“Girl! This is gold! Okay, so what do you need my help with?” she asks, giggling.
I frantically open my suitcase, rummaging through to find an outfit.
“Well, I have no idea what to wear. I didn’t pack for a date! What if he thinks I look ugly?”
Melanie lets out a loud laugh that turns into a complete coughing fit. I don’t understand why she is laughing because nothing about this situation is funny.
“Stop laughing! This is not funny.”
“Oh, I’m gonna laugh. And this is totally funny. Do you really think there is a situation where that man is going to think you look ugly? Have you seen the way he looks at you? Literally, since he met you, he hasn’t taken his eyes off you,” she says.
I’d never really noticed Gabriel’s gaze on me before this trip. I mean, I’m sure he has looked in my direction more than once, but was that really in anI think you’re beautifulkind of way?
Now, though? Now I feel it. His eyes, his words, even his touch. They all whisper the same thing. I see you. It terrifies me how much I want to be seen.
“Yeah, okay. Help me find something to wear! He is literally out in the living room waiting for me to get ready,” I say frantically.
Melanie giggles and says something to someone with her. I don’t know who until they begin to speak.
“Babes, you see the zipper in your suitcase that you never put anything in because you think it is too small? Open it, wear it, and have the best time with your hot single dad,” Harlow says, ending the call.
I open the zipper and pull out a sleek black body-con dress I can already imagine hugging my curves perfectly. The fabric is smooth and stretchy, ensuring comfort and a flattering fit.
Once I put the dress on, I find it is a mid-thigh length that showcases my legs beautifully. I throw on my plaid blazer andfinish it with a necklace I bought a few days ago in a small Italian boutique.
Throwing on a pair of stilettos, I spritz some of my Choco Musk perfume on my neck and the backs of my knees before I go into the living room.
My heart is pounding like I’m about to step onto a stage. What if he changes his mind or regrets everything? What if I fall harder than he does?
Gabriel is sitting on the couch. Standing when he sees me.
“Gosh, Bumper, you look… stunning. I’m not sure how I’m going to keep my eyes off you.”
I blush at his admission. Smiling, I walk towards him, wrapping my arms around his neck, kissing him softly on his lips.
Pulling away, I whisper, “It’s a good thing I’m the woman you are taking on a date.”
His mom clears her throat. “Well, I don’t want to interrupt you two lovebirds, but go, have fun with each other.”
Gabriel hugs his mom, thanking her for coming to watch Aura. She says something in his ear, but I can’t make out what it is. Only that when Gabriel walks to me, his cheeks are pink from whatever she said.
I raise an eyebrow at him as he reaches me, nudging me playfully. “What did you say?”
He just laughs and shakes his head. “Something about messing up. Again.”
We walk outside the house, and Gabriel stops at his sleek, polished vehicle that reflects in the evening night. Opening the passenger door, he says, “Your carriage awaits, beautiful.”
I slip into the seat, taking in the subtle scent of Gabriel’s cologne, musk, and orange.
As he gets in, he glances over with a smile spreading across his face. “You ready, Bumper?” I nod, feeling the excitement building as he pulls away.
The ride to the restaurant is smooth, and I can’t help butadmire how effortlessly he drives, his attention focused on the road all while keeping his one hand on my thigh.
The warmth of his hand is grounding, comforting. A silent promise he doesn’t even realize he’s making.
He asks me questions, genuinely interested, and I share stories about growing up and my dream of opening a coffee shop.
“So, what made you want to offer bakery services at the café?” He prompts, his voice warm and curious.
