Paper Hearts

Chapter 9

I woke up late on the Sunday, the sun having failed to rise me as it was obscured by snow clouds.

I pushed back the curtains with a happy sigh as I watched the snow flakes tumble to the already thick blanket of snow that covered the forest floor.

I pulled my knee socks up higher and turned around to leave the room when someone knocked at my door.

I padded across the wooden floor and opened up to see Gabriel before me.

He'd clearly been awake for some time, his blue eyes clear and his cheeks slightly red from presumably being outside.

"Good morning" he said softly, his hands in his pockets.

"Morning" I smiled, feeling my heart knock around my chest as I stepped aside to let him in. When I shut the door behind me he stood at the window, looking out into the trees.

"I didn't realise it was so late already. I forgot to set myself an alarm yesterday" I rambled as I tried taming my hair into a presentable look.

He looked over at me with an amused grin, "it's not a problem. Reece and Heath also just woke up."

Relieved I sat down on the edge of the bed, watching him from behind. His black long sleeved shirt stretched across his broad shoulders, hiding what I knew lay beneath.

Eventually he turned around with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Do you know what I do for a living?" he asked, as he took slow steps towards me.

I shrugged my shoulders, "Nope. You only mentioned that you travel a lot" I said, leaning back on my arms.

He ran a hand through his hair, casting me a long look.

"Is everything okay?" I asked after some time. He had the same reserved look in his eyes again.

He closed the remaining distance between us and came to stand between my legs, taking my hands in his.

"I like you Marnie, you've been on my mind since the wedding."

I swallowed, trying to keep a straight face while I nodded my head.

"Elliot probably already told you that I don't usually get involved with women romantically"

I nodded my head again, "She mentioned it briefly yes"

"The reason behind that" he said, kneeling down to my level now, "is that I own a company. A large one. A series of hotels actually"

I titled my head to the side slightly as I listened to him, "Okay?" I said eventually.

He looked taken-aback for a second, his blue eyes clearing up as his gaze flitted across my face. A small smile tugged at his lips, "Okay? That's all you're going to say?" he asked amused.

"I mean, that's impressive yes, especially at your age, but I don't see how it has anything to do with ... ah" realisation dawned on me as I watched him.

He'd probably had a lot to do with women who clung to him because of his name and what it promised.

"I see" I said, scooting closer to him, "Well as impressed as I am now, I honestly didn't know who you were or what you worked as when I met you" I assured him.

His chest seemed to deflate with a relieved sigh as he sat back, still holding my hands.

"Where have you been all my life?" he asked incredulously, looking up at me.