Page 37 of Chasing the Dream

“He was just being nice.”

He shook his head. “Guys like him don’t give things to women without expecting something in return.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry. This isn’t high school, and he isn’t Todd.” His concern flattered her and made her uncomfortable. He was acting like an overprotective big brother again…unless there was something more to it.

“Maybe I should ask Stefan to work on this project instead. Imagine the look on Bryan’s face…”

“Stop it!” she shouted.

His eyes widened with surprise.

“You’re being ridiculous. Even if Bryan is attracted to me, I’m not interested. Secondly, you assigned this account to me, and you can’t just kick me off. I can handle myself, Gabe, and I want to do this.”

He stared at her for a few beats before returning his attention to the road, and he remained silent until they pulled into Maria’s driveway a short time later. Then he put the car in park and turned toward her. “You’re right. The account is yours, but promise me one thing.”

“What is it?”

“If Bryan does anything to make you feel uncomfortable, you have to tell me. And before you yell at me again, I’d say the same thing to any of my employees.”

“Even Stefan?”

His lips twitched like he was fighting back a smile. “Even Stefan, if Bryan were into guys, which I highly doubt.”

She sighed. “I’ll let you know if he does anything unprofessional, but I still think you’re overreacting.”

He shook his head. “You don’t see it, do you?”

“See what?”

“How beautiful you are. How men respond to you. How he responded to you.”

He’d done it again—rendered her speechless. While she was trying to formulate a response, he picked up her right hand and gently held it.

“I wasn’t completely honest with you just now.”

“About what?” she said, her voice wavering.

“I would warn other employees about someone like Bryan, but it’s different with you.” He rubbed his thumb back and forth across the back of her hand, and she looked down at it, mesmerized by the motion and the electricity buzzing between them. “You’re special.”

Then, as if she weren’t shocked enough, he picked up her hand, brought it to his mouth, and kissed the back of it. His lips were warm and soft yet firm and unapologetic. He knew his way around women, of that, she had no doubt.

Just then, the outside lights flicked on, and he quickly let go of her hand. While they’d been sitting there, she’d forgotten that Maria was inside. She’d probably heard the car idling and wondered what was going on. Morgan was wondering the same thing.

“Gabe…”

“I had fun tonight in spite of Bryan ogling you.”

She smiled. “I did too, and I’m sorry for yelling at you.”

“I deserved it.”

“Yeah. You kinda did.”

They both laughed, and it felt like a weight had been lifted. In fact, she felt so buoyant that she leaned over and kissed his cheek. It happened so fast that it surprised them both.

He gave her a broad smile. “What was that for?”

“For trusting me to do this job and for the dances.”