Page 55 of Miss Manage

Chapter Thirty-One

GABRIEL

As I sat there at the kitchen table with Charlotte’s family, the similarities to my own were uncanny to me. The laughter, the interruptions, the lack of subtlety in questioning me. There was no doubt of the love they had for one another.

And when Austin left, and her mom and sister immediately started cursing her ex in Italian? Jesus, that was straight out of my mother’s playbook. Fierce, loyal, unfiltered.

I hadn’t expected to enjoy the situation as much as I did. Being invited into another layer of Charlotte’s world made me able to see her as a daughter and a sister, on top of what I already knew of her as a boss and mother. The knowledge made her feel even more complex, more magnetic to me.

At first, I’d been apprehensive about staying for dinner. Not because I wanted to leave but because I could feel how much this was freaking Charlotte out. She wore composure well, but beneath the surface, I could see how tightly strung she was.

I’d started to wonder if I’d overstayed my welcome and should make my excuses when Michelle stood. “Well, hate to eat and run, but Mom and I need to go.”

“I should probably get going, too,” I threw out, not wanting to be the reason they said a hasty goodbye.

But Michelle was already linking arms with their mother, hustling her toward the door with a grin that implied she knew exactly what she was doing. “Nice meeting you, Gabe. Charlotte, I’ll see you tomorrow for boxing.” And just like that, they vanished.

Which left me and Charlotte standing in her kitchen. Alone.

She turned, looking more than a little stunned.

“I didn’t mean to overstay my welcome,” I started carefully. “But honestly? I wasn’t sure how to leave.”

Her mouth curved, soft and reluctant. “I’m pretty sure I overheard them plotting to barricade the door in case you tried.”

I let out a laugh. “Your mom and sister remind me of my own family. Nosy, well-meaning, and utterly lacking in discretion. And it’s also clear how close you all are. It’s nice to see.” My smile faded into something more serious. “And listen…I get it. If you’d rather I didn’t come to Austin’s game next Saturday, I’ll respect it.”

Her expression shifted. “He’d love it if you did. I just don’t know what to do about this.” She motioned between us.

I closed the gap between us, lifting my hand to brush the side of her face. The warmth of her skin was a brand against my palm. “Define this.”

She shook her head, eyes wide. “How about you go first?”

I swallowed hard, words caught between honesty and restraint. There were many things I wanted to say, but it was too soon for most of them. But one truth cut through the noise, undeniable.

“This is…different.”

“Different?” She tested the word.

“Yeah.” I drew in a breath, choosing my own next words carefully. “Different in the way I want to go slowly and not rush into something and wreck it before it starts.”

A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. “Go slowly, like the kind of restraint we showed in the garage? Or the kind where my entire family descends upon the house and wants to know your life story?”

My chuckle came naturally. “Although unexpected, it wasn’t unwelcome. Family is an important part of who we are. But perhaps we need to keep work at the office, and personal for outside of work?”

For a beat, neither of us spoke. The line between personal and professional stretched thin, and one wrong move could break the careful balance.

“I’d prefer to keep them separate, too.”

I blew out a long breath. “Deal. I’m on my way to pick up Samantha for the weekend, but I’ll see you Monday in the office.”

The relief was visible in the way her entire body relaxed. “Sounds good. Thanks.”

Cupping her chin, I gave her one last kiss, hoping it would be enough to last me until we could steal another moment away from the office.

Come Monday morning, I showed up to the office with a pep in my step, not remembering the last time I’d woken up in such a good mood. No doubt it was the influence of Charlotte and feeling good about where we’d left things the other night. We’d strike a balance. And we’d keep work in the office, and the personal, well, hopefully she’d be open to making time this weekend.

“Good morning,” I greeted, already smiling when I came into Charlotte’s office for our first meeting.