Page 34 of My Billionaire Seal Next Door

I sigh, angry and frustrated and overtired.

I get up and get dressed for the gym. Perhaps if I go there, I will see her.

I leave a note for Bella letting her know where I am and then I drive through to the gym, hoping to see Gabi there and maybe, just maybe we can talk.

I can't go through another day of this. I need to know what she wants from me. Is it just sex or does she want more? I know what I want. I want so much more than that. We just need to talk. If she gives me that chance, then I can stop obsessing over what this is or is not and accept reality.

CHAPTER 15

GABI

Isit across the table from my brother and his fiancée, Lita. She is grinning and he keeps leaning over to kiss her cheek and nuzzle her neck. I can't help but smile at how sweet they look. They are both so happy and seem lost in each other.

Rafael reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind Lita's ear and my memory flashes back to a time when Alex did that to me and how it made my heart flip in beautiful ways. How did I manage to read everything so wrong? Did I just jump to conclusions and only see what I wanted to see instead of what was really happening?

I stare at them wondering if I will ever be lucky enough to find the real thing instead of these empty hookups, I mistake for something more than they are. I can't believe I did it again last night, falling for him like that. I should never have pulled Alex into my house, but when he kissed me, I lost all self-control. And then, of course, he left, and I have not heard from him since. It was silly of me to give in like that. I don't want just sex. I am giving off all the wrong messages by letting him have me that way and then treat me like nothing when we are in public.

I am at breakfast with my family, and we are busy deciding on the seating arrangements for the guests. I did not go to work again today, but everything is running smoothly there. I have an excellent team to take care of the place and I really need this break. Apart from helping with the wedding I just need to get my head on straight as well.

I watch Raf and Lita again. He pulls her against his chest and whispers something in her ear and she smiles, looking up at him with bright eyes. He leans down and kisses her softly.

Why are all the guys I date total jerks?

Where are the good guys who want something serious and real? A genuine relationship, not a 'girl on reserve for when I need her.'

I mean Alex is freaking hot. At least I don't regret having experienced that. I grin to myself.

It blows my mind how good he is in bed and my body goes wild just thinking about him. But that alone is not enough.

"Gabi? Are you with us? Lost in a daydream there?" My brother is laughing at me.

"What?" I say, confused. "What did you say?" Thank goodness they cannot read my thoughts.

"We asked if you were going to bring a plus one? For the wedding, you know, a date?"

My heart sinks.Ugh. Yes, I want to bring my asshole neighbor but the chances of him coming along are basically zero so no.

"I don't think so," I say, brushing the hurt aside.

"Are you sure?" He asks again, eyeing me with suspicion. I am sure I am not hiding my expression very well.

"Yup. I have enough to deal with you guys around. Three brothers - why in the world would I want another man in my life?" I laugh, hoping they believe the nonchalant tone in my voice, even though I can hear the waiver as I speak.

"Alright, well if you change your mind, you know how we are. We will make a seat at the last minute. There is always way too much food at these events anyway." Rafael chuckles and Lita playfully punches his arm. "It's not just sometype of event, it's ourwedding." She grins and she pulls him towards her for another kiss. I turn away as a knot forms in my stomach.

My mother has been watching me closely for a while and she says "Are we all good with the seating arrangements? I want Gabi to help me pick out a dress for the wedding." I think she is trying to rescue me from this public display of affection. That or she can see straight through me the way my mother always can, and she knows that something is bothering me. I look over at her wondering how she knows me so well. And grateful that she is trying to get me out of here because I really don't want them to see how I am really feeling and then I end up dampening the mood of the wedding planning fun.

"Yes, I think it is all sorted. Where are you guys going to go?" Lita says. I hope she is not going to ask to come with us. I love her to death, but I think I need some alone time with my mom away from the wedding talk.

"I think we can just walk around the mall," my mom says, "or if you have any ideas, Gabs?" She asks me.

"I don't mind at all. They have some nice clothing shops at the mall so we can start there." I shrug.

Lita grins and wraps her arm through my brother's. "We are going for a drive up towards the forest. We just need a break from all this wedding stuff. As amazing as it is it can get overwhelming." Lita says, leaning her head on Raf's shoulder.

Ok good, so she did not want to join us. I would have felt bad saying no. In fact, I know I would not have said no and then Mom, and I will not be able to speak. I kind of really need some time alone with my mom to talk to her. I need some advice.

Lita and Raf climb into their car and head off. We wave after them and then climb into my car.

---