Once Upon A Time(33)

“Yeah, and I'll be standing right next to you slapping you stupid for being such a vagina. It'll never happen. Not after him, Ky. It'll never allow myself to be so weak to fall in love again, I won’t do it.”

“Something tells me Gabriel might just change that.”

“Something tells me if you don’t drop it, those Louboutins I borrowed will have non-removable scratches.”

“Oh my god, that was uncalled for! If the shoe gods could hear you, you’d be banished from shoe heaven in an instant.” She twisted in her chair, rolling her eyes as she waved to the waiter to order more coffee.

I grabbed her hand and her cup, pulling the cup towards me.

“You just referred to the shoes gods. No more coffee for you.”

“Bu- but, it’s so smooth and tasty and… oh, my sweet baby Jesus!”

What in the world?

“Don’t look now, but I think my vagina just literally squealed like a cheerleader. That has to be the hottest man alive standing at the counter ordering coffee right now.”

I turned slowly, my curiosity peaked as I tried to get a look at the man who had Kylie squeeing much louder than usual. The moment my eyes landed on the unassuming stranger, I nearly choked. I'd know that ass anywhere. It was Gabriel.

I quickly whipped my head back at Kylie, my eyes wide in shock.

“He’s delicious. Oh my god, have you seen that ass? Sweet Jesus, I think I’m having a hot flash. Can you get hot flashes at twenty-four? Oh my god, I've started the menopause!”

I groaned, placing my head in my hands as I sunk deeper into my chair. No way could this be happening.

“Payton!” she whisper snapped. I ignored her, ready to sink to the floor if I needed to. “Payton! Pay! Jesus, Payton he’s coming over!”

Oh no. Not here, not now.

“Kylie, shut up! Please for the love of god, shut up!” I hissed, removing my hands from my face. I reached down to grab my purse, ready to make a run for it.

“Why are you so jittery? He’s hot and he’s looking right at you!” she screamed, clapping her hands.

“Stop it, Kylie. It’s…”

“Gabriel Black.” His voice carried through the coffee shop, smooth and tempting like a hot fudge sundae. I watched in absolute horror as Kylie’s eyes widened in recognition, a smile taking up most of her face as he put his hand out to her. “And you are?”

“Kylie Jackson,” she replied smoothly, placing her palm in his. “Payton’s best friend and a black belt. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I groaned, hiding my face behind my hands once more. This could not be happening.

“The pleasure's all mine,” he replied, his voice all kinds of sinful.

I removed my hands from my face, trying to hide the giggle as I watched Kylie’s mouth turn into a perfectly formed O. My god, I think she swooned. I needed to get us out of here before I slapped both of them.

“Kylie, shouldn't we be getting back to the office?”

Kylie removed her hand from his, checking her wristwatch.

“No. We still have another thirty minutes.” She grinned at me.

I was going to do jail time for this.

Turning my attention to Gabriel, I smiled softly.

“Sorry, Mr. Black. We have a meeting to attend. It was nice seeing you again.” I stood, pushing my purse up my shoulder. I nodded my head to Kylie, indicating we needed to leave. She raised her brow, shaking her head softly.

“What’s the rush?” Gabriel quickly took a seat in the booth next to Kylie. “Kylie said you don’t have to be back for another thirty minutes.”

Oh, kill me now. I threw a glare at Gabriel before looking to my best friend and doing the same. This time, she took the hint. Thank god. Standing, she shook his hand once more.

“No, Payton’s right. We have a meeting but I can cover for her for another hour or so.” She smirked, turning to me. Moving from the booth, she strode out of the coffee shop with nothing but a small wave of her hand. “See you at the office, sweetie!”

Suddenly, we were alone and my mouth hung open like an idiot. What was he doing here? Shaking my head and finally closing my mouth, I sat down. There was no use running away like a scared child.

“So.” He took a sip of his coffee. “Your friend's… unique.”

I snickered, knowing full well that if she heard him say that, she’d kick his ass up and down lower Manhattan.

“She also wasn’t kidding when she said she’s a black belt. I wouldn't say that to her face.”

“I wouldn't dream of it,” he said playfully.

Damn it.

I sighed heavily.

“What do you want, Gabriel?”

He held my gaze for a moment, seemingly contemplating his next move.