21st Century Knight

Chapter 28 It Feels like Home

One more warning - it's gonna be hot!🔥

Brandon drove Gabriella to her apartment the next day after she stopped by the office to clear out her desk. Brandon comforted her saying it was just one chapter closed in the book and time for a new one to begin. Feeling heartened, Gabriella packed away all her stuff without remorse and walked out keeping her eyes ahead.

"Do you really need to check up on your apartment? You know you can stay at my place for as long as you like." Brandon whined, pouting his lip at her in the car as he drove to Perch Street.

"Brandon, I still have to find out how things are. The rent for this month is coming up and I need to speak with the manager about when I can move back."

"Why so soon? Do you want to go back to your place quickly?" He asked innocently.

"No - I mean - hey, you tricked me!" Gabriella gave him a look and he broke out in a laugh.

"No I didn't. You said it of your own accord, Angel. And don't worry, it's not that I want you to leave. Quite the opposite in fact."

"I know, Barry," Gabriella touched his hand as she spoke, "but there are still things I need to see about." Brandon gave in. As long as she didn't want to leave, he was happy. He had grown accustomed to waking up beside her every morning, cooking for her every night and simply enjoying her presence every time he came home. She brightened up his whole house and it was a feeling he wanted to keep forever. He hoped he could give her a reason to stay with him permanently soon.

The manager at Gabriella's building told her that the repairs were all done and that tenants could move back in. He had generously cut the rent for the days Gabriella hadn't stayed at her apartment due to the repairs so that was a load off Gabriella's mind. However, she didn't have plans to move back in yet; after seeing the puppy dog look in Brandon's face earlier, she knew that was another dilemma she'd have to decide on soon. How could she leave when Brandon clearly wanted her to stay?

"So, where to next?" Brandon asked her in the car after they had left.

"I don't really have anything to do so..."

"Well, since we have some time to spare, would you mind if we take a little trip? I have something to show you."

"Um, okay." Gabriella wondered what he wanted to show her. Catching the corners of his mouth tugging up, she guessed he had some pleasant surprise in mind for her. She sighed fondly at the thought. Brandon was always trying so hard to impress her, it was endearing. It was one of the million things about him that melted her heart.

He pulled up in front of what looked like a one storey cabin, a wooden building with large sliding windows and a wide set of double doors. A blank sign post hung above the doors.

"Brandon, where are we?" Gabriella asked on getting out of the car. Brandon joined her, looking nervous.

"Er... Look, don't freak out okay?" He made 'stay' motions with his hand as he spoke. "I couldn't sit still when you said you'd consider the catering idea so - welcome to your kitchen!"

"My... kitchen?" Gabriella blinked at him. Brandon explained everything at top speed.

"It's got everything you need, fits about eight people so you can hire however many assistants you need and it's ready whenever you are. All we need is a brand name and then I can start brand promotion using my advertising department and-"

"Brandon!" Gabriella said loudly. Brandon flinched, shielding himself with his hands, afraid she might be angry and not like it. But on seeing the wide smile on her face he breathed in relief.