Page 45 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess
"Thanks for the invitation," I say, motioning toward my luggage. "Just a few things for the week. I’m sure I’ll manage."
I’m nervous. So nervous. Because the moment I’m standing in front of him, I remember the limo. Gabriel’s kisses had left a pleasant warmth, and the feel of his strong hands exploring me did the rest. I’d better push that evening out of my mind if I want to keep things professional.
"I figured you’d bring maybe a tote bag," he jokes, stepping aside. "I’ll carry your luggage." He picks it up, and I step inside, looking around curiously.
What an enormous house…
It’s bright and welcoming, with white walls and a massive white staircase. Gold accents trim the wall mirror, the side table, and framed artwork. The floor is white stone with gray and black marbling. Fresh flowers sit here and there, alongside carefully selected large plants with huge leaves.
Are we really in London? It feels more like heaven.
I swallow and say, "It’s mid-September. Fall’s coming. I wanted to be ready for everything."
"I’ll talk to the bank tomorrow and have them make you a shopping card."
My ears perk up as Gabriel carries my bags toward the stairs.
"A what now?" I ask, grabbing my gym bag and following.
"A credit card. For shopping. Clothes, hair salon, even a new handbag if you want one."
"Don’t tempt me. I’d rather save my money." Cards just drag you into trouble. You lose track and don’t even notice how much you’ve spent.
"This is on top of your salary. Nothing comes out of your pay."
"That’s what’s hard to believe, Gabriel. After that nasty stunt you pulled the day of the interview, how do I know you’re not just messing with me again, or—"
"Why would I?" At the top of the stairs, he sets down the suitcases and looks at me, puzzled. "That was a spur-of-the-moment thing because I wanted to tease you. It wasn’t fair, making you wait so long. All that stress literally knocked you off your feet. And I’m still really sorry about that, Kim."
His apology is so sincere, it actually surprises me. I didn’t expect that. I swallow again and give a small nod.
"I wasn’t completely fair to you either," I admit.
“Because you just fell asleep when we were actually supposed to sleep together?” Gabriel laughs softly as he walks down the long hallway to a white door, where he sets the suitcases down again. I trail after him, barely able to take in more of the house — everything is so spacious and impressive.
I’m a little overwhelmed by all this luxury.
“Thanks for reminding me of that embarrassment.” I’d actually tried to block that out, but he’s grinning again so mischievously and sweetly that I can’t help smiling back.
“It was actually pretty cute,” he says as he opens the bedroom door for me.
He found it cute?
His comment distracts me for a second, and it takes me a moment to realize just how stunning my room is.
“Here we are. This is your space now. For the trial week, anyway. And longer if you decide to stay.”
I want to look unimpressed, keep my composure, but I can’t stop myself from standing there with my mouth open, trying to process the fact that I really get to stay here.
“You don’t have a bigger room for me?” I mutter with mock irony. This room is at least three times the size of my entire apartment. I take a deep breath, unsure where to look first.
“There are other rooms that…” he starts, watching me.
“That was a joke,” I cut him off.
Everything is so bright and welcoming — white with beige accents, a touch of gold here and there. White pampas grass, ferns, and dried flowers stand in vases. A massive chandelier with ornate molding hangs from the ceiling. Two large windows open onto a small Victorian-style balcony overflowing with colorful flowers. I take a deep breath and give him a pointed look. “You really want me to work for you, huh?”
I’m still skeptical. This is all just too good to be true.
