First a Dream (Dreams Come True #1) (7 page)

His shoulders heaved in relief. “That’s good to know, even if I question how you could be so certain. After all, you were drawn together once.”

“This is true.” She admitted with a nod. “Only he has done too much damage for me to ever trust him again. Suffice to say, cheating and lying are my deal breakers.” She grumbled for a moment under her breath before continuing. “I don’t want you to know too much about him, or the nature of our relationship and its demise. I don’t want you to hate him because of anything I may say.” She looked down at her feet and took a step back as the song they had been swaying to stopped.

Gabriel moved a step closer and lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his face. “I won’t hate him,” he whispered. “I will pity him for not knowing what he had. And if I ever meet him, I will thank him. His stupidity has brought me great fortune.” Isabella’s face brightened while her cheeks turned several shades of pink. “Let’s sit and have another drink while we talk about something happy.” He took her hand in his and started walking back to the deck.

“My kids,” Isabella murmured. “We could finally talk about Rebecca and Konnor.” Already she seemed happier. A smile even played at the corner of her lips.

They found their way through the crowd and Gabriel pulled out a chair for Isabella to sit at the table. He could tell from her reaction, she was completely unused to being treated so respectfully. His heart thumped exuberantly as he realized how much pleasure it gave him to do these simple acts of gallantry.

“Tell me all about Rebecca and Konnor.” He leaned in and waited for her to speak.

A second later, Isabella opened her phone and began showing him images she had taken of the kids. These weren’t normal, ordinary photos. These were art. She had captured moments. The two were holding hands walking in front of her on a sidewalk. In another, she captured them snuggled together asleep in bed. There was one of them playing in a sprinkler. The sheer joy on their faces was positively contagious.

Isabella shared pictures and stories for nearly half an hour when Gabriel realized he could listen to her talk about her babies forever. It was obvious she was the loving and devoted mother he imagined her to be. Being around her was like living an eternal spring, so much sunshine, everything fresh and new. Then he caught her glancing at the time on her phone. “Thinking about calling it a night?” He squeezed her hand.

Frowning, Isabella nodded. “I have to work in the morning. And you have a long drive.”

“This is true. Of course, the drive won’t seem nearly so long if I have you to talk to.” A smile broke out on his face. “I don’t suppose you’re ready to give me your phone number yet?”

With a grin, Isabella pulled out a small lilac Post It Note and passed it to him. “You listened to me blather on about my kids forever without freaking out. You totally earned this.” She laughed. Standing, she held out a hand. “Care to walk me to my car?”

Reaching up, Gabriel took her hand in his. He watched how effortlessly they knit their fingers together. Struck by how natural it felt, he doubted there was anything in this world that could ruin everything between them. As they neared her vehicle, Gabriel spun her into his arms. “I’ve been thinking about doing this since the moment we first met.” He released her hand and held her face in his palms. Her breathing quickened as he leaned in, closing the distance between them. When he was but millimeters away, he asked, “May I kiss you, Bella?”

Her lids lowered and he watched as her lashes fluttered against her cheeks. Finally she whispered, “Yes.” It sounded all breathy and seductive. He could feel the blood rushing to his groin.

Drawing her near, he matched his lips to hers, carefully so as not to startle her. Then he nipped at her bottom lip. The moment her mouth opened slightly in surprise, he began to tease her with his tongue. Every bit of his kiss spoke of his growing feelings for her. For once, he was grateful her eyes were closed. Had she seen his, they would’ve given his thoughts away.

Slowly, he stepped back and broke off contact, holding her an extra moment for balance since she had been leaning so heavily into him. Gradually her eyes opened once more, partway, as if she feared what he might see in her eyes too. Gabriel smiled as he silently helped her into her vehicle. “Drive safely, my Bella.” Then he closed the door as his hand clutched her phone number all the more tightly.

As he watched her drive away, Gabriel spent a moment musing. She was unlike anyone he had ever known. It was rare to find a beautiful woman who could carry on an intelligent conversation. So, in that respect, she passed both of his tests. Spoiled as he was, he craved beautiful things, and hated to be bored. Yet, something more stirred within him. He genuinely liked her. He didn’t just want to get her into bed, although every time they touched he felt poignantly aware of his attraction. He wanted to get to know her better. For him, it was an unusual position to be in.
Well,
he thought,
this could be interesting.

He climbed into his Beemer and sat for a moment. He wasn’t tired yet. He had no desire to go back to his empty studio apartment. Instead, he decided to drive. Hell, maybe he should grab his bag and drive home even. Then he could wake up in Montreal, enjoy a breakfast made by the chef, and start his Friday out right. Twenty minutes later he was on interstate 87, driving north to the border. The excitement from having spent the evening with Isabella was wearing off and boredom was setting in. Smiling, he knew precisely what to do. Picking up his cell phone, he punched in Isabella’s phone number. It only rang twice before she answered.

“Hello,” she said breathlessly.

“Hello, beautiful one.” Gabriel’s heart thumped robustly in his chest at the sound of her voice. “I just wanted to make sure you made it home safely. I feel better now that I can call and talk to you. You don’t mind that I called so late, do you?”

“No, it’s okay. Thank you for checking on me.”

“I know you have to work in the morning. I’m driving home now, but I couldn’t stop thinking about you. Are we still on for next Thursday?  I need something to look forward to.” A smile spread across his face as they spoke. It felt strange to admit his feelings to her, but at the same time, it felt safe, as if he already knew she was the one person in the world who would never hurt him. The confidence it gave him was ridiculously powerful.

“Of course.” She laughed. “And the good news, is now, we can go anywhere. You can call me anytime you’d like and we’ll make plans.”

There was a catch in her breath and Gabriel was certain she had yawned. “I heard that. Let me let you sleep. We’ll talk tomorrow. Promise.”

“Night, Gabriel.” Her voice sounded sleepy.

“Rest, my Bella. Until tomorrow.” Then he ended the call, but he still couldn’t stop thinking of her and their next date. He wanted it to be special.

Chapter Six

Isabella

Grabbing for her phone as soon as she opened her eyes, Isabella wasn’t surprised to see Gabriel had already sent a text message.

Gabriel: Good morning, beautiful one. I have meetings all day today, but we can text and I’ll call as soon as I’m done work so I can hear your voice. Have an amazing day. I’ll be thinking about you.

Suddenly, she felt like she was some dumb high school kid all over again. She clapped a hand over her mouth and squealed.
Oh, Gabriel.
He seemed to always know the best things to say to her. Even more importantly, he seemed to do an incredible job of earning her trust and keeping his word. This was everything.

Floating on air, she slipped from between the sheets and walked to the bathroom to get ready for work while she wondered what to say back. Everything that came to mind seemed so silly. Finally, she decided to be real, sincere. If he couldn’t handle it or decided she wasn’t what he was looking for, better to figure it out now, rather than later when she’d fallen hard for him. Already she could tell her heart was in danger.

Wearing only her bathrobe post shower, she picked up her phone and sent him a message in response.

Isabella: Good morning, handsome. Hope you slept well. Can’t wait to talk to you later. Today’s going to be a long day, but you’ll be a welcome distraction. XOXO

She hit send and froze. “XOXO?  Hugs and kisses?” She slapped her forehead. Too late now.

The phone rang and she answered it without looking. “I’m sorry. I’m a nerd. I have no idea why I signed the text ‘hugs and kisses.’” She sighed as she waited for a response.

“Who are you sending hugs and kisses to?” Jack’s voice snapped her out of her embarrassment and straight into annoyance.

“Let’s file that under
none of your damn business
. Why are you calling me?” She slammed the bathroom door and started walking down the stairs while they spoke. She had to feed and dress the kids before they left in half an hour.

“Nice. We were married for how long?” He grumbled.

“Too long. And it meant so much to you that you threw it away. What do you want, Jack?” Speaking with him was already putting her in a funk. She pulled the Eggos out of the freezer and stuck two of the chocolate chip into the toaster while she waited for him to respond.

“I just wanted to make sure I could pick up the kids after dinner tonight.”

“You got it. I wouldn’t want you to have to feed them. Of course with all the child support you’re not paying, you should be able to afford it.” The kids walked into the kitchen smiling. “See you at seven, Jack. I have plans.” Then she ended the call so she could spend time with Rebecca and Konnor. “You dressed yourselves!” She smiled at their attire. It didn’t completely match, but they had done it all on their own. “Wow. Now that you’re so big, we should start picking out clothes the night before. Then you’ll only have to put them on in the morning.” The toaster popped and she pulled the waffles out onto separate plates and passed them to the kids.

Rebecca sat in her seat and took a bite of her waffle before speaking. “I heard you say you have plans. What are you doing tonight, mommy?”

Shaking her head, Isabella opened the text message that had chimed. It was Gabriel. He sent her a YouTube video. She’d watch it in a minute. “Sorry. Oh, I’m meeting Jessie tonight.”

Rebecca smiled. “Good. I don’t like to think of you being home alone.”

Isabella smiled at her sweet girl. “Don’t worry about me. Think of all the fun you’ll have with daddy tonight.”

In response, Rebecca looked down at her plate and sighed.

***

As expected, the day was long, but still seemed to fly by for Isabella. She had received an unexpected compliment from Kristofer. “Whatever you’re doing differently in your life, keep doing it.” He stared at the proofs from her latest photo shoot. “This is the best I’ve seen from you in a long time.” Finally he stood and turned with a huge smile on his face. “I think it’s safe to say you’re back, baby.” He laughed before growing serious once more. “So how’s the gallery work coming along?”

Isabella bit her cheek and pretended to concentrate on the schedule for the day. “It’s coming.” She shrugged. “As long as the gallery wants to share a hundred photos of my kids.” She let out a hollow laugh. “At least the crippling fear is gone, right?  Counting our blessings and all…”

Laying a hand on her shoulder, Kristofer squeezed gently. “It will come. Don’t push it.”

Finally, their day was done and she rushed home to feed the kids before Jack arrived. She had barely managed to get dinner on the table when her phone rang and Gabriel’s face flashed across the screen. Feeling more than a little guilty, she answered. “I’m so sorry. I’m trying to get eh kids fed before their father comes to pick them up. Can I call you back after they leave?”

“Of course, my Bella. Enjoy your time with them. We’ll talk soon enough.” His voice came through the phone like a warm caress, instantly soothing her.

With a happy sigh, she murmured, “I can’t wait. Bye.” As she ended the call, she realized Jack had entered the room. “You need to knock.” He opened his mouth to protest, but she shook her head. “Porch. Now.”

Jack grudging walked back the direction he’d come. By the time she had pushed through the door, his arms were folded angrily across his chest and his eyes had narrowed. “What’s your problem?”

“You don’t live here. Do I really need to change the locks and start using the deadbolt?” She threw her hands in the air. “It’s about respecting the boundaries. I realize this is a challenge for you, since you never did during the marriage, but now, I insist.”

“Fine.” He grumbled. “I’ll drop the kids off Sunday sometime.”

“Sunday at seven in the evening.” She placed her hands on her hips.

“You’re going to hold me to a time?” His voice showed his exasperation.

“Definitely. I need to know what time to be here. I may have plans.” Before he could question her, she strutted back into the house and grabbed the bags she’d packed earlier. “Here you go. Load those in your car. I’ll clean up the kids. Enjoy your weekend.”

It was an effort to keep it all business. Dealing with him made the wounds feel constantly fresh. She wondered if her pride would ever heal, if she could ever hold her head high again. Minutes later, she was waving to the kids as they drove away with their father. Isabella packed the leftovers into containers and stuck them in the fridge before loading the dishwasher. Convinced she could finally relax, she smiled slightly and picked up her phone. It rang twice before Gabriel answered.

“Would you believe now I’m having dinner?” He sighed.

Giggling in response, Isabella murmured, “Of course you are.”

“Can I call when I’m done?  I really want to hear about your day.” His words made her heart race.

“Absolutely. Jessie and I are going to a movie tonight, then we’ll grab dessert somewhere.” In her mind, she could see precisely how this would go. It would be a night of phone tag.

“I’m meeting my friends out for drinks. It’s our Friday night thing.” Gabriel was silent a split second before adding, “And Saturday night. Maybe we’re lushes.”

Isabella choked back a laugh. “I doubt that. You’re socializing. No big deal.”

“We will talk tonight, Bella. I’m not giving up.” In the background, she heard an irritated voice. “That would be my father. I have to go.”

“Bye, Gabriel.” The call ended, but her funk continued. It might be too much for them. Their lives were going different directions. She had kids and work. He had work and a social life. “This was only supposed to be fun, anyway.” She reminded herself. “It’s not like I thought it was going to be forever.”

“Who was that?” Mr. Charmant asked angrily as he wiped his mouth. “No cell phones at the table, Gabriel. It’s not a new rule.”

Rolling his eyes to the ceiling, Gabriel struggled to remain calm. “I seem to recall the rule being broken on your part last weekend.” He eyed his father.

Throwing the napkin on the table, his father growled. “That was business. It doesn’t count.”

“And that was my business.” He nodded at the phone.

With an arched eyebrow, his father challenged him. “Really?  It sounded like a woman.”

“Her name is Isabella. She matters to me.” He set down his fork and folded his hands while he waited for a reaction.

Slowly, his father softened. “Is she someone you’d bring home?”

Instantly, Gabriel nodded. “She’s amazing, a photographer. She has a show scheduled in Jean Paul’s gallery. She’s the reason I’m attending SUNY Plattsburgh.”

“
She’s
the reason?”

The tips of his ears turned pink as he realized what he’d said. “Her photos are.” Picking up his fork once more, he stabbed a bite of the filet and stuck it in his mouth. Though it was cooked and seasoned to perfection, it slowly turned to a paste in his mouth. He could feel his father studying him eve as he avoided eye contact.

“What else?  There’s something you aren’t telling me. Why do I think I won’t approve of this woman?” He leaned on the table, which marked another broken rule.

Gabriel moved the asparagus around on his plate, avoiding eye contact. “I have no idea.” Even as he said those words, he knew they weren’t true. Isabella wasn’t their kind. She didn’t come from money. Worse, she had two children, which meant her father would label her a gold digger without ever giving her a chance. Still, he refused to stop seeing her. Something in him had to see how far this could go. It was as if his very life depended upon it. “May I be excused?” He didn’t even wait for the answer. Standing, he moved, pushed in his chair and walked to the grand staircase to climb to his wing. His whole life had been one giant act striving for his father’s approval. Now, he’d throw it all away if it meant he could have Isabella.

As he moved closer to his suite, the phone in his pocket chimed. His breath quickened as he checked his text messages. Disappointment filled him when he realized it was only Sebastian confirming their meeting place. Same old same old, when he’d rather be doing something new and different. If Gabriel didn’t have meetings tomorrow afternoon and a mountain of paperwork, he’d pack up and go back to Plattsburgh immediately and see Isabella. Instead, he responded to Sebastian’s text.

Gabriel: See you soon.

When he opened the door to his room, he discovered for the first time, the space felt foreign to him. Though he had grown up in this house, had this room for as long as he could remember, he felt, for the first time, as though he didn’t belong here. If only there were a way to get out sooner.

Walking to the closet, Gabriel considered what to wear for the night. Usually, he opted for something that might flatter his arms and his chest, two of his better features. Instead, he simply took off his tie, rolled up his sleeves, and unbuttoned the first two buttons. He had no one to impress, since Isabella was miles away. With a frown, he sent one more text, this time to the woman he couldn’t get out of his mind.

Gabriel: Hello, beautiful one. I don’t suppose you have time to talk to me now?

Her response was swift and disheartening.

Isabella: In the theater with Jessie. She says ‘hi!’ It’s a two hour movie. Later?

Gabriel:  Of course. Looking forward to it.

Gabriel slammed his phone down. He had grown far too attached. It had happened far too fast. He’d never felt like this before. He felt completely off balance. He couldn’t focus on anything else. It was sick. He must be sick.

***

Ben greeted him first with a shake and a frown. “Are you sick?” He spoke low so none of the others would hear.

“Not exactly.” Gabriel offered Ben a weak smile. He watched as Ben studied him.

“You seem...out of sorts, like you really don’t want to be here.” He leaned in again. “You sure everything’s okay?”

With a half smile, Gabriel responded. “It’s as good as it’s going to get for now.” He checked his phone to see if he’d missed a text or a phone call. Still nothing. He hoped she was having a good time with Jessie. Maybe they should go see a movie next date.

“Nice of you to join us.” Sebastian spoke from his seat at the head of the table.

Gabriel smirked. Sebastian always tried to run everything. It was all about power to him. “Well, thanks for the invite.” He glanced about the table. “What are we drinking?”

“Liquor. Real men do shots. You ready?” Sebastian looked inordinately proud of himself.

“What’s that next to your shot?” Gabriel pointed at the tall glass he suspected was soda.

Rolling his eyes, Sebastian answered. “It’s a Coke for after the shot. What the hell did you think it was?”

“Oh. I didn’t think real men needed chasers.” Gabriel smirked as his friends broke out in laughter. Then he signaled the waitress to bring him a shot. It only took her a few seconds to deliver it.