First a Dream (Dreams Come True #1) (8 page)

“Would you like a soda too?” She batted her eyelashes as she spoke.

Shaking his head, he declined her offer. Then he lifted his glass. “A toast.”

“What are we toasting?” Ben smiled at him, probably thinking Gabriel’s mood had improved, when he’d really only decided to drown his sorrows.

On the table, Gabriel’s phone lit up and Bella’s name shone on the screen. “Love.” He suddenly forgot everyone else existed as he swallowed back his shot, grabbed his phone, and walked outside.

Once he reached the street, he slid his finger across the screen. “Bella!  How are you?” Gabriel felt his stomach turning from the shot and excitement of finally speaking to her.

“Better you should ask where I am.” Her laughter filled his ears.

Shrugging, he chuckled. “Okay. Where are you?” Then the darkness crept in and corrupted his thoughts. “Are you okay?  Do you need me to come get you?” He fished in his pocket for his keys.

“Nah. Just tell me where you are and I’ll come to you,” she purred.

“What?  I’m confused.” He held his head with one hand as he tried to process what she said.

“We’re almost in Montreal. Let me know where you are, if you want to meet up.” She giggled. “If not, no big deal. Jessie and I will go dancing and I’ll see you next week sometime.” She sounded happy and carefree.

“Why wouldn’t I want to see you?” His heart thumped heavily in his chest. “I’ll text you. Then let me know how far out you are.” He sent the address for the quieter pub down the street. It would be better to meet there.

“GPS says forty minutes. See you then!”

The call abruptly ended. For a moment, he wondered over what he’d done. Then he realized he wouldn’t have it any other way. Walking back into the bar, he saw two shots lined up at his seat.

“You are one down. And this is the next one, unless you can’t keep up.” Sebastian was always such a smart ass.

At the moment, Gabriel was pretty sure he could fly if anyone suggested it. Without saying a word he downed first one shot, then the next. Liquid courage. For some reason, tonight he needed it.

Finally, half an hour later, Gabriel stood, feeling more than a little unsteady. “I have a prior engagement.” His words slurred slightly.

Ben followed, calling to the others over his shoulder. “I’m going to see Gabe gets home safely.”

Once they were on the sidewalk out front, Ben grabbed Gabriel’s shoulder. “What are you doing, man?  You can’t drive.”

Pointing down the street, Gabriel shook his head. “Don’t have to. Meeting her there.” He staggered a few feet. “I’m fine.”

“You’re about as opposite from fine as a person can get. Who’s this woman you’re about to humiliate yourself in front of?” Ben grabbed his upper arm and helped him own the street.

Gabriel’s face lit up. “Isabella. She’s amazing.” He sighed happily. Then he stared at Ben a moment. “Why aren’t you drunk?  Sebastian was head down on the table. Matty looked like he could vomit at any moment. You?  You’re fine.”

“Well one of us has to be responsible.” Ben laughed. “I spit out my shots in the beer bottle I pretend to use as a chaser.” A smile broke out on his face for his cleverness. “I can’t believe you let Sebastian goad you into a drinking contest.”

“I won!” Gabriel narrowed his eyes.

Nodding, Ben agreed. “That you did, but you might lose the girl in the process.”

“My Bella. She’s the marrying kind. Too bad I’m not.” He frowned.

“What makes you think so?” Ben walked him a few more steps until Gabriel gestured they had arrived.

“This is the place.” He reached for the door, but couldn’t open it. “Oh, they’re closed.”

Ben sighed. “Try pulling.”

When the door opened on this attempt, Gabriel beamed. “Look!  They’re open!”

“Amazing.” Ben helped Gabe to a round booth. “Why aren’t you the marrying kind?”

“Have you met my father?  What do I know about love or marriage?” He shook his head. “Plus, I vowed I’d never marry until I was at least thirty.” He dropped his chin. “I need a drink.”

“I agree.” Ben motioned for a waitress. When she arrived, he ordered. “Two Pepsis.” Moments later, the drinks were set on the table and Ben pushed one in front of Gabriel. “Drink this.”

Obediently, he took a few sips. “I can’t. I think I’m going to vomit.”

Standing, Ben reached for him. “Not a bad idea. Out with the bad, in with the good and all that. We’ll have you fixed up in no time. You’ll be feeling much better before your Bella arrives.”

Gabriel struggled to his feet. “Too late,” he muttered as he pointed.

Ben glanced to his left where the two women stood. Isabella moved to take a step closer to Gabriel. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he cautioned.

She turned her head and asked, “Why?”

It started as a burp. He thought he was just going to discreetly release this air bubble that was causing such pain in his belly. Instead, he threw up...all over himself, the table, and especially Bella. He felt miserable and yet slightly better at the same time.

“Okay. We’re going to need some paper towels, a mop…” Bella began calmly requesting supplies.

“And a couple of new outfits,” Jessie suggested.

Then it all went dark.

***  

“I’m not the marrying kind,” he mumbled. Gradually, he realized sunlight was stinging his eyelids. As he rolled to his side to escape it, Gabriel found a warm, soft body in his way. Cautiously, he inhaled. This was the worst part, waking up, not remembering what happened, not knowing where he was. Worse, his gut clenched at the realization he may have betrayed his Bella. Relief filled him as he recognized the scent. He sniffed again.

“Why are you sniffing me?” Isabella giggled.

“It’s you.” Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her and drew her closer to his bare skin. The moment he felt her naked ass brush against his erection, he froze. If they had sex and he forgot it, he’d never forgive himself. “Oh my god. Did we…”

“You were magnificent.” She used that breathy seductive voice he loved.

His eyes shot open and he swallowed hard. “I’m so sorry, beautiful one. I remember...nothing.”

Isabella beamed. “Nothing?  Not even the part where we met up?”

He frowned. “Sadly, no.”

“What about the part where you drank yourself sick with your friends?” She bit her lip.

“Even that’s a little hazy.”

“Does the puking jog your memory?” Her brows knit together.

Falling back onto the pillows, Gabriel covered his face. “Crap. I vomited in front of you.”

“And on me. The table. Yourself. Ben’s shoes.” She ticked everything off like a grocery list. “Jessie somehow escaped unscathed.”

“Fuck me.” He spoke into the crook of his arm.

She laughed. “You tried, but the alcohol prevented it.”

“I’m never drinking again.” He lifted his arm slightly, just enough to see her face. “Do you hate me?”

Isabella lowered her body slowly until she was pressed against him. He was acutely aware of her naked flesh against his. He could feel the mounds of her breasts against his side. Carefully, he slid one arm around her waist, laying his hand on her lower back, slightly above where it flared out for her amazing ass.

“Would I be here if I hated you?” She grazed his chest with her lips. “Okay, I might be since I had no clothes.” She giggled. “No. For some reason, I adore you, Gabriel Charmant.” Then her lips moved higher until she was kissing his collarbone, then his neck, his cheek and finally his temple. Her lips hovered for a moment over his until there was a knock on the door. After dropping a peck on his lips, she rapidly rolled away. “I’ll get it.”

He took one look at her bare ass as she started to walk away. A fire ignited inside him. “No you won’t. Back in bed. I’ll get it.” He scowled. No one else could see her like this. A fierce possessiveness took hold.

By the time he came around the bed toward the door, she was tucked back under the covers, smiling at him. “I was going to grab a robe. They’re on the bathroom door.” She pointed.

“Good idea.” He grabbed for a white hotel robe and cinched it before peeking out the peephole. It was Ben. Whipping the door open, he let him in. “What are you doing here?” He frowned. All he wanted was to be alone with Bella.

“Here’s your card. You paid for the room, an outfit for Bella and you.” He passed the credit card. “Oh, and my new shoes.” Ben grinned.

Looking down at the floor, he studied his friend’s footwear. “I have excellent taste.” Gabriel reached for the bags in Ben’s hand. “The clothes, I presume.” He opened one and reached inside to see the contents. There was a bra and panties, along with a sundress and new sandals. It was nice, but it bothered him to have Ben picking out Bella’s clothes and especially her unmentionables.

“She told me the sizes. I wrote them down and went shopping first thing this morning.” Ben glanced at his watch. “I rushed because you have that meeting at one this afternoon.”

“You did great, Ben. Thank you.” Gabriel’s mood was still sour, not unlike his stomach. “I suppose we need to get ready.”

“Oh, and here are your keys. I had your car detailed this morning too.”

It was impossible to be mad at Ben. He was the best person Gabriel knew, other than Isabella. Glancing over at the bed, he saw her sitting up with the sheets wrapped around her. “Thank you. I’ll call you later.”

“Goodbye, Isabella!” Ben called as he opened the door to leave. “Thank you for staying with Gabriel. I’m sure he preferred waking up to you, instead of me.”

“Thank you for the clothes. I’m sure no one wants to see me running around naked.” She laughed.

“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Ben replied. He winked at Gabriel then shut the door behind him.

Gabriel stared at the door for a few moments after it closed. He had no idea what to say. He’d made a horrific mess of the night. Yet for some reason, she was still here. Could it be the money?  He swallowed hard. He didn’t want to believe it of her. “Why did you stay with me?” He spoke quietly as he walked back to the bed.

“Well, you were in no condition to stay alone.” She looked down, as if ashamed. “I wanted to take care of you. I needed to know you were okay.”

He sat on the bed beside her. “Why are you upset?  I’m the one who should be embarrassed.”

“I’m such a mom. There’s nothing hot about moms.” Her voice was a whisper.

Shaking his head, Gabriel murmured, “You’re a nurturer. I need that. I’m just…”

“Not the marrying kind?” She laughed. “You kept telling me that last night.” She looked into his eyes earnestly. “I’m in the middle of a divorce. I can’t think in marriage terms right now. All I know is how much I enjoy our time together. You make me feel special. I need that.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Up until last night, you’ve been so perfect, it scared me. I’m not perfect, Gabriel. I don’t have a perfect body, or perfect family, or job, or life.” She shrugged. “Seeing you last night...it made you real. It made you so much less scary. And I thought...maybe, just maybe, you were struggling with life some too.” She sighed. “Stupid, huh?”

Gently, he turned her face upward as he leaned down. His lips grazed her lips. “Not stupid. You’re right. And in case you were wondering, you’re perfect to me.” Then he kissed her on the tip of her nose. Her eyes were closed, her mouth upturned, lips slightly parted. He wanted to kiss her, but not before he cleaned up. “I’m going to go brush my teeth. Can I get a rain check?” As he pulled away, he realized she positively glowed.

“Always.” A blush rose in her cheeks. “When you’re done in there, it’s my turn.”

Chapter Seven

Isabella

Saturday night, Gabriel drove Isabella home. While he was in meetings during the afternoon, she had walked around taking pictures with his fancy digital camera. He promised to download and email the shots to her later. They had gone to dinner at a nice restaurant, just the two of them. Finally, even as he was all but begging her stay over in the hotel with him one more night, she decided to go home.

“Why didn’t you stay?” Jessie sounded exasperated.

With a sigh, Isabella looked down at her feet, dangling on Jessie’s porch swing. “If I stayed, I know I would’ve slept with him.”

“So?” Jessie stopped the swing entirely and stared at her. “You’re getting divorced. It’s not cheating.”

“I know. It’s not about that.” Isabella struggled to explain. “It’s so soon. I’m afraid I’ll fall hard if I sleep with him. Last night, he kept saying over and over again ‘I’m not the marrying kind.’  Even though I’m not thinking about marriage now, I know I will one day. I’m still cleaning up from my last hopeless relationship.” Her eyes began to prickle from the familiar sting.

Throwing her arms around her friend, Jessie soothed her. “I understand.” She sat quietly for a few seconds before she spoke once more. “Did it ever occur to you, if he had to keep repeating it, he might be trying to convince himself?”

Suddenly, Isabella erupted in laughter. “No. I never considered that possibility.” She smiled, her eyes still glassy. “Maybe I should just enjoy this for a while.”

“I think that’s a great idea.”

Slowly, Isabella stretched and stood. “I guess I’ll be going now.”

“Then what?” Jessie stood to walk her to the car.

“Then I get used to being alone. It’ll be good for me.” She nodded as though trying to convince herself before hugging Jessie and climbing into her vehicle. The twenty-minute drive gave her plenty of thinking time. In her mind, she replayed the previous night.

Gabriel had pretty much blacked out after he launched his stomach contents. It didn’t take long to realize he was in no condition to go home and shouldn’t be left alone. Almost as quickly, Isabella knew she couldn’t leave him. He seemed so vulnerable. She wanted to take care of him. Her heart swelled. Though she kept it business, it would’ve been impossible not to notice his muscular chest, strong arms, and well-defined abs. He could’ve been a Calvin Klein model, and for some reason, he liked her.

Jessie drove Isabella’s car back. Despite the drama, she enjoyed talking to Ben, getting to know him. It warmed her to see Gabriel had at least one real, true, good friend. He was funny, too, which helped make the night painless. When Ben left and they were alone, Isabella snuggled into bed with Gabriel, making sure he slept on his side in case he had to puke again. Still, wrapping her arms around him, she slept amazingly well. The only way it could’ve been more perfect, would’ve been if he’d been aware of her presence.

Pulling into her driveway, she parked the minivan and walked to her door. Once inside, she locked it behind her. The quiet and dark were unnerving so she rushed directly up the stairs and prepared for bed. A few minutes later, almost as soon as she had crawled under the sheets, her phone rang.

“Hello, beautiful one.”

Isabella smiled at the warmth she felt through the phone, momentarily gloried in it and then spoke. “Calling to tuck me in, I presume?”

“Always. Would you like me to sing to you tonight?” He chuckled after his offer.

She tilted her head as she pondered a moment. “Can you sing like Andrea Boccelli?”

A full-blown laugh. “No, actually.”

Isabella giggled. “Then tell me a story.”

“How about a fairy tale?  I could tell you the one about a big city businessman who finds all the happiness in the world with an amazing small town photographer.”

“Funny. I’m not familiar with that one. How does it go?” Her eyes sparkled in delight as she listened to him.

Thus Gabriel began to weave their story, spinning a beautiful tale. Of course, as Isabella loved to listen to him talk, he could have just as easily been telling the history of toilet paper and she would have been as equally enchanted. Soon enough he arrived at the present and Isabella eagerly awaited the ending. When the story simply trailed off, she questioned him. “So how does it end?” Her voice was quiet, since she was afraid of breaking the spell.

For some reason Gabriel responded with a surety that shocked her. “It doesn’t.”

She sat upright in her bed. “All fairy tales end, Gabriel,” she murmured seriously, and with a small degree of fear.

“It doesn’t have to.” Gabriel replied, wistfully.

She sighed, completely unconvinced, wondering what to say to fill the void when Gabriel spoke again.

“Fine, Bella. If you insist on an ending, I’ll tell you the one I’m envisioning.” She braced herself, prepared for the worst, but nothing could have prepared her for the phrase he next spoke.

“And they lived happily ever after,” he murmured into the phone.

Chills ran down her spine. “Well, that would be something, since you aren’t the marrying kind.” They were both silent a moment before Isabella spoke. “Sleep well, Gabriel. Good night.” Then she ended the call.

***

The summer wore on and Isabella and Gabriel continued seeing each other. She had grown to love their daily talks, their nightly calls, and their dates. As the weeks passed, she’d discovered Gabriel had a wonderful way of constantly surprising her.

One night he rented out the Juniper dinner cruise. He paid for the entire boat so it was only the two of them dining by candlelight on the water, dancing under the stars, and holding each other as they traveled down Lake Champlain. It was amazing.

Of course, there was also the night he packed them an irresistible picnic dinner to enjoy at the park. After they were done eating, he pushed her for what seemed like hours on the swing as she giggled and laughed. All of this because he remembered she’d once confessed her continued love of swings.

Her personal favorite date, however, had to be the night he took her to dinner at Cafe Mooney Bay. There was an awkward moment when their waiter turned out to be Jack. Isabella had introduced them, reluctantly. Gabriel pushed back his chair, stood up, and shook Jack’s hand while thanking him profusely.

It felt like being a teenager all over again. Gabriel demonstrated an incredible devotion to Isabella. He called her every weekend from Montreal, and almost every night from his place in town. He sent text messages throughout the day. Always he called her Bella, or even more charming, Beautiful One. For the first time in a long time, Isabella began to feel beautiful.

Then it happened. Gabriel’s last night in Plattsburgh had finally arrived. She had been dreading it on so many levels. She expected a sad goodbye, but the conversation went nothing like she expected.

Instead, Gabriel spoke of the future. “I will have my own place soon. I picked it out already, but it will be under construction for a while. In the meantime, I will have to stay at my father’s house.”

“Your father doesn’t have a house.” Isabella managed a weak laugh. “He has a mansion, or even an estate, but certainly not a house.”

“Listen,” Gabriel tried to defend his claim, “just because the place sprawls over three stories, and has an elevator...” His voice trailed off. “Okay. I guess you’re right. He owns a mansion.” His tone changed. “The place we had in Saudi Arabia was even bigger. We had to give up a lot of our money to move here. Did I ever tell you that over there I was...”

“Royalty?” Isabella interrupted. “Yes, you mentioned it once or twice. As I recall, you were born in Casablanca, romantic locale of the famous Bogart-Bergman flick. Your mother came from Egypt. You speak four languages fluently and are learning several more. Oh, and one day you will rule over the family empire. Have I forgotten anything?” She sighed, knowing her emotions were beginning to show. A heavy silence permeated through the phone lines. “I’m sorry. I know you’re amazing and come from an impressive family.” She swallowed hard. “You are unlike anyone I have ever known, ever thought I might know. I guess I’m just tense. The kids go back to school in a few weeks and I’m not ready. I’m not ready for my summer to end.” Isabella hoped it explained away what she’d said, and wondered if he would truly understand why she wished her summer would never end.

“I’m sorry, too, Bella.” He spoke very carefully now, as though each phrase was produced after much thought. “I am not trying to brag. I guess I just want you to see...” He sighed then totally changed the direction of the conversation. “So, will you help me decorate my new apartment?”

“What?” Isabella sat stunned. “Gabriel, I think we need to talk. In person. Can I meet you in fifteen minutes?”

“Sure. Pick the place.”

“Koffee Kat.”

As soon as the call ended, Isabella reached out to the teenager next door who always seemed to be available on a moment’s notice. Fortunately, tonight was no different. Jane walked in and immediately went to the kitchen.

“I’ll be back later. I’m not sure when. Do you need a time frame?” Isabella paused near the door as she waited for a response.

Jane shook her head, still looking intently at the contents of the fridge.

The ride to town, though only ten minutes, seemed much longer this evening. It gave Isabella a much-needed opportunity to think. At last she pulled up to her favorite coffee house. Gabriel was already sitting out front watching for her. As soon as she parked and walked across the street, he greeted her with a hug and held the door for her.

The woman behind the counter smiled in recognition. “Chocolate cappuccino?”

Isabella nodded and blushed slightly. “Yes, thank you. And before you ask…”

“You want the zip bean and the chocolate shaving on the whip cream.” The barista laughed.

Turning to Gabriel, Isabella shrugged. “I’m going to need all the calories.”

In response, he reached out and squeezed her hand. To the barista, he simply said, “I’ll have the same.” Once they were prepared, he stacked them on top of each other and held the door for her. “Now what?”

She could sense Gabriel’s apprehension. She hadn’t been as open and warm as she normally would, distancing herself in case she might soon be hurt. Isabella could feel him studying her, knew that he had no idea what she currently pondered. “I wanted to take you somewhere special for our talk. This place always calms my nerves.”

They climbed into her vehicle and moments later pulled up to the River Walk. Gabriel deeply inhaled the fresh air. “This place is beautiful. No wonder you like it here.”

As Isabella had hoped, the place was virtually deserted. Most nights, people would come and go, but very few lingered here, which Isabella failed to understand. Others only passed by to walk a dog, or quickly feed the ducks. Gabriel and Isabella picked a bench on the last terrace nearest the water, just before sunset. Already, the moon illuminated one small segment of sky. Sailboats were meandering by, and the ducks were noisily quacking for scraps of bread. Still, it remained a peaceful spot.

Slowly, she shifted to face him. He mirrored her, waiting patiently for her to begin the conversation. As he brought the coffee to his lips as she asked, “So Gabriel, what are your intentions with me?”

He looked startled, his eyes bulged slightly, he spluttered, and at last swallowed his steaming mouthful, his eyes blinking. It took a moment before he was able to speak. “Well, I don’t have an actual plan.” Gabriel took her hand in his and ran his thumb over her fingers. “I want to keep seeing you, if that’s what you mean. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I just know that I like you very much, much more than I ever would have expected, much more than I ever intended.” He frowned for a moment. “I’m a planner and this...was completely unexpected. All I only know for certain is I want to continue getting to know you and take it from there. Whatever is between us, it’s big and powerful. I have to see it through.” Gabriel paused as he searched her eyes. “Can you live with that?”

Isabella’s entire body heaved a sigh of relief. She smiled in answer and leaned into him. He put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. They were silent for several minutes.

“You know,” Gabriel began, “the rest of my friends are dying to meet you. They feel left out because Ben met you. I’m not really ready to share you yet, but at some point could we go out to dinner with my friends so that they can get to know you?”

“Of course.” Isabella grinned.

They sat in silence as the sun set and the stars appeared. The streetlights flickered, then burst to life. Reluctantly, they strolled back to Isabella’s car. Before they climbed in, Gabriel pulled Isabella against his chest and held her close.

“I’m not ready to give you up yet,” she murmured into his shirt. She sighed. As much as he had so willingly revealed, this was the most she felt comfortable expressing. He had revealed so much and she had shared so little. If there were to be a future, it would have to change. Swallowing nervously, knowing this one question would change everything between them she asked, “Do you want to see where I live?” Then she stared up at him expectantly.

A smile lit up Gabriel’s face. “I thought you’d never ask.”