Sugar, Spice & Secrets

40

Before anything could happen, the elevator came to a stop, and the doors slid open with a soft ding. I felt a pang of disappointment at the interruption, but I quickly pushed it aside.

Gabriele led the way with a confident stride. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale of his workspace, the expansive floor stretching out before us like a labyrinth of possibilities.

The entire floor was his office, a sprawling space filled with sleek, modern furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered sweeping views of the city skyline.

A large desk dominated the center of the room, its sleek surface adorned with nothing but a computer. Behind the desk, a comfortable but luxurious looking armchair sat, inviting and welcoming.

But it was the view that stole my breath away. From this vantage point, I could see the entire city spread out before me, the skyline stretching out towards the horizon in a breathtaking display of urban beauty.

"This is my office," Gabriele explained, his voice low and filled with pride from behind me.

The office exuded an air of sophistication and elegance, with minimalist decor and clean lines that spoke to Gabriele's refined taste. The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise pristine surroundings. Plush, leather chairs were strategically placed throughout the space, inviting visitors to relax and indulge in conversation.

There seemed to be no limit to the expense, as every detail had been meticulously curated to create an atmosphere of luxury and comfort. From the custom-designed lighting fixtures to the high-end technology seamlessly integrated throughout the room, it was clear that no expense had been spared in creating Gabriele's personal sanctuary.

Still in shock, I turned to Gabriele. "How could you leave here to spend time at my bakery?"

With a shrug, Gabriele flashed me a charming smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Just because," he replied cryptically, his tone playful yet enigmatic.

Before I could press him further, he leaned in and planted a quick peck on my lips. Still in a daze, I watched as Gabriele walked around me, his movements fluid and graceful. There was a confidence in his stride, a sense of purpose that seemed to permeate every inch of his being.

"Don't just stand there, Julie," he laughed as he continued walking further into his office.

Shaking off my daze, I quickly followed Gabriele into his office. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the thought of being here with him. It was a far cry from the cozy confines of my bakery, but somehow, in this moment, it felt like the most natural place in the world to be.

With a playful grin, Gabriele gestured towards the comfortable seating area, inviting me to join him. "Come, let's sit and talk," he suggested, his voice gentle yet full of warmth.

I settled into the plush armchair opposite him, and his brows furrowed. "What?"

"We're not having a meeting, Julie," he pointed out, nodding towards the chair I had chosen. "Come and sit by me."

I hesitated for a moment, uncertainty gnawing at the edges of my resolve. It felt oddly intimate to sit beside Gabriele in his office. What if someone were to walk in and see us sitting so closely together? It could potentially raise eyebrows and invite unwanted speculation.

"What if someone comes in?" I asked, my voice tinged with nervousness as I glanced around the spacious room, half-expecting someone to burst in at any moment.

Gabriele simply shrugged, his expression relaxed as he met my gaze with a reassuring smile. "No one will come in without permission," he assured me, his tone confident yet gentle.