Desperate (A Contemporary Romance)

by Katerina Winters

  "When is your dad picking up Bishop?" She remembered, giving Gabriel a sad look. "I am really going to miss him when he goes."

  Taking a sip of his wine Gabriel leaned back in his chair and gave her questioning look, raising one golden eyebrow. "Bishop is my dog he isn't going anywhere."

  "What? But I thought your dad said he was his dog?" Now she was really confused she could have sworn that Breslin Senior mentioned dropping off his dog.

  Gabriel shook his head with a slight smile. "No that bastard just loves Bishop, and he likes taking him fishing with him."

  "Well, that is good." She really did love Bishop she was not sure what she would do if he was not there to help take the stress off fighting with Breslin all the time. "When I move out do you think we can temper our mutual disdain for one another so I can maybe come by and see Bishop."

  It felt odd asking him that. What would it be like seeing Breslin when she eventually moved out?

  "Maybe, if you stay in my good graces that is," he gave her breathtaking smile, a smile that made Salene wonder how such an attractive man could be so rotten.

  "Well since we are on the subject of Bishop," Salene said carefully. "Did you by chance let Bishop into my room last night?"

  The little bit of tension that dissipated earlier between them seemed to come back full force at her question.

  Like a warlock's flame his green eyes blazed brightly over the rim of his wine glass. Setting down the empty glass, Gabriel grabbed the bottle and poured himself a generous amount before filling hers as well.

  "Why would I do that?" His voice was deep, and his tone was brusque.

  "I… I do not know maybe I was just having a stress dream." Now she felt a little embarrassed to ask him such a strange question, that was obviously out of character. "It is no big deal I was actually happy for Bishop's cuddling."

  "About last night." Gabriel's tone softened as his eyes made contact with hers. "I…"

  "Please," Salene tried waving it off before he began. "Let us just forget about the whole…"

  "No, I cannot fucking forget about it." Gabriel lashed out, angry now he sat up straighter in his chair, the legs that were on either side of hers pulled back. At his full height, he seemed to dwarf the small table they were at. "I told that piece of shit to use the half-bath up front when the party started. I actually told everyone that so I know he heard me. You are a guest in my house, that means you are my responsibility. So no, I cannot forget about you being molested under my own roof."

  Salene wanted to argue that she did not get molested per se, but she knew it would be a losing battle. Though she had to secretly admit his old worldviews on his responsibility and anger over the situation made her heart beat a little faster. It was no doubt grounded in sexist thinking but it was kind of sweet nonetheless.

  Thankfully they were interrupted again by the waiter checking to see if everything was okay. Without any consultation with her, Gabriel ordered a large slice of Italian cream cake and two forks.

  "You are going to share this cake with me so do not give me any shit about it being too many calories or anything else women try to say to make themselves look good." He cast her an accusing stare as a warning.

  There were so many points to argue it was ridiculous, first she wanted to argue again about his chauvinistic demands but at this point what was the use, there was no getting through to the man. Secondly, she wanted to honestly ask him did her body type look like it was missing any meals, but she would be forced to hit him if he gave back a snarky reply. So she settled for a patronizing smile.

  The cake arrived, and it was three layers of moist absolutely delicious goodness. By her fourth bite she had to bow out, or she was sure she was going to have to be carried out. Conceding defeat Salene pushed the desert plate towards Gabriel, with a wolfish grin he polished off the rest of the cake. After a few minutes of much-needed digestion on both their parts, they got up to leave after Gabriel paid the bill. Stopping at the front glass door, Salene let out a groan.

  "What… Oh," Gabriel's question was immediately answered when he looked over her head to see it pouring rain outside.

  The sky was nearly black with just a hint of deep navy blue to offset the oncoming night. The small parking lot was a haze of pounding rain and streetlight reflections. Salene could hardly make out the vehicles in the downpour. This would be the day that she wears a pencil skirt, a white blouse, and five-inch wedges. Bracing herself, she began to push forward on the glass door. The firm grip on her elbow stopped her and pulled her back. Turning around she looked up at Gabriel in confusion.

  Looking down at her he seemed to search her eyes for a moment in curious amazement. "One day you are going to have to tell me what kind of guys you have been going on dates with." He gave her a soft smile that flashed his perfect white teeth, a smile she truly did not know how to take. "Stay here."

  Leaving her stunned in silence Salene watched him push open the glass door and make a swift run across the parking lot to his truck. Salene had no words, she simply could not process what just happened. The slight giggle from beside her told her the hostess processed it just fine. The black truck pulled around close to the front awning. With no time to delve deeper on the matter, Salene rushed out. Opening the passenger side door under the protection of the awning she jumped into the truck only suffering maybe a handful of raindrops.

  Turning to thank Gabriel she gasped. "Oh no, you're soaked!"

  The white long sleeve shirt was plastered to his skin, even despite the low light in the truck the clinging shirt showed off his muscular biceps with precision. Running a hand through his damp hair, he flicked water on the seat behind him.

  Looking around in the front and the back seat Salene searched for something to dry him off with. "Do you have a towel or… Oh never mind I found one." Reaching over the backseat, she found a green towel folded in the seat underneath a gym bag.

  “Salene don't worry about it, it’s just water.” His words trailed off as she pressed the end of the towel to the side of his cheek.

  Slowly she dragged the soft cotton over the stubble of his beard soaking up the beads of falling water. Silently he drove through the rain as she continued. Not receiving any sign to stop she hesitantly reached underneath his chin to wipe the other side of his face. The movement brought her even closer considering that she was sitting in the middle seat instead the passenger seat. With his neck and face dry Salene sat back in her seat feeling awkward about the sudden intimate moment she created. Realizing she was still unnecessarily sitting close she leaned over to scoot back into her seat, but the grip on her knee stopped her.

  “Don't,” Gabriel's voice sounded hoarse. “There is a police officer coming up behind us just stay seated.”

  The hand on her knee disappeared. Reaching past and around her, he grabbed the middle seat belt and snapped it over her waist. The wet fabric covering his bicep brushed her chest slightly in the movement. The cold fabric brushing against her breast immediately made her body shake in a slight chill.

  “Are you cold?” He asked not taking is eyes off the road he leaned forward to switch on the heat.

  Holding out her hand to stop him. “No, that's ok I am fine.”

  Slowing down to a stop at the next stop light Gabriel looked down at her and immediately back to the road.

  "You are cold." He said gruffly, before turning on the floor heat in the truck.

  Frowning Salene had a think about his words for a moment and then with embarrassing realization she realized his meaning. Carefully glancing down she could see her nipples pressing against her sheer blouse. Mortified she pulled the damp towel closer hugging her breast. Minutes later Gabriel pulled into the dark garage. Shutting off the engine they were immediately ensconced by darkness, only the dim light of the garage door opener above filtered weakly through the front windshield.

  Feeling for the buckle latch that secured her Salene tried to break the silence. "Thank you for the dinner."

  With
out waiting for a reply, she began to scoot down towards the passenger door. The tug on the towel in her hand stopped her midway. Turning back towards him Salene looked to see Gabriel turned in his seat. With one forearm resting casually on the steering wheel and the other hand gripping the end of the towel, he gave her an unreadable gaze. The mood in the vehicle seemed to intensify, but Salene could not label it. If she let go of the towel, she would expose her hardened nipples but would be able to quickly get out of the vehicle, but if she held on she would have to endure this nameless moment. Salene's heart skipped in her chest as she gripped the towel tighter.

  "I am going to be completely honest with you," the dim half-light of the garage light cut across his face pronouncing the hard angles. The emerald gaze locked onto hers unwavering. "I am going to expect a managerial perk a free coffee from now on."

  Silence.

  For a moment there was only silence before a slow smile grew across both of their faces.

  Pursing her lips to contain her laughter Salene gave him a devious smile of her own for once. "I think I can manage that… That is, if you stay in my good graces."

  Chapter 9

  Sealing the large brown envelope Gabriel leaned back in his office chair. The study turned office was in perfect working order now. With the computer, printer, and work files set up Gabriel was able to finally use the room for its intended purpose for the first time. Looking back down at the envelope in his hand he sneered.

  No thanks to her, he thought. With the paperwork ready and the stamp on the envelope, Gabriel was one step closer to freedom. The thought of being free and divorced from Amber should have been an immense relief, but it was not for some reason. All he could focus on was what a fucking idiot he had been to marry the vile woman. Now he can look back and see the obvious signs of Amber's disingenuous intentions. There were cookie crumbs of clues that led to her rotten personality that he had ignored. The fake laughter that quickly dissipated after their marriage was the first sign. Con artist mastery was performed to build a relationship that revealed itself to be nothing but lies the moment she did not get what she wanted.

  Giving off a hollow laugh Gabriel stared out the window, but he should have really taken notice of was how even Amber's own family treated her. With a long handled spoon is what his grandmother would say. Amber's family knew what she was, he was the only one too blind not to see it. Well him and Salene apparently.

  Placing his hands behind his head Gabriel leaned back in his chair staring out at the bright sky. Salene had no idea what Amber was really like, but she was learning.

  The chime of the doorbell interrupted him from his thoughts. Still dressed in his work clothes Gabriel went to the door with Bishop trailing happily at his heels. A delivery man holding a large bouquet of assorted flowers greeted him when he answered the door.

  "Hi, I have a delivery for Miss Salene Agnew." The man smiled widely while holding out a digital notepad with his other hand.

  "Do you now?" Suspicious curiosity coiled through Gabriel as he signed for the delivery.

  Thankfully Salene was still out, setting the flowers on the nearby entrance table he plucked the gold embossed card off the plastic clip. The flowers were obviously very expensive, a colorful array of exotic flowers neatly styled to spill over to one side of the glass vase. Opening the card Gabriel's mood darkened immediately as he read the note.

  Dear Miss Agnew, I want to sincerely apologize for my intrusion the other night. I could completely understand if you never want to see me again. However, I will be eternally grateful if you would allow me to somehow make it up to you. Again my sincerest apologies Derek Cipriani

  The asshole even had the fucking balls to include his number at the bottom of the note. Knowing he could not hide the evidence of the flowers around the house Gabriel carefully placed back the note. Ordering Bishop to stay put, Gabriel hoisted the heavy vase and walked across the street, setting the flowers at Tobias's door.

  Walking back into his office Gabriel pulled out the contract he had been working on all week, anything to take his mind off that prick. Ever since that night Gabriel had nothing to do with that piece of shit, well to be technical Cipriani made sure he had nothing to do with Gabriel. The man avoided him like the plague. Gabriel did not give a shit if the higher-ups frowned on it or not. The fact Derek was even able to walk out of his house that night was a blessing. If Tobias did not step in when he did Gabriel was positive someone would have had to call the police and the ambulance.

  Salene's terrified scream still replayed itself in his mind when he thought of that night. Cipriani's red face as he came down the hall told him everything. That fucking broken lock.

  Clenching his fist around his pen Gabriel leaned on his other hand as he narrowed his eyes at the rest of the memories of that night. Salene might not be his most favorite person in the world, but it was already understood he could not let anything happen to her. Gabriel could admit he had some old-fashioned beliefs and tendencies when it came to the fairer sex, but that also meant he be damned before he let a woman get accosted under his watch—especially Salene. But it was more than that if he was being honest with himself, the fact that Cipriani witnessed Salene fully nude was just un-fucking-conceivable.

  Annoyed and not getting a damn thing accomplished he walked to the kitchen. Grabbing a beer out of the fridge he popped the top. Taking a cold swig of the bitter liquid, he walked back towards the office. Salene was annoying, prissy, and smart mouthed. Salene was a shrew with a venomous tongue. If Salene wanted she could cut a man to ribbons with her words alone not to mention those damning honey colored eyes of judgment. Salene was not someone he should think about naked, or getting out of the shower soaking wet, or any other highly agitating scenario. So if he was not allowed to think of her that way he would be totally fucked before he would let Cipriani live a peaceful life with that mental image.

  Glancing at his watch, Gabriel noted it was getting late. Hovering his hand over his phone he paused. Salene was a grown woman with no real ties to him besides being a freeloader, she did not need to be checked up on. But she has been going in at four in the morning for the past week, so normally she was at home by now. The last couple of days he found her passed out in her room with the door open, presumably for Bishop to come and go.

  Never in his life was he given so many opportunities to watch someone sleep like he has with Salene. The first time he got to witness it was on the couch in the den that night he scared her with the spider. Realizing she had become quiet, he turned to see her curled up in the cushions fast asleep with Bishop practically on top of her sleeping as well. The second time Gabriel was not necessarily given the opportunity more like he took it. After the fiasco at the party, he was beyond riled up and restless. All he wanted to do was beat Derek's fucking face in, and since Tobias and the others pretty much restrained him from doing so, he was keyed up. Going into her room the night he had every intention of yelling at her as to why the hell she chose that time to shower, but he found her curled tightly under her covers. Even in the dark Gabriel could make out the puffy redness of her eyes from crying. The sight immediately sobered his anger. It did not take a genius to see that Salene was very self-conscious over her breast, having a stranger walk in on her at her most vulnerable moment must have been very terrifying. That night he was nearly caught as he found himself lost in thought as he watched her sleep, leaving Bishop with her, he was able to escape without being caught.

  Bishop's happy whine at the window caught his attention, turning to the window Gabriel watched Salene get out of her car before opening the garage door. Taking the signal that his friend was home Bishop raced out of the office.

  It was evident he had been replaced in Bishop's eyes.

  "Hi, my sweet boy," Salene's husky voice floated down the hall. "Where is that a mean old man at? Is he back here?"

  Mean old man, huh.

  "Hey there," stepping into the office doorway she stopped. "What are you looking for?"
>
  With both hands, he pushed his office chair back from his desk looking on either side of the floor next to him.

  "I am just searching for another spider to throw on you for that old man remark." He replied matter-of-factly.

  "I was just kidding Gabriel!" She whined.

  Giving her a smirk he looked her over, she was still wearing her green apron tied snugly around her waist. Today her brown curls seem different, curlier and a little lighter.

  "Why are you so late?" He did not care if his question came off controlling or not, he wanted to know why the hell she was just now getting back at six o'clock.

  Coming into the office, she plopped heavily into the leather chair in front of his desk with a dramatic sigh.

  "God today was long," arching her back in the chair Salene reached beneath her to untie the apron cord. Tearing his eyes away from the display he focused on the black and white contract in front of him. "So you remember that guy Kevin I was telling you about the other day?"