12 Days of Gabriel–A series of vignettes told from Gabriel’s POV:
Mad for You #3
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Playing Cinderella with Emma had been a fantasy of mine for years. Buying her gowns, having her hair done, finding the perfect shoes—I practically fetishized it. Granted I wanted to play both parts of Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming, but it was my dream—I could do what I wished.
So dear to my heart was this dream that I’d never gone shopping with a woman before. Yes, I had footed the bill for numerous sprees, but those were always solo. Any woman I’d been with would swear I loathed all forms of shopping.
I didn’t. I just didn’t want to go shopping with them.
And I finally, finally got to indulge my secret fantasy.
Emma was here in one of the boutiques run by my mother’s group and I was going to spoil her to my heart’s content. I imagined buying her dozens of gowns before my imaginations stopped short.
There was no way Emma was going to let me buy one gown, much less dozens, without a fight.
I crossed my legs and sighed. Why couldn’t my obsession be a little bit greedy? Just a little? It would make things so much easier for me if she was…
Then again, if I wanted easy then I wouldn’t want Emma Adams.
C’est la vie.
I heard the door open. That had been quick. I expected Emma to take much longer to decide on a gown. Perhaps she wanted my opinion, seeking to please me by taking my opinion into consideration. Excitement beat through my veins. I couldn’t wait until I gazed upon my sweet, impossible girl. My smile froze.
“Well, how do I look?”
Something strange and wondrous tightened around my heart, making it difficult to breathe. I knew her exquisite and always had, but now so would others. Her loveliness was undeniable.
I attempted to be the silly flirt, to hide the effect she’d had on my senses. “Emma, Emma, Emma. I’m almost afraid to take you now. Maybe home would be a better option for us both.”
“What? Does it look bad?” Her small hands curled into hard fists. And her chin was up.
I’d hurt her feelings.
Immediately wanting to undo my grave inadvertent insult, I said, “Bad?” My smile ached. I loved her so very much that I could barely contain it. “I always knew you were divine, but this will let the whole world know it as well. And I’m afraid I don’t want to share. Some handsome waiter will surely whisk you away along with the empty champagne glasses.”
I silently dared the imaginary waiter to try to take what was mine. I can’t imagine waiting tables would be easy with two broken legs.
She shook her head and sighed. “You’re way too dramatic. I’m just a girl in a dress, not some runway model goddess.”
“I don’t think I’m dramatic enough and runway goddesses have nothing on you. See? Look at how beautiful you are, Emma. It’s enough to make me weep.”
That was not me spouting platitudes. I really did feel like I could cry. Everything I’d ever wanted was right within reach. I turned her towards the mirror and stood behind her. “Beautiful, yes?”
“The dress? Absolutely!”
I dared to put one hand at her waist. I felt the muscles jump beneath my touch. I knew I still affected her, but it was so good to be right. “Don’t be coy, Emma. You know you’re gorgeous. Too gorgeous to be let out of my sight for long. I’m going to have to fight for your honor tonight when all those dirty old men start ogling you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Emma, when the dentures start hitting the ground.”
I was not kidding. Respect for my elders would be the first thing to go if any of them dared to treat Emma with less than perfect respect.
Her cheeks flushed. She obviously didn’t trust the truth of my words. Emma whispered a “Thank you,” and a “Be quiet.”
I took the opportunity to come closer and laugh softly in her ear. “You’re so adorable.” My phone rang and I was forced to step away. “Excuse me. I have to take this call.” I kept my attention focused on Emma even as I spoke to my assistant.
Emma asked about the cost of the dress. I groaned deep inside my mind. I didn’t want Emma to think about cost—not when it was my intent to take care of her.
“Obviously I’ll pay for the undergarments but I can’t wear this.”
Unacceptable! I ended my call and joined Emma in two steps. “Why? You don’t like it?” There were racks of clothes available to her. All she had to do was ask.
“No, I like it just fine. It’s beautiful. It’s just…”
Another internal sigh. I suspected I knew the problem. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to feign innocence. “Then what is it?”
Emma took a deep breath. I braced myself for what was coming and came up with a plan of action to fight it. “I can’t afford this, Gabriel.”
Bingo! I had her now.
“Ah, then there’s no problem.” I turned to the silent and stoic Melissa. “Charge it, and everything else, to my account.”
“Of course, Mr. Gordon.” I caught the relief in her gaze. She’d hated being caught in the middle of our power-struggle. I didn’t blame her one bit.
And then Emma spoke…
“Melissa, do not charge it to Mr. Gordon’s account. Gabriel, I’m not going to let you buy this dress for me.”
What choice did I have in order to save the innocent and get my way? “Melissa, charge it and let us have the room please.”
Emma unleashed as soon as the door closed. “You’re not going to change my mind.”
I sighed loud and long. Why couldn’t reality ever agree with fantasy?