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If I had the support I was told I’d have, things would be a lot different and this transition, much easier. I am not happy about being on the road for extended periods but, until I build a trustworthy team, I’ve got no choice. The only highlight to this insane travel schedule is spending time with Gabriella.
I can’t believe she doesn’t have a boyfriend. How is that even possible? She’s an amazing girl…smart, funny, sweet and beautiful. I enjoy talking with her.
I almost choked when she asked if I was married or had a girlfriend. I don’t know what Chantal and I were. Towards the end, it seemed like we spent more time fighting than anything else. I think if she’d been a little more supportive, we could have worked out all our problems. The number one reason we broke up was her not understanding why I had to take this job.
I understand Morgan Grant, and I know I can bring it back to the kind of company it was. To an outsider, it seems like everything is fine. The reality is, there’s a lot of debt, dead weight, and antiquated operations and policies. Once I get the company healthy, I plan to get myself healthy. I want what my parents had, a loving marriage and lots of children.
I don’t think I shared that story about my parents with any of my former girlfriends. Watching the gentleness on Gabriella’s face as I shared the tidbit was refreshing. If I’d shared that with Chantal, she would have thought I was weak. Being in love or surrendering to love doesn’t make you weak, it makes you strong and smart.
I looked at Gabriella and still couldn’t believe there wasn’t a man that saw what I saw. She’s the complete package. When we get to Europe I’m going to arrange some private museum tours. I think she’ll like that.
Chapter Five
gabriella
* * *
Phillippe told me to take the day to rest and get ready for the party. He said if I needed help with my hair and makeup to go to the hotel salon and charge it to his suite. I could have taken his offer a couple of ways. One, he didn’t like my hair and makeup or, that he wanted me to amp it up.
I don’t wear a lot of makeup every day, but I do know how to kick it up when I have to. Besides, when Cameron helped me with the gown, he suggested I do a complimentary pink lip, black liner and falsies. I’m already having a problem being relaxed in this dress and heels. I don’t think I can handle false eyelashes as well.
I looked in the mirror and almost didn’t recognize myself. The salon did a good job with my hair. I have to let Cameron know the makeup was right on point.
I sent my mother a selfie of me all dolled up. “What do you think?”
“You look beautiful. Daddy says he likes your hair. Have fun. Call me later.”
My phone dinged with a message from Phillippe. “Gabriella, meet me in the lobby.”
I took a deep breath, grabbed my wrap and bag, and headed for the elevator. When I got to the lobby, I didn’t see Tony or Phillippe. I stood close to the entrance with my eyes on the elevators. A few minutes later, Tony walked past me.
“Tony.” He stopped and turned around.
“Miss Townsend?” His eyes were wide and he smiled. “Wow.”
“Phillippe told me to meet him in the lobby.”
“He’s in the bar.”
“I’ll get him and we’ll meet you at the car.” He turned and left.
I took a deep breath and went to the bar. I looked around and saw Phillippe standing at the end of the bar looking at the television. My heart skyrocketed to my throat. He looked like the black James Bond…suave, classy, sexy, dangerous. I walked over and tapped him on the arm and it was like tapping steel.
He turned slightly and smiled, then frowned. Oh crap, I made a mistake with the hair, or maybe the dress. Cameron assured me this was how Phillippe wanted me to look. He stepped back and his smile reappeared. “Gigi?”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m sorry. Gabriella. You look…” He slowly looked me up and down. I felt flattered and pretty.
“Tony’s out front with the car.” I walked out of the bar ahead of him and felt his eyes on me.
My nerves were racing around my stomach at the thought of possibly dancing with Phillippe. I kept telling myself, this is a work function, not a date. So what if that means spending a little time pressed up against my hot boss with his large, strong hands holding me, then so be it.
“Tony did you see how beautiful Gabriella looks?”
“Yes.” He looked at me via the rearview mirror. “Like the hair.”
“Thank you.” Phillippe kept staring at me. “Is there anything I need to know?” He didn’t say anything. I repeated my question. “Phillippe, is there anything I need to know?”
