Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 286

Clairessa’s POV

The slender blonde-haired hostess led us through the dimly lit restaurant, soft light glinting off the table. Gabriel walked ahead, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back, his presence commanding even in such an elegant space.

She guided us to the main table, set beautifully with flashing candles, crystal glasses, and little petals of red roses scattered across the white linen. When we reached it, he smoothly drew out my chair, waiting until I sank into it before taking his place across from me.

I let my eyes take in the scene, my voice in awe. “This… this is beautiful.”

His lips curved into that arrogant, irresistible way that was so purely him.

“You deserve only the best,” he said, his tone equal parts sweet and maddeningly confident.

He leaned back slightly, eyes holding mine with that pure heat. “I’m a man who can give you more than flowers and candlelight… I can give you everything you’ll ever need, and more,” he added, his words washing over me like a promise, and a warning. He wasn’t just giving me a gift, but reminding me that he was the best.

Almost immediately, the waiter arrived, attentive and all smiles, ready to serve. Gabriel ordered an expensive bottle of Chardonnay, and I watched, entranced, as he handled everything with ease.

My hands reached for the glass, lifting it to swirl the golden liquid, inhaling the aroma, and letting it slide down my throat, chilled and smooth.

The music was soft, romantic, and piano wrapped around us, and the lights gave the whole room a glow that made it feel as though it had been arranged just for us.

I sipped my wine, letting my eyes wander, and a thought struck me.

The restaurant seemed emptier than I remembered. There used to be more people here, more life.

“The restaurant seems empty… that’s weird. You’ve brought me here before, and it used to be crowded.”

My gaze shifted to Gabriel, and I caught his cocky smirk. It warmed something deep inside me, made me melt.

“What? Did you…” I started, then it hit me. A breathless laugh escaped me. “You rented out the whole restaurant just for us?”

He cocked an eyebrow, that familiar amused glint in his eyes. “I already told you how I’d give you the world, if it means seeing you smile just like this.”

Heat rose to my cheeks. I reached out, my fingers brushing his. He took my hand in his, warm and possessive. “Thank you, Gabriel. This is perfect. I couldn’t have asked for a night better than this, you know… to take our minds off everything that’s been happening.” I looked at him, grateful and tender. “Thank you.”

He smiled, slow and satisfied, but then added, “But… it turns out we might not be as alone as I would have loved us to be.”

I tilted my head, curious.

“They said there was a special guest who refused to be refunded and insisted it was a celebration. But it’s just one man, so I let it slide.”

I stared at him, wide-eyed, until he added casually, “So don’t be surprised if a strange-looking man walks in and joins us for dinner.”

That broke me. I burst into laughter, shaking my head. “Well, I don’t mind… sharing dinner with one man, no matter how crazy-looking he might be. I mean, this is the restaurant for the rich, we’re not expecting someone wild, right?”

“I do,” he shot back smoothly, his eyes darkening as they lingered over me. “Because I want to be the only man staring at you tonight.”

I brushed a strand of hair from my face, feeling my skin heat up as his gaze traced every inch of me, slowly, hungrily, until I could feel it like a touch. His black suit fit him like it had been tailored to his body alone, highlighting his broad shoulders, his jaw freshly shaven, his lips still damp from the wine. God, he looked devastatingly refined and just too handsome.

A tingly sensation danced around my stomach, stirring up the ache of wanting to lean across the table and kiss him senseless.

I caught myself staring dreamily, watching the way his head tilted slightly to the side, like he was trying to read every thought I wasn’t saying aloud.

Without thinking, my fingers edged closer on the table, inch by inch toward his hand, craving the contact.

But just as my fingertips nearly brushed his, the waiter reappeared, again perfectly timed, pen poised to take our order.

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