Chapter 32
Lexie
Gabriel’s been acting strange all evening. Well, not initially. When we first arrived, he was normal, but after the cocktail hour, he got quiet. He barely said two words during dinner and those two words revolved around the fact that I wasn’t eating. Photographers were running around all over the place snapping pictures of everyone in attendance, especially the famous folks. I wasn’t about to tell him that I didn’t want the image of me stuffing my face plastered on the cover of some tabloid. No. Thank. You.
Gabriel’s famous enough to garner that kind of attention. According to Cammy, he’s so good looking and such a notorious playboy, he tends to get the spotlight placed on him at events like this one. Couple that with the drama surrounding Christine and her baby and it’s a recipe for lots of pictures. I only hope none of them show me eating dinner.
When Eric pulls up to the curb, Gabriel holds the door as I step into the limo. He follows quickly behind sliding in so close, our bodies are touching. A chill runs through me anticipating what might happen later. Our drivetothe event was intense: hot and sexy. The ride home is just intense. “Gabriel?”
“Yes?”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
“Did, uh, did I embarrass you or something?”
“No. Why do you ask?”
“You seem distant. Are you angry with me?”
“No.” He sighs. “Okay. I don’t appreciate you throwing yourself at the first man to pay you any attention.”
I gasp.The first man to pay me any attention?Turning to face him I ask, “What are you talking about?”
“That football player. What was his name again? Brandon?”
“It was Brodie, and I didn’t throw myself at him. He was thoughtful. I appreciated the fact that he wanted to keep me company.” I arch my brow at him and wait.
“You didn’t wantmycompany. All you wanted to do was run off to see Blake and Pamela.”
“Gabriel, that’s not true at all. And it’s Brodie.”
“Of course. You’re right. I’m wrong.”
“No one is wrong here. I’m confused, though.”
“Not surprising.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“You’re just a little simple sometimes.”
That’s it. First I’m some sort of slut because I made a new friend who happens to be a man and now I’m dumb? I'm angry. It’s my turn to cross my arms over my chest for a little pout. Gabriel Parker still has a lot to learn about women. Well, namelythiswoman.
Having been single for a long time, I’m not accustomed to answering to anyone else. I agree with his sentiment. I am independent. When I’m at social functions, I like to meet and talk to new people. How else am I going to make new friends? It is just part of my extroverted personality. Maybe I should explain that to him. “I’m not dumb, Gabriel.”
“I didn’t say you were.” He’s not looking at me. He’s staring out the window on his side of the car.
“What did you mean by simple, then?”
“Naïve. You’re naïve.”
“No, I’m not the least bit naïve. I know how life works. I think you’re confusing that word with optimism. I’m always hopeful I’ll get a glimpse of the good in a person. It’s not like I live in princess fairy land.” I turn and stare out my own window.
“Just don’t expect a guy like Brodie what’s his name to be the guy you think he is.”
I turn in my seat to face him, “I don’t expect anything from Brodie. I don’t want anything with Brodie. He was nice. He bought me a drink. That’s it. I’m going to watch him play in one of his matches sometime, sure. There’s nothing wrong with meeting new people and making new friends.”
“I know,” he says defensively. “I meet new people all the time. I just don’t hang all over them.”
I arch my brow at him and say nothing. Why bother?Jackass.
