Only Yours

0.1

Tamina

"Gabe, do you have a minute?"

He leans back from around the corner so only his head and shoulders are visible. His brows crease in the centre. Straightening, he throws the cloth so it slings over his shoulder before asking Maylene to man the front for him.

He leans in the doorway, eyes narrowed. "What's up?"

Gabriel follows me out back, no questions asked. That's when the anxiety that had been eating away at me all morning returns with a massive swan dive. The reason behind why I'm pulling him into this doesn't help either.

I dreaded being behind the counter this morning, fearing Brandon would stroll in on the off chance and find me by accident. I don't have an answer to his proposal yet; his number floats in my phone, and I would hate to face him empty-handed.

Thank the heavens luck is on my side today.

Hopefully, Gabriel can be my lucky charm to a solution.

With Charlie on his last day of holiday, Gabriel has one more day of being the man in charge, in turn giving me the perfect opportunity to talk to him. Even though he denies it, I can tell he loves being in charge and taking care of his team.

"I'm sorry to pull you away like this," I say over my shoulder, holding off the details until we're in the privacy of the staffroom.

"You don't have to apologise," he calls from behind as we mount the stairs.

The railing wobbles within my grasp while the steps creak under our weight. Its clunky groans echo in my ears.

Turning at the top of the narrow stairway, I hold the door open. The faint waft from this morning's brews hits me along with the fresh spray in the toilet, which gives the room a sweet afternote. Releasing a breath, I wait for Gabriel to pass before inhaling again. After last time, I've learnt not to do it to save myself from his teasing.

He wiggles two mugs my way. "Would you like a drink?"

I shake my head, wiping my palms down the sides of my jeans. My brows furrow, and, to my lack of surprise, there's syrup splotched on my thigh. When I'm home, these bad boys will be in dire need of a wash by the end of the day.

Bracing myself, I pivot to face him with a shaky breath. It comforts me to see Gabriel leaning against the counter, like he usually does whenever he's up here. Only this time, he's not boiling the kettle.

Alright, there's no time like the present, Tamina. Just blurt it out.

"OK, I know this is going to be an odd conversation, but I trust you," I start once I finally park myself in one of the wooden chairs at the small circular table. His brow takes a slow ride upward. "I need advice," I elaborate. "Is that alright?"

Crossing his legs at the ankles, he leans further against the counter, his black jeans slightly hitching to reveal the socks peeking from his trainers. A tender smile appears.

"You have an hour; if you can get it figured out in that time, I'm your man," he teases, the green hues of his irises brightening with a wink for extra effect.

Allowing myself the time to be swept away by his easy-going nature, I relax within the chair's embrace. Grinning, I nudge the opposing seat with the tip of my shoe. Mirroring my expression, he slides in without hesitation. Huffing a breath, I drag my fingers through my ponytail.

"Short version, I helped a guy at the bookshop two days ago—"

"Brooks and Books?"

I'm stunned he remembers my favourite bookshop, but shake it off immediately.