Page 21 of Embracing Love

“Kind of,” she replied, not answering his question.

“And previously you were in the position that Nadine Stefano now has?”

He saw her lips tighten. “That’s right.” It would be easier getting information out of the CIA. Not one to give up though, Gabriel persisted.

“What made you change roles?”

“Personal reasons, and it was a great opportunity. I couldn’t turn it down,” she said quickly.

He thought it better to stop now. Her unease was clearly apparent. “Then I consider myself very lucky to be working with you.”

“Aren't I the lucky one to be working with you Mr. Valois?” she said, closing her briefcase and giving him a look that was undecipherable. He couldn’t be certain that she wasn’t joking with him.

“Gabriel,” he said. “Please call me Gabriel. We’ve had enough meetings by now. I’m sure we don’t have to be so formal anymore.”

“Gabriel,” she said and he was almost tempted to ask her to repeat it again because he loved the way she said his name with that American accent of hers.

“We could discuss this over lunch.”

“Lunch?” She looked at him in surprise. “I—I need to get back, actually.” She seemed flustered, as though she couldn’t find a valid reason to give him. In fact, she hadn’t given him any reason at all. He watched her carefully and remained silent.

“I’m not really a lunch person. I usually just snack on things.”

“We could snack together.” He suggested, and she blushed.

“Uh—,” she seemed to be at a loss for words.

“We seem to have made strides from our first initial meeting, Tanya.” It had been a long time since Gabriel Valois had been interested enough in a woman to actually want to consider doing something that didn't involve the bedroom.

“Oh, that.” Something in the way she said it made him even more interested in hearing her take on that day. Maybe he’d even own up and tell her he’d had some of his own personal problems that day.

“Yes, that.” He mimicked her response. “What do you think? And perhaps I can even suggest some places you might want to visit while you’re here. It’s always better to find out about places to visit and things to do from the natives, rather than from a travel guide or TripAdvisor.” He smiled broadly at his suggestion, feeling she would agree.

“I really can’t,” she said and gave him an oh-boy-who-the-hell-do-you-think-you-are kind of look. The kind of look that immediately put him back in his place.

Taking that as a no, Gabriel got up. “Perhaps another time.” He felt a little disappointed that she hadn’t taken him up on his offer.

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