Page 37 of Claimed By the Boss

Trudy reached out and puta hand on hers. “You’ll find it.”

“Do you think so?”

“Yeah, I do. I know Gabriel,and he is not the kind of man to let this go. He will find everything you’vebeen looking for.” Trudy smiled at her. She was about to say something else,but her phone rang. “Hold on.” She picked up. “It’s taking a long time.” Abrief pause. “Yes, she’s here.” Trudy chuckled. “Gabriel would like to talk toyou.”

She took the phone andplaced it against her ear. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I’m stuck in thisfucking meeting. I should have had it at the office, that way I could have takena break for lunch. Tell me you’re eating.”

“Trudy is feeding me.”

“That is good. I’ll makeit up to you. Dinner?”

“How about I cook foryou?” Gabriel’s idea of feeding her was always a restaurant or takeout. Sheloved home-cooked meals, and he enjoyed what she cooked for him.

“But it’s my treat.”

“Then let me treat you.I’ll cookyoudinner, at my place?” she asked.

He wanted her to move inwith him. They had already talked about it, and she did want to move in withhim, but she was also a little nervous. Moving in was a big step, a giant one,and she didn’t want to run the risk of losing herself. Although, losing herselfseemed like the right thing to do right now.

Her and Gabriel livingtogether. She couldn’t think of a single reason not to.

“I’ll be there. Love you,”he said.

Nora glanced over toTrudy. This was the first time he had ever said he loved her. She didn’t knowif it was a slip of the tongue, or if he meant it, or … there were so manypossibilities.

“Love you too,” Nora said.

There was a brief pause,and then he hung up the phone. Nora handed it back to Trudy. The other womanlooked excited.

She smiled at her and herheart raced. With her sandwich finished, she needed to get back down to work,and to think about what she had just said.

“I better head back,” shesaid.

“You can stay. We couldhave coffee?”

“Another time. I don’twant anyone to think I’m getting special privileges.” She offered Trudy asmile, got to her feet, and made her way toward the elevator.

She just told Gabriel sheloved him. That was insane, but it was exactly how she felt. She did love him.She had fallen hard and fast for him, and now she didn’t have a clue what todo. This felt like such a revelation.

The elevator stopped ather floor, and she stepped out of it and got straight to work. It was easier todeal with her feelings when she was working, because she didn’t have to thinkabout them.

Did Gabriel love her, orwas it just an expression? Rather than saying “see you later,” he just said “loveyou,” to bring the call to an end? “Nora.”

She jumped as she turnedto Felicity who had interrupted her internal panic.

“Felicity,” she said,hoping she didn’t look as crazy or panicked as she felt. “What’s the matter?”

“You got a call from Reception.Some guy is asking after you, and he wants to see you upstairs.” Felicityshrugged. “They were vague.”

“I’ll go,” Nora said.

She had no idea who couldbe wanting to speak to her. The only man she could think of was Lawson, orpossibly her uncle.

****

“You think you’re ready?”Trudy asked.

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