Mad for You

by Anna Antonia

  “Our lap time practically moves us right up to the point where we’d actually be living together. Moving in next door is actually taking it slow, Emma. So FYI—you’re moving way faster than I am.” Gabriel lightly smacked my ass.

  My mouth hung open and I reared back. “I can’t believe I haven’t already thrown you out of here. Maybe I’m the one who’s crazy. I have to be!”

  “No, you’re not crazy. Not yet. Me on the other hand…” Gabriel pecked me on the chin. “I’m crazy for you.” He pecked me again, this time on the cheek. “Absolutely, positively insane for you.”

  The feel of his lips on my flushed skin made it beyond difficult to concentrate. I cupped his gorgeous face, irritated that someone this beautiful was just as obstinate as he was impossible to resist.

  And that he seemed more than able to resist me!

  “Gabriel, you can’t just do things like this. You’re hot. You’re cold. You want me. You want to wait. You see me for the first in seven years yesterday. Today you rent the place next door. This is not normal behavior.”

  “Normal is boring.”

  “Maybe it is, but there’s still a proper way of going about things. We have to have boundaries, distance, and no teasing!”

  “I disagree.”

  “Why?” I waited for his reasons, sure they would be full of privilege, arrogance, and more infernal teasing.

  “I played that game with you before, Emma. I gave you all the space in the world, did things at your pace, and look how well that turned out.”

  Ouch. I had to give him the point. “This time is different. We’re different and we’re off to a good start, right?”

  “Be that as it may, I refuse to let this time around play out the same way.” His large hands slid across my back. “I want you, Emma. I know you want me. I will court you for as long as you wish, I will hold back from taking you to bed until it’s right, but know that at the end, the two of us will be together. There’s no point in fighting it so sit back and enjoy the ride. I know I am.”

  Gabriel’s words should’ve rubbed me the wrong way. Instead a dark, atavistic part of me resurfaced, responding to his words much like the first bitch must’ve responded to her mate. Reason receded as my instinct took over.

  “No point in fighting it.”

  “None. Say you understand, Emma.”

  “Yes, Gabriel, I understand.” I bit my lip and looked down. “You sure know how to sweet talk a girl out of using her logic.”

  “I know how to sweet talk you.” His hands rubbed slow circles along my spine. “Now do you still want to put a restraining order on me?”

  I chuckled and arched my back. “Not at the moment. I’m afraid I can’t even remember why I brought it up.”

  “Good girl,” Gabriel murmured thickly. “I’ll work very hard to keep it that way.”

  I brushed my fingers through his thick hair, admiring the numerous shades of gold glinting throughout. “You were pretending I actually had any say in this, weren’t you?”

  “Yep,” he replied with cheek. “It’s usually the best tact to take with you.”

  “Arrogant man!” I ruffled his hair roughly. “So you’re going to live like the common folk.”

  “That’s the plan. At least until I sell my sucky apartment.”

  “Apartment.”

  “Very well. Penthouse.”

  I couldn’t wrap my mind around that one. “Are you sure it can’t be salvaged? Maybe some new paint or furniture?”

  “It’s hopeless, Emma. A lost cause. I’ll never be happy there so let someone else be happy there. Even if you somehow manage to convince not to live next to you, I’m not going back to live in that place.”

  Despite his lighthearted smile, I felt the steel bite behind each word. He wasn’t going to be swayed.

  “So you’re my neighbor then. It’s a done deal?”

  “I signed the paperwork before I came over.”

  “Okay.”

  “Okay? You’ve capitulated? No more trying to convince me to live somewhere else?”

  “No more. FYI—if you’re going to live next door, temporarily at that, there’s going to be a few rules.”

  “Rules now? Hmm…very well. Let me hear your rules.”

  “No loud music. Seriously, Gabriel. No “Nothin’ But a Good Time” at three o’clock in the morning. I cannot stress to you how much I mean that. The walls are paper-thin and I will not be a happy camper if you interrupt my sleep.”

  “You have to know I was just joking about the music.”

  “Were you? Honestly, I don’t put it past you to aggravate me.”

  “Well, of course I’m going to purposely aggravate you, but I do draw the line at blasting Poison to someone who can’t appreciate them.”

  “I appreciate them fine, but not at three in the morning.”

  “Why would you think I’d that to you?”

  “Oh, maybe because I distinctly remember you doing it the one night we spent together.” Although my tone was light, I couldn’t help but think our current position to one back then. Gabriel thought it too if the growing stiffness I felt beneath my backside was any indication.

  “Yes, but that was then. I’m far more inventive in my ways to aggravate you.”

  “Joy.”

  “For me? Absolutely.”

  Thankful for the hedges lining the front of my patio and the privacy they afforded, I shifted my thighs around his lean hips. “Gabriel?”

  “Yes, Emma?”

  “Do you want me…” To get naked? “…to get ready for our date?”

  Gabriel stared at me with lazy-lidded intensity. “Do you want to get ready for our date?”

  “Not in particular.”

  “Neither do I.”

  “What do want to do then?”

  His grip tightened on my hips. “Things that don’t bear being spoken about in daylight.”

  “That perverse, huh?”

  “Worse than you can imagine.”

  I shivered. “I thought you weren’t going to try to seduce me, Mr. Gordon. Words like that generally do the opposite.”

  “Dirty, dirty girl.” Gabriel gave me a quick peck on the lips. “Up with you now.” He smacked my hip for good measure. “Get dressed, Emma. We have to pick up your car and bring it back.”

  “Fine, fine.” I walked inside and then poked my head back out. “Are you going to stay out here while I get dressed?”

  “Does it matter?”

  “Yes. I don’t want you walking in on me while I’m half-naked.”

  Gabriel propped his chin on his hand. “That wouldn’t be a good thing just yet, would it? Very well I’ll stay out here. Come and get me when you’re done.”

  I closed the door and rushed into my closet. I really didn’t know whether I should be irritated or amused by Gabriel’s gentlemanly side. I’d rather make love all weekend long, yet…

  This is nice too.

  I picked out a pair of jeans, half-boots, and a black fitted t-shirt. The weather was warm enough to carry a lightweight jacket, just in case. I carried my clothes and essentials with me into the bathroom. I zipped through my shower, washing, rinsing, and shaving in five minutes flat.

  After getting dressed, I put my hair up in a ballerina’s bun and kept my makeup minimal. Tilting my head this way and that, I couldn’t deny how cute I looked. It was a long way from the glamour goddess of the night before, but still pretty great.

  “Admiring yourself, my dear? You should, you know. You’re very beautiful.”

  Startled, I spun towards the doorway. “I didn’t hear you come in!”

  “That’s because I have ninja feet.”

  Laughter sprang free. “What are you doing here? I thought you were going to wait outside.”

  “I couldn’t wait any longer.”

  “I’m sorry. I thought I hardly took any time.”

  “You were quick.” Gabriel leaned against the doorjamb. “It was still too long. I missed you already.”


  Overcome by impulse, I crossed over to him in two steps and wrapped my arms around his neck. Gabriel immediately picked me up, lifting me off the ground, and held me tight. I wanted to kiss him, but more than that, I just needed to be close to this darling man.

  “You’re turned my world upside down, Gabriel.”

  “I know.”

  “No, really.” I nuzzled his neck with the tip of my nose. “You smell so delicious. Like sunshine and Gabriel.”

  “And you smell so sweet. Like vanilla. I just want to tuck you away in my pocket and carry you around all the time.”

  “That would be nice.”

  Gabriel lifted me up higher until I wrapped my legs around his waist. “Are you done in here, Emma?”

  I nodded.

  “Good. Then let’s go.” Gabriel shut off the light and walked into the living room, still carrying me like a little monkey. “Where’s your purse?”

  I pointed him in the direction of the ivory side table. Gabriel strode over and picked up my purse. “Got your keys?”

  “They’re in here.”

  “Okay, you ready to roll?”

  “Sure.”

  Gabriel paused at the door. “You know I plan on keeping you all weekend?”

  “I’d be mad at you if you didn’t.” My world became a better place every time he smiled.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  I picked up the phone and answered crisply, “Emma Adams.”

  “Emma, I know you got my text. It’s lunch time. C’mon!”

  “Hi, Gabriel.” I didn’t have to look at a mirror to know I smiled giddily like a school girl.

  “Hello, my dear. Lunch. Now.”

  “Hmm…” I switched back to concentrate on the computer screen, scanning the numbers and importing column after column.

  “Emma?”

  “Just a couple more minutes…” I answered distractedly.

  “You already said that twice.”

  “Did I?”

  “Yes, you did.”

  “I’m sorry. Really. It’s just I don’t think I can eat lunch right now. Can we postpone?”

  Gabriel neatly cut my excuse down. “Unacceptable. You have to take care of yourself, Emma. Pushing off lunch isn’t going to help keep your mind fit and sharp. You need to feed it.”

  “I will, but can’t lunch wait for another hour?”

  “No, it can’t. Now will you come and meet me in the lobby or do I have to come and get you? If I get you, I might make a detour and find your supervisor. From there I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse to let you go into the loving bosom of Gordon Industries where you’ll be able to eat at a proper time…”

  I rolled my eyes and minimized my screens. “Fine, fine! I’ll be down in five minutes.”

  I heard the smile in his voice. “Good girl. See you then!” The phone clicked off. I checked the clock, mentally making note of when I needed to be back. Mondays were always a beast and today was no exception. I leaned over and rapped on my neighbor’s plushy wall. “Kevin, I’m off to lunch. I’ll be back in about an hour.”

  He waved me on, calling out “Have a good one.”

  “Will do.”

  Gabriel, resplendent in a charcoal suit with matching shirt and tie, grabbed my hand as soon as I got off the elevator. “I’m starving! Let’s go.”

  “Poor baby, is that my fault?” I crooned sympathetically.

  “As a matter of fact, yes. I demand you make it up to me.”

  The frenetic morning lifted off my shoulders as I gave into the charm that was Gabriel Gordon. “Oh, I’m sorry then. Let’s eat then.”

  “Glad you’re finally seeing things my way. I’d swear you didn’t know just how important it is for me to spend time with you!”

  I did because I felt the same way.

  We’d spent the majority of the weekend together. Gabriel had driven me into the city in his luxury SUV to pick up my car.

  “Is this new?” It had the new car scent all over. I’d also noticed the temporary tags.

  “Yes. I just got it this morning.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “I told you already—I don’t sleep much. Besides, the parking spaces here are tiny. I’d doubt our neighbors would appreciate my limo taking up a whole row of them.”

  ‘Our neighbors’ made all the fuzzies inside me bounce around. “I hope you got a good deal on this.”

  “Always do.”

  After we’d picked up my car and brought it back, Gabriel took great pleasure in giving me the grand tour of his place. Never mind the fact that I had the same exact apartment.

  “They’re hardly the same, Emma. You live there and I live here. Totally different.”

  Considering Gabriel had secured the lease on the apartment, bought a new car, and had breakfast cooked for us, I figured he’d also managed to furnish his place.

  “No. I’ll need to do that this weekend. Or maybe next week. Sometime soon.”

  Suddenly shy, I busied myself with looking in his kitchen cabinets. “Do you still want to go to the zoo today?”

  Gabriel leaned against the bar counter. “What do you have in mind?”

  “Well, I could help you get settled here today. Do you want to pick up some things from your place now?”

  “Nope.”

  “Not even your clothes?”

  “Rick will have those brought over on Monday.”

  “Gabriel, are you sure there’s not something more concerning your penthouse?”

  He stilled, eyes wary and body stiff. “What do you mean?”

  Considering how serious he looked, I almost regretted my teasing. Almost. “Are you sure you’re not hiding something serious from me?”

  Gabriel watched me, smile vanished as it never was. “What could I possibly be hiding from you?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe like your place is haunted.”

  “Haunted?”

  “Yeah, haunted. You don’t believe in ghosts? You should, you know. They really do exist.” I busied myself with turning on the faucet. “Is that why you’re afraid of going back there, Gabriel?”

  A pregnant paused passed before he said, “Emma, you amaze me.”

  “What?”

  Gabriel came around the bar and lifted me off my feet. He peppered my face with kisses and spun me around. “Ghosts? You think I’m afraid to go back home because of Casper? I love it!”

  I wanted to be cross at him for making fun of me. Instead, I clung to his broad shoulders and laughed. “Fine, it’s not ghosts. Still you need some things unless you plan on sleeping on the floor. Here’s what I’m going to do—I’ll help you pick out the essentials and help you get set up today. How’s that sound?”

  “Perfect, Emma. Absolutely perfect.”

  So that’s how I spent my Saturday. I helped Gabriel pick out a bed, nightstands, mattresses, couch, armchair, coffee table, and dining room set. (Apparently same day weekend delivery was possible at certain high-end establishments.) We also stopped at a big box store for the TVs, DVD players, microwave, and coffee maker.

  “You probably think I should go small, huh?” he asked while checking out a 32” flat screen.

  I planted my hands on my hips and surveyed the wall of sleek entertainment. “Absolutely not. Get the biggest one you can get that can still fit in the car.”

  “Go, Emma! I knew I liked you for a reason.”

  I reluctantly declined his offer of a 72” TV for myself. It was hard. Given the choice between last night’s gorgeous gown and the gorgeous screen, I would’ve chosen the screen.

  Gabriel didn’t press. He must’ve seen the envy on my face because he cheerfully said, “You can watch all the chick flicks you want at my place.”

  “I do not watch chick flicks.”

  “Then what do you watch? Documentaries?”

  “Fast & the Furious. Bourne Identity. Shoot ‘Em Up. Taken. And that’s just last week.”

  Gabriel lifted my wrist with two fingers. “One would never kn
ow how much testosterone you hide behind this dainty exterior. My apologies.”

  “Accepted. Chick flicks…pfft!”

  When I went to lift the heavy boxes into his vehicle, Gabriel firmly took them away. “I draw the line, Emma. You are not going to lift this stuff as I stand here and watch.”

  “I can help, can’t I?”

  “Only if I need it.”

  He didn’t.

  We went back to his apartment and unloaded all his loot before going back out. Gabriel’s idea of living like a “normal person” was shopping at Macy’s for sheets, towels, and other essentials.

  I did my best not to let on that most normal people did not drop $500.00 on sheets nor did their final bill approach five figures. Still, Gabriel was having so much fun that I couldn’t bear to point those things out. I agreed with whatever he wanted, lending my opinion only when he asked and never about the price.

  Apparently it was the right tact, because several times he spontaneously reached out to hug me. Everything was “What do you think of this, Emma? Should I get guest towels in a different color or keep everything in the same palette? How do you like this rug? What about these plates? Should I get a full set or only enough for us both?”

  I’d quickly realized Gabriel had never set up his own place. There’d always been a troop of professionals to ensure he always had the right glasses, dishes, and towels.

  I’m not sure why it touched me so, but it did. There was so much I’d always taken for granted, but seeing Gabriel’s delight over the little things reminded me that maybe I didn’t appreciate enough about my own life.

  After we’d filled his SUV to the brim, Gabriel’s belly demanded nourishment. I didn’t want to get him addicted to fast food, but he refused to go to anywhere he was familiar with.

  “Emma, this is my hood now. Don’t you think I should become acquainted with all the restaurants here?”

  “You did not just say ‘hood’, did you?”

  “Damn straight I did.”

  I took him to a strip mall where we ate pizza and calzones. The music was loud, the tables utilitarian, and the menus laminate. Gabriel declared it the best he’d ever had. We left hand in hand, looking like every other normal couple in the country.

  By the time we’d gotten back home, the delivery truck had just pulled into the complex. I watched how in no time flat, a crew of men delivered and maneuvered all the furniture into place. Gabriel tipped them all generously, thanking them for coming out on such short notice.