Page 89 of The Odds of Happily Ever After
“They’re wind chimes. In feng shui, you’re supposed to hang them in the northwest part of your house for good luck. But honestly, I got them so you’d have a bit of noise at your place.” I grinned so he’d know I was teasing him. “And they’re really pretty.”
“Is this your subtle way of saying my house is boring?”
“Of course not! I’m just suggesting you add an element of surprise to it.” Now that I said it out loud, it felt stupid. The total opposite of his thoughtful present. I shrugged off my embarrassment. “Or don’t. It’s really up to you.”
He held it up and listened as the metal and wood cylinders tinkled gently. His smile looked genuine. “It’s not something I would have chosen, but that’s a good thing. Thank you, Luna.”
“You’re welcome.” Part of me didn’t think he would use it, but I would have no way of knowing for sure. Not unless he invited me back to his home or I ambushed him again.
Carefully, Gabe laid the chimes back in the box and put it beside him. Then he brought out a smaller, thinner box from his pocket. Without fanfare, he handed it to me.
I narrowed my eyes at him even as my heart pounded. “What is this?”
“Try opening it.”
“You already got me a gift.”
“Think of it as pasalubong.”
“It better be chocolates,” I said, though they obviously weren’t. Picking off the tape, I lifted the lid. A gold crescent moon pendant and its fine-linked chain glinted against a satin blue cushion. My breath caught. “Gabe.”
“I saw it in Miami and it reminded me of you.”
“Because of the moon.”
He considered me for a moment. “We have this saying in the investment industry—to the moon.”
I’d heard that phrase in a song, but I doubted it meant the same thing. “Like going the distance?”
“It’s when a currency shoots up beyond projections. When it exceeds expectations and blows everyone away,” he said. “That’s why I got this for you. Not just because of your name.”
Just when I thought I couldn’t fall deeper for this man, he went and said things likethat. It almost made me believe he could actually feel for me what I did for him. “Thank you,” I murmured, fighting the overwhelming urge to kiss him. “It’s beautiful.”
He scraped a hand through his hair. “You can wear it in water. It won’t tarnish.”
“Now I feel kind of silly with my chocolate mangoes.” I traced the smooth curve of the moon.
“Don’t. I’m grateful that you thought of me.”
If he only knew how often I did. “I really hope you enjoy them.”
“I will.” He nodded at the box in my hand. “Do you want to try it on?”
“Oh, yeah. I’m scared of damaging it.” I laughed as I picked up the pendant, trying not to tug on the chain. I put it around my neck and fumbled with the clasp.
Gabe moved closer. “Let me.”
Heartbeat pounding in my ears, I turned my back to him and lifted my braid out of the way. His fingers barely skimmed mynape, yet my skin broke out in goosebumps and heat bloomed low in my stomach. I held my breath as he closed the necklace’s clasp with more dexterity than I expected.
“There.” He moved away, and I missed the warmth he took with him.
I faced him and stared at the crescent on my chest. It was a good thing it was water resistant because I never wanted to take it off.
“It suits you.” His voice came out lower than usual.
Looking up at him, I caught his gaze flicking from the pendant to my lips. “Gabe,” I whispered, leaning toward him.
He checked his watch. “I didn’t realize how late it was,” he said. “I should go. You had a long trip.”
