Paper Hearts

Chapter 24

We belted ABBA lyrics all the way to the launch. At a red stop light Gabe had let down his window for fresh air when Mamma Mia came on. One long look and we gave it our all, laughing our way through the chorus. We didn't notice the elderly couple in the car next to ours until they began clapping from their car.

Instead of being embarrassed, Gabe laughed his rich laugh, tapping his imaginary hat before smiling broadly at them.

When we took the offramp he turned down the volume and slipped his hand in mine, his face growing serious.

"This is the biggest launch I've had so far, so there will be a lot more people than usual" Gabriel started, his eyes focused on the road.

I kept quiet, waiting for him to continue, "f it gets too much for you, or someone is bothering you then you tell me and we can leave okay?" he asked earnestly.

My heart squeezed at his words. He was willing to leave his own launch for the sake of my comfort.

"I'll be fine, don't worry" I said, pressing a kiss to his palm. "Are you nervous?" I asked him.

He didn't hesitate when he nodded his head, "I've done everything that needs to be done, and it's gone according to plan, but the project is only in its initial phases. Once the hotel is up and running I'll be able to relax a little"

*

"Mr. Fox, it's a honour" the receptionist said in the lobby of the new hotel.

Gabe smiled at the man, nodding briefly at him before settling his hand in the small of my back and gently guiding me to the large ballroom.

"Ready?" he asked me, turning to look at me. His hands came up to cradle my face, pressing a chaste kiss to my lips.

"Yes" I said confidently, reaching up to push back a curl of his blonde hair, making him smile before he nodded his head and opening the oak door.

The ballroom was brilliantly lit up, chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling and illuminating the old red and gold hues. Elegantly dressed people were mingling between the beautifully set up tables and on the dance floor.

The quiet buzz of conversation quieted to a hushed whisper when people became aware of Gabriel's presence. I looked up at his face, and saw that the charming playful smile he wore around his family and me had been replaced by a serious look, his blue eyes reserved again.

"Good evening everyone. I hope everyone is enjoying themselves?" he asked, his deep voice rich in the vast ballroom.

Murmurs of agreement rose from the crowd, people nodding their heads and smiling brightly at us. I was relieved to spot some familiar faces in the admittedly very large crowd. Two women who had introduced themselves as receptionists from one of Gabe's other hotels further up the coast waved at me with smiles on their faces.

However the women I had not met or seen before began to scrutinise me. Single or not it seemed to have been established that I was a common enemy.

Gabriel nodded his head, a small smile tugging at his lips as he gently steered me down the large stairs, the red carpet absorbing the sound of my heels.

"Ready to meet some more people?" he asked quietly, his thumb gently drawing circles.

"Are you sure that you've remembered all their names?" I murmured teasingly.


He clicked his tongue at me, "I'll have you know that I only studied their names for over an hour this afternoon"

When we reached the bottom of the winding staircase, we approached a group of elderly men, all dressed formally in tux, with greying hair and intelligent eyes.