Chapter 33
Chapter 33
Gabriel paced up and down in his apartment, half anticipating, half nervous about the date. He couldn't stop thinking about what they should talk about. Should he dive into deep conversations or keep it light and casual? Maybe a mixture of both? His gaze fell on the bouquet of red roses and box of chocolate lying on his bed, and doubt began creeping in.
He'd gotten nut-free chocolates because he didn't know if she was allergic to them or not, but what if she hated red roses and preferred white instead? What if the whole evening turned out to be a disaster?
He walked back and forth, the anxiety bubbling up in his chest like an unwelcome guest. He headed to the mirror and looked at his reflection, straightening his tie for what felt like the hundredth time. His chocolate brown hair, styled in a low side fade haircut, was neatly brushed back in a professional manner. The dimple on his left cheek appeared as he gave himself a reassuring smile, though the gesture did little to calm the nervous flutter in his stomach.
After another deep breath, he walked to his bed, picked up the roses, and pocketed his wallet. With one last glance around his apartment, Gabriel walked out, his heart pounding in his chest. The hallway felt unusually long as he made his way to Joslyn's door. Every step brought him closer to her, and to the night they would share, and he couldn't help but wonder how it would go.
As he approached her door, Gabriel took another deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. This was it. He was about to take a step that he had been dreaming of for years. No matter how the evening went, he knew one thing for certain—he wanted to be with Joslyn. And tonight was the first step in making that happen.
He raised his hand and knocked gently, the sound echoing softly in the quiet hallway.
Gabriel's knock had barely finished echoing through the hallway when Joslyn opened the door. His breath caught in his throat, and his mouth hung open, stunned by the perfection before him.
Joslyn stood there, looking like an unreal vision in a stunning turquoise dinner gown. Her chin-length silver hair, styled in an asymmetrical lob, was in loose waves tonight, framing her face perfectly. The gown itself was a masterpiece of design— elegant yet undeniably sexy. The neckline dipped daringly, accentuating her curves and drawing his eyes to her cleavage. The fabric clung to her body, hugging her waist and making it look impossibly small.
The gown had a high slit that stopped at her upper thigh, revealing her long, slender legs. Her skin looked smooth and milky in the hallway's soft lighting. She completed the ensemble with a pair of black stilettos that added height to her frame.
Gabriel's mind raced with thoughts, none of which involved leaving the apartment. The sight of Joslyn dressed like this was intoxicating, and he couldn't help but let his eyes linger on her a moment longer, drinking in every detail like a man parched in the desert.
“Baby,” he managed to say, his voice thick with admiration, surprise, and the desire that began bubbling within him. “You look fucking incredible.”
Joslyn blushed slightly, looking down as a shy smile tugged at her lips. “Thank you,” she murmured, her honey-brown eyes meeting his own blue-green orbs briefly before darting away. “You look quite handsome yourself.”
Snapping out of his reverie, Gabriel handed her the bouquet. “For you,” he said, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Like I promised."
Joslyn's eyes lit up as she accepted the flowers. She brought them to her nose, inhaling their sweet fragrance, and then looked up at him with a warmth that made his heart swell. "Thank you, Gabriel. They're beautiful."
She stepped aside and gestured toward her apartment door. "Come on in. I'm almost done, just need to pack up my purse."
As she turned to walk back in, Gabriel felt a surge of impulse. He grabbed her gently but firmly and pulled her into a heated kiss. Joslyn melted into the embrace, her hands instinctively finding their place on his shoulders as she returned the kiss with equal fervor.
When they finally pulled away, her cheeks were flushed, and she laughed softly, the sound light and breathless. "Now I have to add redoing my lipstick to my list of things to do."
Gabriel chuckled, his eyes dark with lingering desire as he watched her saunter off to finish getting ready. He made no effort to hide his gaze, unashamedly staring at her ass as she walked, appreciating the way the turquoise fabric hugged every curve.
She glanced back and caught his gaze, laughing lightly at his unabashed admiration. “I'll be right back,” she said with a playful wink, leaving Gabriel standing there, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation for the night ahead.