Page 62 of Lethal Infatuation

I laughed softly, leaning back in the chair. "When we're fucking?"

She covered her face with both palms, groaning softly. "How do you even manage to speak like that without breaking a sweat or getting uncomfortable?"

"I told you, it comes naturally, but…" I got up from the barstool and walked over to her, grabbing her wrists and holding it together in one hand then using my other hand to tilt her head backward. "I'd break a sweat if you asked me to talk about the way you make me feel."

Her eyes never left mine, sparkling with an unknown emotion. "Really?"

"Yes." I nodded. "Maybe one day I'll be able to vocalise them."

For the first time in what felt like forever, I wasn't focused on anything other than her beautiful face and the steady sound of her breathing. She wore clothing that showcased every dip and curve, but the only thing I could see were those pools of hazel staring at me.

"Every time I look into your eyes, I lose myself completely." Her breath hitched, but we were interrupted by her phone blaring. The standard Apple ringtone bounced off her kitchen walls.

"I'm sorry, I need to check that." I stepped back, watching her every move. "It's Melissa, my assistant. I'll be right back."

I nodded, keeping my gaze locked on her as she exited thekitchen area. She returned a few seconds later, sighing heavily.

"What's wrong?"

"There's a problem with the venue for Asher Braun's event. I need to get to work." She was practically hyperventilating.

"Hey." I walked over to her, pulling her closer. "Breathe in." She obliged. "Good, breathe out." Gabriella released a heavy breath. "That's it, try to stay calm for me. You can't resolve anything if you're panicking."

She nodded, trembling slightly. "Do it again. In and out." I made her repeat the breathing technique until I could see her visibly relaxing. The look she gave me was heartwarming to say the least. "Feeling better?"

"A little bit, thank you so much for that. If you hadn't stopped me from panicking right now, I would've spiralled."

"Everything's going to be okay. Go to work, find out what the problem is, and try to find a solution. You're an event coordinator, yes?" I asked.

"Yes."

"And you wouldn't have been in this position had you not been good at your job, right?" It may have been rhetorical questions, but I needed her to realise her worth in her work.

"You know I'm going to say yes."

"Exactly, now go get ready. I'll clean up the kitchen for you and then I'll drop you off at work, okay?" She stepped closer to me, wrapping her arms around my waist.

I held her tightly, the realisation hitting me with ferocity. I was falling for this woman and I didn't know how to stop myself. It was beyond obsession. Beyond lust. I was falling in love with her. Slowly, but surely.

"We've managed to secure the venue despite the owner being a complete pompous prick," Helena hissed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Co-owner, actually. The founder of the company has been out of town for the past two months. which means Jonathan Freeman has been handling all business enquiries," Melissa added. "Not to worry, as soon as Daniel returns, I'll be having a word with him regarding his co-owner’s unprofessional behaviour."

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. "I'm so glad both of you are here or I would've lost my mind. He's been cooperative this entire time, but wants to give us problems two weeks before the event? He's purposely pushing us, isn't he?"

"Oh, definitely," Helena added. "Suddenly, he can't accommodate the amount of people we agreed upon. That's complete bullshit."

"How long has he been working for the company? Because I don't remember dealing with him prior to this."

"I'm not entirely sure, but apparently they had issues with the previous co-owner and had to dismiss him. That's when Jonathan made an appearance, and he happens to be some big shot, so it might be nepotism because I've never heard of him," Melissa grimaced.

"With his bad attitude I wouldn't be surprised, but I don't think Daniel would ever allow that, so perhaps he isn't even aware."

Melissa nodded. "That's exactly why I'll be discussing this issue with him. We use his venues often to cater for big events, so I don't think he'd want to lose any clientele."

"At least the issue at hand has been resolved. Now there's only one thing I require that will genuinely help improve my mood."

"Iced coffee," we said in unison, which immediately made me laugh. They already knew me so well and I instantly thought of what Nicolas' reaction would've been to this scenario.

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