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Gabrielle nodded, while thinking that she only hoped so. This was a bit of a whirlwind experience for her, one that would be a steady occurrence over the next few weeks. Shopping for couture dresses to wear, shoes and jewelry, her makeup, hair and spa treatment…the works. And each time she had to be Adam’s date, it felt like a whole new experience.
Wait, you’re not his date, she corrected herself quickly, as weeks later she stood in front of the dressing mirror while Hilda crouched to fix the hem of Gabrielle’s floor-sweeping gown. In an hour, she would be attending a corporate awards ceremony at which Adam was a multiple nominee.
Even though she knew there was nothing romantic about the times she accompanied Adam to the functions, she couldn’t help but feel a deep exhilaration. The feeling that she was needed, and that she could make herself an essential element in his business, was very gratifying.
Just then, she bent slightly to help herself into her heels while Hilda was trying to put finishing touches to Gabrielle’s updo. The next moment, Gabrielle felt a dizzying sensation that almost made her topple over. “Oh!” she cried out, righting her balance before she could trip over the long hem of her dress.
Hilda was quick to grab her elbow and help her get steady on her feet. Gabrielle lifted a hand to her head and shook it slightly of the woozy feeling.
“Are you okay?”
“I don’t know. Must be all the excitement.” Gabrielle tried a wide smile. “My boss is getting some major recognition tonight, and I can’t help but feel nervous. I don’t want to ruin anything.”
“You’ll be fine. You look fabulous,” said Hilda, giving one of her huge, heartwarming smiles. Gabrielle was glad Adam had decided to keep her on for all Gabrielle’s styling needs. It felt less hassle to work with a stylist of color who’d understand better a black woman’s preferences when it came to her hair, clothes and what she felt comfortable with. Also, Hilda Gold really was simply a nice person.
That’s why Gabrielle felt uneasy for lying to her. It wasn’t just the excitement that had brought on that slight lightheadedness. It had been happening at an alarming frequency lately. She’d put it down to the challenges of holding down a busy, full-time job after so long without one. Maybe her body still wasn’t acclimated to constantly being up and about from early in the morning until late at night. Most times, the job was more fourteen-hour days than eight, but now that she’d been there two months and the deadline for her probation period was drawing closer, she was feeling the pressure or something.
So far though, she’d say she’d enjoyed and not just endured the journey. Adam was possibly the best person to work for, now that they’d crossed over that point of angst. Once Gabrielle had come to terms with the fact that they were simply two people who’d accidentally had sex before they even knew they’d be boss and assistant, she managed to move on. Or so she believed.
When it was time, Gabrielle made it down to where Harold was waiting beside the black Mercedes. Gabrielle felt disappointed to see that Adam wasn’t in the car. “Mr. Bronson will meet us there,” Harold explained. “He just had a little emergency.”
Gabrielle hoped it was nothing serious and wondered if she should call him. She didn’t want to get too ahead of herself though, and instead decided to go on the Internet to catch up on any news about her boss. She liked to keep on top of things on not just his social media but any trending stories about him.
There was something about the awards ceremony tonight and how his nominations were well deserved thanks to his recent milestones in the field. He was noted as one of the most successful and promising CEOs under thirty. It always surprised Gabrielle to realize how young he was and how much he’d achieved.
Soon the car pulled up at the venue and Gabrielle saw Adam standing in front of the hotel where the party was hosted. Gabrielle had to admit the man was hot. His chestnut hair was combed back and he had his hands in his pants pockets. His eyes were trained on the car as it arrived, and Gabrielle tried to still her heartbeat as she looked at him. Why hadn’t this crazy infatuation with him ebbed even after all this while?
Harold had sprinted out to open her door. Gripping her clutch, Gabrielle set her feet out of the car first and accepted Harold’s helping hand. She straightened on her high heels and thanked Harold, before walking over to Adam. She could feel his forest-green eyes raking over her body from head to toe and back again. Her already warm cheeks flushed, and she almost couldn’t look up to meet his gaze. Two months around him and just one look made her feel like a shy teenager. Gabrielle gave an inner shake of her head.
