Page 66 of Embracing Love

Chapter 27

“You look a little peaky today, buddy,” Russell commented, “Didn’t you sleep well?”

“Too much good food and wine, I think.” Gabriel replied, looking around discreetly for Tanya. He’d come down, tired and hungry, just after nine. He’d not been able to get to sleep once Tanya had gone.

The night had been a feat of physical endurance and this morning he felt a little worse for wear.

He saw Ethan and Nadine in the corner and kept his eyes fixed on their table assuming that Tanya would naturally gravitate to them when she showed up. He hungered for the sight of her. If he could have it his way, he’d spend today with just her. But he understood, perhaps part of the reason she’d been so insistent on leaving early in the morning was because she had to keep this quiet. After all, she’d told him how important this account was to her and how important his company’s business was to the Zimmerman Group. And he was the client.

The last thing he wanted to do was to ruin things for her.

The smile on Gabriel’s face abruptly fell away when Russell announced that they were going to travel back to San Francisco shortly after breakfast.

“So early?” he replied, taken aback by Russell’s suggestion. He wasn’t ready for setting off soon after breakfast.

“I want to take you out this evening, show you the sights and maybe grab a dinner at this place I know you’re going to love.”

Gabriel tried to look enthusiastic, Russell seemed so excited to show him a good time while he was here. It was so unfair.

But he kept a brave face, decided he’d have to make the most of it. There was nothing he or Tanya could do right now, not surrounded by all the Zimmerman employees. “I’m all packed up. We can leave when you’re ready,” he replied, as Michael Zimmerman walked past. “Good morning, how are you both doing this morning?”

“Great,” Russell replied for them both.

“We’ll be sure to meet up in San Francisco next week. Dorothy and I are heading back later this afternoon.”

“Of course,” replied Gabriel. He was hoping to run into Tanya during his week here. He assumed she’d be spending some time here in the US now that she’d made the long journey over. Russell wouldn’t need to see him night and day. Instantly, his mood brightened at the prospect of having a whole week with her.

While Russell and Michael made small talk, Gabriel discreetly scanned the dining area for signs of Tanya.

“You’re both free to enjoy the amenities for the rest of the day,” Michael began.

“Thank you for all the gracious hospitality, Michael. But we’re going to head off now. I’ve got a few places I want to show this guy back home.”

“Thank you for an amazing weekend,” said Gabriel.

“Glad you enjoyed it.” Michael said, before heading to the breakfast bar.

Gabriel looked to the entrance of the dining area, a clawing feeling biting his insides. Where was she? He worried that she might regret last night. He did not. He wanted to see her again and he couldn’t leave without at least talking to her.

“What do you say? Gabriel?” asked Russell. “Ready for breakfast?”

No, he wasn’t ready. But he had no choice. What could he say? “Shall we?”

Russell started to walk towards the breakfast bar, when in the periphery of his vision Gabriel caught sight of Tanya. “I’ll be a minute,” he called out, then rushed to meet her as she stood awkwardly at the entrance.

“I’ve been waiting for you.” He said in a hushed voice, as some familiar faces passed them. He wanted to kiss her and touch her all at once. She looked flushed, happier, casual and relaxed in her beige Capri pants and black top. He didn’t have to imagine anymore, knew exactly each and every contour of her body like the back of his hand. He fought to keep his hands off her, and put them into his pockets instead.

“Sorry. I slept in longer than intended. This might be a bit—” she looked around and he knew she didn’t need to spell it out for him.

“Difficult. I know. I understand.” He said, keeping his distance, as hard as it was. They stood apart, trying to act like mere friends.

“I’m leaving now.” He told her.

“Now?”

“Russell wants me to drive back with him. How long are you here for?”

“I fly out tomorrow.” The shock of her statement sent him reeling. He’d been expecting her to tell him she had plans to be in San Francisco for another few days at least. His newly made up plans for them disappeared.

---