AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Quelling a sigh, she quickly filed the papers and then rushed back to the office in the belief that Adam would have some more work for her. Instead, to her surprise, he seemed intent on getting rid of her. He instructed that she go on her lunch hour since it was already almost noon.
Gabrielle had no choice but to comply with the blunt command. She felt deflated as she made the ride down in the elevator. Nothing she did ever seemed right, or maybe Adam was simply determined to find fault no matter how she tried.
Even more depressing was the knowledge that she didn’t even have enough on her for a decent lunch, and she hadn’t thought to pack even a sandwich. Her finances were stretched to the limit, and she’d frowned on taking another loan from Ayana.
She was tempted to simply go outside and wait around before coming back, but the weather was too damn warm for any impromptu leisure stroll. Instead, she lingered around the cool lobby, watching others exit in pairs or groups.
A deep sigh escaped her as she finally settled into one of the plush chairs and picked up a magazine. It was business themed, and as she thumbed through the pages, she caught a feature on Adam Bronson. She glowered at his handsome photos. Not quite thirty, already an accomplished CEO and of course self-made billionaire. She tried to merge the ice-cold Adam with the charming admirer of that first night, but it was too impractical.
Almost as if on cue, Gabrielle caught something from just above her line of vision and she looked over the top of the magazine. Her vision sharpened as Adam stepped out of the elevator, his six foot two frame trim in the custom-made black suit he wore so dashingly.
Hastily, Gabrielle shot the magazine up to conceal her face. She hoped he didn’t notice her! She tried to sink deeper into her seat, wishing she could have seen him on time and made her escape.
She should have known though, that nothing missed Adam’s attention. A large hand drew down the magazine she held high up in front of her, till she had to look up at Adam’s towering figure.
“I sent you on a lunch break. Why are you loitering here?”
“Does it seem like I’m loitering?” she shot back, forgetting herself for a moment. Did she have to do something just because he told her to? Especially since it was her lunch hour, her choice.
His eyes narrowed at her tone. Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, she couldn’t stand his stare a moment longer and mumbled, “I wasn’t hungry.”
“You have a long day ahead. I suggest you eat to gather some energy. Come to lunch with me,” he said briskly, already turning on his heel.
“I’d rather not,” she said, as politely as she could.
He turned around again, his brow arched this time in response to her words.
“I mean, if I wanted to eat, I can easily do it on my own.” He was her boss and she really shouldn’t be arguing with him, but Gabrielle’s stubborn streak had to show up. Besides, going to lunch would mean paying for food and she couldn’t afford that.
“You seem mistaken in thinking I was asking, Ms. Black. It was actually an order, so get up and let’s go.”
Gabrielle’s mouth opened to voice some choice words, till she noticed the eyes all around them. The other employees had noticed their boss and were bowing and scraping as they went past, while some – the females especially – perked up and preened while looking interested in the exchange.
Quelling her urge to snap at him, Gabrielle came to her senses and wearily shouldered her bag. Left with no other choice, she followed Adam out of the building where magically, a sleek automobile appeared. The driver waited in his seat, while to her surprise, Adam held her side of the door for her. “Get in,” he ordered, so she did. He then went around to his side and got in as well.
The driver must have already had his instructions, because he drove on without asking where to. Adam didn’t start up any conversation and so Gabrielle was reluctant to do so. Despite herself, she missed their camaraderie of that first night.
Things couldn’t be any more in contrast from back then. And the differences between them were more pronounced.
Adam was a jaw-dropping billionaire, twenty-nine years old and the owner of one of the most successful enterprises in New York. With all his money, power and looks, any woman would kill to be his. He was hot, dangerous and sexy. A rich and ambitious man with power.
While Gabrielle was just…Gabrielle. She lived in New York City with her best friend Ayana Hudson because she couldn’t even afford her own rent. Her life was tough, but it had never looked so pitiful until now.
