I retrieve my messenger bag from the entryway and make my way to the bathroom. It’s only then that I realize I’ve forgotten to pack a pair of panties. Of course. Well if nothing else, this night should be interesting. I slip into my dress and tame my curls before stepping back into the hallway. Gabriel is standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie when I emerge.
“Is that what you’re wearing?” he asks hoarsely.
I look down at my dress in confusion.
“Uh yeah,” I reply meekly. “Is that going to be a problem?”
A small smile creeps across his face and then relaxed laughter escapes him.
“You look absolutely beautiful in that dress,” he reassures me. “It just wasn’t what I was expecting.”
“Well, you didn’t say specifically what to wear.” I cross my arms in frustration.
He saunters towards me, taking me in his arms and kissing me sweetly.
“I’m glad you’re wearing it, believe me, I am. It’s just going to make it that much harder to take my eyes off of you tonight.”
“Well,” I retort. “Then you should probably also know that I forgot a pair of panties.”
“You’re killing me,” he groans, pressing his forehead to mine.
The familiar ding of the elevator doors carries down the hallway, followed by loud bellows of laughter.
“Who’s that?” I ask nervously, taking a step back.
He gives me a coy smile and pulls me back into his arms.
“I want you to meet two people who are very special to me.”
I look down at my dress in panic. Before I can protest, he’s tugging at my hand, dragging me along behind him.
He walks into view of the kitchen, casually pulling me up against his side. There’s a young man and woman sitting at the breakfast bar, staring.
Meanwhile, all I can think about is what Gabriel and I just did on that very breakfast bar.
Both of the strangers are openly gaping as Gabriel wraps his arms around my waist. The young woman stands, eyeing me speculatively. She’s of average height with a slightly round figure and long brown hair. The young man remains seated with a dumbfound expression as his eyes travel the length of my body.
I suddenly feel very much on display.
Gabriel interrupts the stiff silence. “Victoria, I’d like you to meet my brother Abel, and my beautiful sister Angelina.”
I glance up at him in surprise. I hadn’t realized they were his siblings. They look different than Gabriel, much different. While he stands there with his tall, beautifully sculpted body draped casually beside me, they seem much simpler in comparison. More down to earth, relaxed, and not at all like high society royalty.
I’ve often wondered why I didn’t see their photographs in the gossip columns. They always seem to single in on Gabriel, and now it’s apparent. They are just normal, everyday people… the kind of people I would hang out with. Whereas he apparently hit the genetic lottery. I glance back at them nervously, wondering what they think of me.
“Um, it’s nice to meet you.” I manage.
Gabriel leads me over to the bar… the sex bar… and pulls out a stool for me to sit down. I stare at the counter with a sheepish expression while he gives me a devilish grin. I attempt to swallow the lump in my throat and end up having a coughing fit. He pats me on the back, laughing loudly at his own little joke.
Yep, he definitely planned this. He walks around the bar and pulls a tray of cold cuts from the fridge, setting them on the counter. Next comes a round of drinks for everyone.
“Better drink up.” He grins at his sister.
I glance over at Abel, who’s still gaping at me.
He’s younger than Gabriel, and you’d think the poor kid had never seen a woman in his life. Although, this dress probably has something to do with it.
I try not to think about it as I reach for a cold cut and pop it into my mouth. But then Angelina squeals in delight, scaring the ever loving crap out of me.
“I love her already!” she proclaims.
My eyebrows shoot up in confusion as Gabriel erupts with laughter. “And why is that my darling sister?”
“Look.” She points shamelessly. “She actually eats!”
The whole group erupts in laughter, officially ending the awkwardness of the first meeting. I have two glasses of wine and am regaling Angelina with my story of how I met Gabriel when he disappears into the kitchen again.
Angelina takes the opportunity to lean closer, whispering conspiratorially in my ear. “You are so different to his usual taste in women, and I mean that in a good way.”
I smile weakly at the awkward compliment. I do not want to think about Gabriel with other women.
“And I can tell he is gaga over you,” she continues. “I’ve never seen him like this with anyone. He can’t take his eyes off you.”
“Really?” I smile dreamily. “I hadn’t noticed.”