher’s phone started ringing and he smiled as he drew the device up to his face. “It’s Mark. He’s left his wallet. Start the movie without me and I’ll be back in a tick.”

Asher’s invitation to watch a movie suddenly felt more appealing.

Plonking myself on the sofa next to Gabriel, I said brightly. “What are you watching?”

Gabriel ignored my question, having bigger fish to fry. “Did you like it?” he questioned, lowering his phone, and pinning me with his beautiful eyes.

I placed my half-eaten pasta on the coffee table without breaking eye contact. “Yes, it’s beautiful.”

“So, what’s your answer? Will you be my plus one?”

“Yes, I’d love to go out with you,” I blurted like a giddy school girl but then thought to add, “I get it’s a work thing and not a date.” I didn’t know why I felt I needed to add the last bit. Self-preservation maybe?

Gabriel pocketed his phone and leaned forward, his thumb sweeping down the corner of my mouth. His touch sent an electric-type jolt to shoot through me and my mouth dropped open as he raised the same thumb to his mouth and sucked on his digit. He must have caught some sauce from my lips. His eyes drilled into mine as he said, “Who says it’s not a date?”

My tummy flipped flopped but I remained silent, pleasure bursting through me like a summer storm.

The smile Gabriel dealt me was one hundred percent genuine. “You finished your application for Felice?”

I nodded and then explained that I had left my passport at my last apartment.

“Do you still have class tomorrow even though it’s the weekend?” he asked.

“I wouldn’t usually but I have practice for the showcase and so yes. I finish at noon.” I replied.

“We’ll give you a lift if you’d like. I’m dropping by to see Asher’s latest sculpture before he submits it next week and we can go via Wood Green on the way back.”

I was surprised by that, as even though I knew Gabriel cared about and supported his brother, I couldn’t see him bothering with that type of art.

“I didn’t see you as someone who would be into sculptures and stuff,” I rasped, trying not to offend him. Yes, we were getting closer but he was still a closed book to me.

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