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I watch as a tick starts along his strong jawline.
“No, everything is under control,” I reply, giving him a quizzical look.
His shoulders sag at my words. The movement is only visible because, having worked closely with this man for over eight years, I know his tells inside out.
“Is everything all right?” I ask.
He shoots me a look of surprise before running a hand through his hair.
“Everything’s fine,” he replies, the harshness of fine making me want to laugh.
“Have a great night with Caleb,” I say, biting the inside of my lip to stop them from forming a smile.
The humph that comes from the door has me coughing as I choke on the air I’m holding in.
“Sorry,” I say, holding up my hand as Gabriel steps closer, passing me the glass of water on my desk.
“Here,” he says, his fingers cupping mine until he knows I’ve grasped it.
“Thanks,” I croak, surprised at their warmth.
“Are you really sure there’s nothing I can do?” He places his hands behind his back, pulling his shirt tight across his already broad chest. My eyes are drawn to the movement.
“No,” I say firmly. “You need to go out and have fun with your brother.”
“Don’t you start,” he says, his eyes once again locking on mine. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“I am,” I say. “If an emergency arises, you’ll be the first to know. However, the market is fine, and it’s time you clocked off. Celebrate! The Callahan presentation is done. There is nothing more you can do until our meeting. Go! Enjoy yourself.”
“When did you get so bossy?” Gabriel asks, raising an eyebrow.
I grin. “Two hours ago, when your brother rang to forewarn me you’d be trying to get out of tonight.”
His forehead wrinkles, and his lips twist.
“He’s got no right,” Gabriel mutters.
“Caleb knows you too well.” I drop back in my chair. “If you don’t go tonight, you’re only postponing the inevitable. He’s not going to let you off the hook.”
This time, I don’t hide my smile as he huffs.
“Go,” I say, waving him out of the door. “I have work to finish before my friends arrive. You’re not the only one with plans.”
Gabriel scowls at me before he turns and leaves.
“Have fun!” I shout after him.
A hand in the air, appearing over his shoulder. The only acknowledgement I get that he heard me. By his reaction, anyone would think his brother was asking him to donate a kidney or right arm, not socialise with friends.
I shake my head and smile. The man has no idea how devastatingly handsome he is. He just needs to loosen up and let someone in. Maybe tonight is the night.
I finish the last couple of emails I need to send, the whoosh of the last leaving my outbox has me dropping back in my chair and closing my eyes. Should I have shown Gabriel more sympathy? It’s not like I haven’t been restless all day with the prospect of going out tonight. Our drunken girls’ night turned into Project Leah’s Reintroduction to Society. I take a deep breath before opening them and power down my laptop.
My phone pings on the desk next to me.
STELLA:
We’ll be with you in 20.
