Gabriel's Inferno (Gabriel's Inferno #1)(135)

In spite of the dark, she looked away shyly. “You could have had me in the orchard. I would have let you.”

He traced her cheek with a single fingertip. “I know.”

“You know?”

“I am practiced at reading a woman’s body, Julianne. That night you were very receptive.”

She was surprised. “So you knew then that I — ?”

“Yes.”

“But you didn’t…”

“No.”

“Will you tell me why?”

He paused thoughtfully. “I didn’t think it was right. And I was so happy to have found you and to have you in my arms…it was enough. It was everything.”

Julia leaned over and pressed her lips to his neck. “It was perfect.”

“When we go home for Thanksgiving, I’d like to take you back to the orchard. Will you come with me?”

“Of course.” She pressed a kiss just shy of his tattoo, for she knew he flinched whenever she touched him there.

“Kiss me,” he whispered.

She complied, pressing parted lips and open mouth to his, tasting him for as long as he would have her. Until he sighed and moved away. She was saddened by the sudden loss of contact, and an old worry reared its head.

Gabriel felt her tense. “Don’t confuse my restraint with a lack of desire, Julianne. I burn for you.” He moved her gently so that she was on her side and spooned behind her, burying his face in her hair. “I’m glad you’re here,” he whispered.

Julia wanted to tell him that she slept better with him than without him. She wanted to tell him that she would like to sleep with him every night and that she earnestly desired him.

But she didn’t.

When she awoke the next morning, she was alone. She glanced at the old fashioned clock Gabriel kept on his nightstand and was stunned to discover that it was already noon. She’d slept far too long.

He’d left her a continental breakfast and a note that was propped up against a wine glass filled with orange juice. Julia began eating the pain au chocolat as she read his note:

From the Desk of Professor Gabriel O. Emerson Darling,

You were sound asleep, so I didn’t want to wake you.

I’ve gone to run some errands.

Call me when you wake up.

I was very grateful to have you in my arms all night and for your words…

If I have a soul, it’s yours,

Gabriel

Julia smiled widely and took her time eating her breakfast. Gabriel sounded happy, and that made her happy too. She freshened herself up in the washroom and was about to exit the bedroom when she tripped over something. Righting herself with a curse, she saw that the offending speed bump was in reality three white shopping bags with the words Holt Renfrew emblazoned on them. She pushed them aside almost wrathfully, and walked to the kitchen.

She was surprised to find Gabriel sitting at the breakfast bar, drinking coffee and reading a newspaper. He was wearing a pale blue button-down shirt that highlighted the blueness of his eyes, and black casual pants. He wore his glasses, and he looked handsome, as always. Julia felt underdressed in her t-shirt and shorts.

“Why, hello there.” Gabriel folded his paper and put his cup down.

He opened his arms wide, beckoning her.

She stepped in between his parted knees, and he embraced her warmly.

“How did you sleep?” he whispered in her hair.

“Really well.”

He kissed her softly. “You must have been tired. How do you feel?”

He looked at her with concern.

“I’m fine.”

“I can make you lunch, if you wish.”

“Have you eaten?”

“Something small with my first coffee. I was waiting to have lunch with you.”

He kissed her again, more deeply this time. Julia shyly slid her arms up his back and into his hair. Gabriel reacted by nibbling on her lower lip and pulling away with a smirk.

“Part of me was worried you wouldn’t be here when I woke up.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Gabriel. My feet are still aching from walking everywhere in those heels yesterday. I don’t think I could make it home even if I wanted to.”

“I can fix that. With a little help from a hot bath.” He moved his eyebrows suggestively.

Julia flushed and changed the subject. “How long did you want me to stay?”

“Forever.”

“Gabriel, be serious.” She shook her head, smiling.

“Till Monday morning.”

“I only have clothes for today. I’ll have to go home and pick up a few things.”

He smiled at her indulgently. “I’ll take you home, if you insist. Or I’ll lend you the Range Rover. But before you go, there are a couple of things waiting for you in the bedroom. Perhaps a trip home will be unnecessary.”

“What things?”

He waved his hands. “Things someone might need if they were staying at a friend’s house.”

“And where did they come from?”

“The store where Rachel bought your messenger bag.”

“So they were expensive.” Julia frowned and crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“You are my guest. The rules of hospitality require that I satisfy all your needs.” He sounded husky, his tongue peeking out to swipe across his lower lip.