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Gabriel looks gorgeous, as always. His shirt sleeves are rolled up, exposing his muscular forearms, his top button open. I’ve been looking forward to this dinner, but my chest constricts as we move to join the others. With all the time we’ve been spending together and the amazing sex, I’ve let things get away from me. Our relationship is, for all intents and purposes, a ruse set out to make it more acceptable for our families when our child arrives. Somewhere along the way, I’ve lost sight of that. This will not have a happily ever after where Gabriel and I ride off into the sunset.
“There you two are,” Francesca comes forward, pulling me into a hug. My stomach sinks. She’s been so welcoming. I hate the fact she thinks there’s more between Gabriel and me. The only consolation will be her grandchild when it arrives.
“Let’s go through, I’m starving. As I’m sure you two are,” Caleb says, smirking.
I feel the colour rise in my cheeks.
“Grow up,” Elijah growls at him from the corner.
I’m unsure how I missed it, but the scowl he’s shooting my way is hard to miss.
Francesca leads us through to the most opulent dining room. A large hardwood table with high-backed chairs takes centre stage in the middle of the floor. The dining room is beautifully laid out and ready for us. Gabriel takes my hand, leading me to our seats. He holds out my chair like the true gentleman he is. I smile at him as he takes his seat, only to have him lean forward and drop a kiss on my cheek. His public display of affection surprises me, but then it shouldn’t. This is all for show. My chest constricts a little more.
A server arrives with the drinks.
“Wine?” she asks
“No, thank you,” I say. “Can I have some water?”
“Of course.” Her smile is warm and friendly.
“Not drinking, Leah?” Caleb chirps up. “Don’t worry, you don’t need to stand on ceremony, not around this lot.”
“Speak for yourself,” Kat chirps in. “Leah can do and drink what she likes. She doesn’t need to be bullied by you.”
Caleb pulls a face at his older sister, making me smile. I turn to Gabriel as his hand squeezes my thigh under the table.
The first course is served. I sit and listen to the family as they catch up, my brain spinning as I realise how successful each of the siblings is. All apart from Harper, who is still finding her way. I find myself drawn to Gabriel’s youngest sister. She’s a rebel. Yes. Her hair, makeup, and clothes are outward proof, but there’s something more, and I’m struggling to put my finger on it.
“So, Leah. How long have you known my brother?” Elijah’s voice breaks through my thoughts.
“I’ve worked for him for over eight years,” I say, picking up my glass of water and taking a sip. Suddenly aware, I’ve become the centre of everyone’s attention.
“And you’re suddenly madly in love after all this time of knowing one another?”
There’s no missing the sarcasm in Elijah’s tone.
Gabriel lays a hand on my arm.
“Leah was engaged until recently. When she split with her fiancé, I saw my chance.”
I drop my gaze, wishing the words Gabriel was sprouting were true. Life would be so much easier if they were.
“It’s true, he’s spent years chasing me away from her,” Caleb says, his gaze supportive.
Elijah doesn’t look convinced, and I squirm under his scrutiny.
“You fell for my brother on the rebound?”
Elijah’s words seem to stun everyone into silence.
Our gazes lock. His eyes are cold, with something else swimming in them.
“Elijah!” Gabriel hisses at his brother.
I squeeze his fingers.
“It’s okay, Gabriel,” I say, turning and smiling at him before returning my attention to his brother. “Not that it’s any of your business, but my relationship with my fiancé was emotionally over way before it was physically over. History and naivety kept us together for longer than we should have been.” I smile, unable to help myself. “I’ve always respected your brother from the moment I came to work for him. He’s intelligent, kind, considerate.”
