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My anxiety had simmered all day, nearly boiling over as soon as I opened the door after Gabriel’s strong and certain knock. He drew the air out of my apartment as soon as he walked in, filling it with his presence.
A day had passed since I’d seen him, but I’d forgotten how handsome he really was.
Or maybe he just looked different...
He had replaced the ball cap and black leather jacket with a black dress shirt, a simple black blazer, and black dress pants. He wore black like a conquering warlord from Armani. His date-night getup was even more of a visual feast than his casual coffee shop attire.
I was proud of myself, however, for not stopping to stare at him the minute I opened the door.
He didn’t say anything as I greeted him until he took two steps into my apartment. His eyes moved up and down my body; I tried to pretend I didn’t notice where his gaze lingered, but how could I not?
“Hello,” he whispered.
“Hi! You didn’t say where we were going so if I need to change, better tell me now.” I looked down at my simple black dress. “We match.”
Gabriel smiled. “You’re beautiful. Do you have a coat or anything? It’s starting to get cold.”
I reached for the red wool coat that hung on the hook behind my door. It had been my “dress” coat for many years. The style was outdated, but the coat was comfortable and warm. That’s all that mattered.
I started to put it on, but Gabriel made a “tsk” sound and took the coat out of my hands. “Turn around.”
Why was it so easy to do what he said? Had I been overlooking his bossiness, or did I actually like it? He had a strength that made me feel secure. I’m not sure I minded his high-handedness.
Gabriel stood behind me and held the coat so I could slip my arms into the sleeves. I lifted my hair as he settled it over my shoulders. His hands lingered on their curves and I wished we didn’t have solid wool separating us.
He cleared his throat. “Are you ready?”
“When you are.”
We had to step around each other so he could open the door for me.
“Sorry,” I said as he closed it behind us. I stepped forward to lock the door with my key. “It’s small, but the rent’s great.”
“It’d have to be,” he muttered but then added, “but if you’re comfortable, that’s what matters.”
I tilted my head from side to side as we started down the stairs. My apartment was on the second floor which was a blessing considering the building’s elevator was less than reliable.
“Comfortable would be generous. I won’t lie - it’s a tight squeeze, even for one. But the options are few.”
As we reached the landing, Gabriel settled his hand on the small of my back and guided me around the turn. He kept it there as we started the descent.
“Have you looked elsewhere, or do you have your heart set on the city?”
“When I first moved here, I had my heart set on the city. I was full of big ideas and independence. A small-town girl like me, living in the Big Apple. I wore the experience like a badge of honor. You know. Proving I could make it there, blah blah,” I laughed, mocking the song lyrics.
Gabriel stopped next to a black sport car parked near the curb in front of the coffee shop and opened the door for me.
“You’ll have to tell me about that.”
“About why I came to New York City?”
“Exactly. What enticed a good girl like you to move to the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple?” He held the door while I got in and then he quickly walked to the other side. I put on my seatbelt and faced him when he gracefully lowered himself into the seat.
“Well, first of all, what makes you think I’m such a good girl?” No matter what he thought knew about me, it was an odd choice of words.
Gabriel shook his head as he laughed. “There’s not a damn thing about you that says otherwise.”
I pretended to be outraged, but yes, he had hit the nail on the head. “That’s very presumptuous since you’ve known me for just a few hours.”
