Lauren (Silicon Valley Billionaires 1)

“Anything he says to you will be monitored, but I can have a confidential conversation with him. What would you like me to tell him? I’m about to see him now. We’re prepping for his arraignment.”

My mind was racing. I had a feeling that although Clive’s attorney said the communication between her and Clive would be confidential, I would be crazy to be fully forthcoming. “Just tell him I said thanks. For helping me. And for getting Gabe out.”

“I’ll do that. I’ll be in touch soon, Ms. Taylor,” she said smoothly, and hung up.

My mind continued to race. The only comfort I had at that moment was that we were almost to Gabe’s home, and soon, I would be back in his arms.

I woke up to bright sunlight, and a feeling of sick disappointment flooded me. I’m in Gabe’s bed, but where is he?

I rolled over and found a note on his pillow.

Babe.

The thing that blew up last night is still a problem. I slept for a few hours and headed back to the office. Dinner. Tonight.

By the way, I still love you.

Gabe

PS—You’re adorable when you’re snoring.

I sat straight up, mortified, and grabbed my phone.

I do not snore, I texted him immediately.

In a meeting, he texted back. And yes you do.

A minute later, my phone buzzed with another text from him. See you tonight.

If you’re lucky, I wrote back.

I wouldn’t be so sarcastic. I have something for you, he wrote, And I know for a fact that you like it.

Heat suffused my cheeks as I took in his meaning. I did like it. I couldn’t pretend otherwise. Sighing, I put down my phone and left Gabe to his meeting. I took a quick shower and dried my hair as fast as I could. I noticed, much to my chagrin, that I’d already completely adjusted to having most of my personal grooming items and clothes at Gabe’s house.

We hadn’t been together that long, and he’d already moved me in. And even though things were moving fast, I hadn’t put up too much of a fight.

I made the bed and sighed as I inhaled his scent from the pillow. I took one last look around the room. I needed to get back to the office, and even though he’d promised me dinner, I probably wouldn’t be leaving Paragon anytime soon. Gabe wasn’t going to like that. For once, I didn’t like it either. I missed him. I missed him so much, I was smelling his pillow.

Being in love was so ridiculous.

I finished my coffee and was just about to text my driver when my phone buzzed again.

I’ll be there in two minutes. Don’t leave.

A shiver ran through me. There was no way in hell I was going to leave.

I paced the kitchen as I waited, anticipation coursing through me. Then the door opened, and Gabe came through, smiling and making me melt. “Hey.”

“Hey, yourself.” I threw my arms around his neck, eager to touch him. “I missed you.”

He ran his hands down my sides and brushed his lips against my face. “I obviously missed you too. I just bailed on my meeting. I only have a few minutes.”

I looked up at him with my eyebrows raised. “A few minutes?”

Gabe’s brown eyes darkened, and he continued to run his hands down my sides, sending electric sparks through me. “It seemed a lot better to me than nothing. I couldn’t wait until tonight to see you.” He kissed me, slowly at first, his lips parting mine. I arched against him immediately, molding my body to his.

“Well,” I said, a little breathlessly, “when you put it that way…”