AllFreeNovel
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Nat squeezes my hand in hers. “We need to arrange some more nights out. Rory’s working night shifts at the hospital, so I’m free.”
Stella grins at us both. “Get this girl back on the horse.”
“I think I’ll enjoy being single for a while,” I say.
The last thing I want is another relationship, even if?—
“Getting back on the horse doesn’t mean a relationship. You need to get out and have some fun.” Stella is much freer-spirited than either Nat or me. She was in a long-term relationship, but it turned nasty, and she’s never been able to trust the same way since. I worry about my friend, but also don’t want to find myself as cynical.
“Okay, okay.” I laugh as there’s another knock at the door. Did the guys forget something?
I open it, champagne glass in hand, before freezing.
Gabriel stands in the open doorway, dressed in faded jeans and a tight-fitting dark t-shirt. The material is stretched tight over his broad chest, revealing toned, muscled arms and abs. Wow. Who knew under his shirts, he was ripped.
Down girl. This is your boss you’re gawping at.
My heart stutters.
“Hi,” I say awkwardly as Gabriel looks over my shoulder, catching sight of Stella and Nat.
“Good morning,” he replies. “I just wanted to check you managed to move in okay.” His eyes move to the pile of boxes, and his lips twitch. “It looks like there have been no issues.”
His head tilts at the glass in my hand.
“No...er, no issues. The guys were great. Thank you,” I say before taking a breath. “Would you like to come in?”
“No, that’s fine. You’re busy. I just wanted to check that everything went smoothly.”
“Thank you. And thank you for arranging for the guys to help move my stuff upstairs. It saved us a number of journeys.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Come in.” It’s Stella who steps up, pulling me out of the way. “Hi, I’m Stella. One of Leah’s best friends and chief mover.” She holds out her hand to Gabriel, who stands for a moment, frozen. “This is a beautiful apartment,” Stella continues, completely oblivious to Gabriel’s awkwardness. I watch as he finally snaps himself out of it and takes her hand in his.
“Pleased to meet you, Stella.”
Stella grins. “This is Nat,” she says, motioning to Nat, who has remained quietly behind us. She gives a little wave as Gabriel nods his acknowledgment.
His phone rings, and he glances down at the screen. “I need to go,” he says. “You ladies enjoy yourselves. I’ll see you on Monday, Leah.”
Gabriel swipes to answer the call.
Does the man ever stop?
“Frazer,” he says before turning and heading back towards the elevator. “Can you hold for a moment?”
He stops and turns. “If you need anything, Leah, please call me. I’m only upstairs. Have a lovely day, Ladies.”
Before I can say anything, he returns his attention back to his phone and the voice on the other end.
I shut the door, not wanting to eavesdrop on his call and turn into the room where Stella is busy fanning herself.
“That is one seriously hot man! Did you see that chest... those arms...” She grins like a Cheshire cat. “He’s the quiet, moody type. I bet he’s a tiger in bed.” Stella lets out a growl, making me flinch and Nat giggle.
“Stop Stella. He’s my boss and younger than me. No, simply no!” I say, shaking my head rapidly. However, since that night, I’ve seen a different side to Gabriel. He’s not as distant and aloof as he likes people to think. He’s a good listener, and he cares. This apartment is a prime example of that.
“Tell me you’ve not looked at him and wondered what he looks like without any clothes,” Stella says, quirking an eyebrow in my direction, daring me.
