Not much time for dating.” Gabriel nodded, processing her concise summary. “And the unsimplified version?” Jessica felt a strange tightness in her chest. It had been years since anyone had looked at her with such focused attention, as if her words actually mattered. “The unsimplified version isn’t appropriate for a wedding.
I have a car waiting outside.” he said, his eyes never leaving hers. “We could go somewhere else and continue this conversation.” Jessica missed a step, stumbling slightly before Gabriel’s steady grip corrected their movement. “Are you always this forward with women you’ve just met?” “No.” he replied simply. “Almost never, actually.
” “Then why me?” His gaze intensified, searching her face as if looking for something specific. “There’s a genuineness about you. It’s rare in my world.” Jessica felt caught in his blue gaze, tethered by something she couldn’t quite identify. She was saved from responding by a tap on her shoulder. Turning, she found herself face-to-face with Megan, radiant in her bridal gown. “Jess.
” Megan embraced her tightly. “I’ve been trying to catch you all evening.” She looked from Jessica to Gabriel with undisguised curiosity. “I see you’ve met Mr. Reed.” “Please, it’s Gabriel.” he said, extending his hand to Megan. “Congratulations on your marriage. The ceremony was beautiful.” “Thank you for letting us use your hotel.
” Megan gushed, “and for the upgrade to the honeymoon suite. It’s absolutely gorgeous.” “My pleasure.” Gabriel replied smoothly. Megan turned back to Jessica, lowering her voice slightly. “I’m so sorry about the seating arrangement. The planner insisted singles had to be grouped together, and with the last-minute cancellations.” Jessica squeezed her cousin’s hand.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m having a surprisingly good time.” Megan’s eyes darted meaningfully toward Gabriel. “I can see that.” She smiled knowingly. “Well, don’t let me interrupt. I just wanted to check on you.” As Megan glided away to greet other guests, Jessica became aware that the music had changed to a slower ballad.
Gabriel’s hand settled more firmly at her waist. “Your cousin seems nice.” he remarked, guiding Jessica into the slower rhythm. “She is.” Jessica agreed. “We grew up together. She’s always been the adventurous one, and I’ve been the cautious planner.” “And how’s that working out for you? The cautious planning?” Jessica considered the unexpected direction of her evening, standing in the arms of a billionaire who seemed inexplicably interested in her life story.
“I’m beginning to think I might be due for an adventure.” Gabriel’s smile held a promise that sent a shiver down her spine. “I might be able to help with that.” The wedding reception continued around them, but Jessica felt as though she and Gabriel existed in their own separate bubble. They had returned to table 19 after several dances, where Harriet watched them with thinly veiled interest.
The teenage boy had disappeared, likely to join peers his own age, and the middle-aged man never returned from his apparent quest for stronger drinks. “So, Mr. Reed.” Harriet leaned forward with a conspiratorial smile. “What brings a man like you to a wedding alone? Surely the ladies must be lining up.
” Jessica winced at the elderly woman’s directness, but Gabriel merely chuckled. “Let’s just say I’ve been focused on other priorities lately.” “Business before pleasure.” Harriet pressed. “Something like that.” Gabriel’s gaze flickered to Jessica. “Though occasionally the two intersect unexpectedly.” Heat rushed to Jessica’s cheeks.
Before she could formulate a response, her phone buzzed in her clutch. Excusing herself, she checked the screen and saw her mother’s name. “I’m sorry, I need to take this.” she said, rising from her chair. “It’s about my daughter.” Gabriel nodded, his expression shifting to concern. “Of course.” Jessica hurried toward the ballroom entrance, finding a quiet alcove in the hotel corridor before answering.
“Mom? Is everything okay with Lily?” “Everything’s fine, honey.” her mother’s voice reassured her. “But Lily’s running a slight fever, and she’s been asking for you. I’ve given her some children’s Tylenol, but I thought you should know.” Jessica’s maternal instincts immediately overrode everything else. “I’ll come home right away.
Tell her I’m on my way.” “It’s nothing serious.” her mother insisted. “Probably just a little bug. You don’t need to rush back tonight and miss the rest of the wedding.” Jessica glanced back toward the ballroom, thinking of Gabriel and their unexpected connection. For a fleeting moment, she felt torn between responsibility and the rare opportunity for personal enjoyment, but it wasn’t really a choice.
“I’ll be there in about an hour.” she said firmly. “Give her a kiss from me.” After ending the call, Jessica leaned against the wall gathering herself before returning to say her goodbyes. A part of her, the part that had been awakening throughout the evening in Gabriel’s presence, felt a sharp disappointment.
Whatever might have developed between them would end before it truly began. When she reentered the ballroom, she was surprised to find Gabriel waiting near the entrance, two glasses of water in hand. “Everything all right?” he asked, offering her one of the glasses. “My daughter isn’t feeling well.” Jessica explained accepting the water gratefully. “I need to get back to her.
” Gabriel nodded, no trace of disappointment or frustration crossing his features. “Do you have transportation?” “I drove here. My car’s in the parking garage.” “Let me call my driver to take you.” he offered immediately. “It would be faster and safer than driving if you’re worried about your daughter.” His thoughtfulness caught her off guard.
“That’s very kind, but I couldn’t impose.” “It’s not an imposition.” Gabriel interrupted gently. “Your daughter needs you. Let me help.” Something in his tone, an understanding that went beyond mere politeness, made Jessica reconsider. “Thank you. That would be helpful.” Gabriel produced his phone and sent a quick text.
