Gabriel's Redemption (Gabriel's Inferno 3)

“You are not a cow,” Gabriel clipped. “You’re pregnant. And beautiful.”

She avoided his eyes. “I can’t stand in front of that mirror. I’ll look like a bus—from three different directions.”

“Nonsense.” He took the drink out of her hand, placing it on the low table nearby. “Take off your clothes.”

“What?”

“I said take off your clothes.”

She backed away from him. “I can’t.”

“Trust me,” he whispered, stepping closer.

She looked up at him. His blue eyes were warm, but he looked very determined.

“Are you trying to make me cry?”

He stiffened.

“No, I’m trying to help you see what I see when I look at you.” He beckoned to her and she moved to him.

He placed his hand on her shoulders and kissed her forehead. “Pick something you think is pretty and try it on. I’ll sit over there with my back turned while you change. If you don’t like anything here, we’ll go somewhere else.”

Julia leaned against him for a moment and he took her weight, stroking her sides up and down.

She sighed and picked a few satin hangers, carrying them to the far corner, where there was a series of hooks on the wall.

Gabriel smiled as he sat in a leather club chair, which was positioned a few feet away, facing the mirror. He made sure to keep his back to her while she undressed, not wanting to upset her.

He helped himself to some Perrier and began eyeing the clothes rack. In deference to Julia’s modesty, he hadn’t requested the more provocative items—items that lacked coverage over the br**sts, for example. The point of this exercise was to purchase things that made her feel confident and sexy, not self-conscious and cold.

Although some of his choices might push her boundaries, he wasn’t interested in upsetting her. This was supposed to be fun and, he hoped, inspirational.

“It’s a little tight,” she called to him.

“They’re supposed to be tight. Come over where I can see you.” He kept his eyes fixed on the mirror, almost breathless in anticipation.

“I think I need a larger size.”

“I gave Patricia your measurements.”

“You did what?” She almost shrieked. “But I’m massive.”

“Julianne.” His tone was commanding. “Come—here.”

She took a deep breath and walked toward the mirror.

Gabriel felt his heart stutter in his chest.

Julia stood wearing a Syble babydoll, which was black chiffon and embroidered with small pink flowers. She’d kept on her black maternity panties but had added a pair of black seamed stockings, pulled up just to below her baby bump.

“Breathtaking,” he said.

She stood to the side of the mirror, her hand traveling between the panels of black chiffon to her stomach. Then she turned around slowly, checking her backside.

“You look perfect.”

She caught his eyes in the mirror.

He could no longer sit. He moved to stand behind her but resisted the urge to touch.

He knew that if he gave in, he’d have her in the dressing room in the leather club chair and their shopping trip would be over. Surely he could wait a few minutes while she tantalized him.

“What do you think?” he asked, his voice gruff.

“I like it. I still think it’s a little tight.” She tugged at the straps, exposing more of her large br**sts.

He moved his hands to fit over them and squeezed.

“It fits you like a glove. You have a beautiful figure.”

A soft look came into her eyes. “You really think that.”

“I do.” He caressed her br**sts through the fabric, passing his thumbs ever so gently over her sensitive ni**les.

Her lips parted as she watched him touch her, feeling the sensations tingle across her flesh while seeing the hunger in his eyes.

Here was a man hopelessly aroused and eager, plying his seductive trade.

Gabriel brushed her hair aside and brought his lips to her ear. “Just think how I’ll make you feel when I remove it.”

Throwing caution aside, he placed his lips to her neck, his tongue darting out to taste her skin.

“It’s getting hot in here.” She closed her eyes, leaning into his embrace.

“I’m just getting started.” He pressed himself against the curve of her backside so that she could feel his prominent arousal. “I think we can agree that we’ll take what you’re wearing. Now choose something else.”

She turned to kiss him, reaching up to tangle her fingers in his hair. She kissed him until they were almost ready to forgo shopping before returning to the clothes rack.

Gabriel walked to a nearby table and lifted the house phone.

“Patricia? We’re going to need more ice.”

Chapter Eighty-one

August 2012

Near Burlington, Vermont

As the winter months passed, Paul spent more and more time with Allison. They went to dinner and to the movies. They flirted via email and text message. And his cupboards at the Norris farmhouse were always filled with Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and homemade cookies.

In fact, his friendship with Ali (for so he was still calling it) had become very important to him. He eagerly looked forward to spending time with her every weekend. And although their physical relationship hadn’t progressed beyond a few chaste kisses, their connection continued to deepen.

However, neither of them could have anticipated the overwhelming joy that was to come in early March when Paul was offered the position of assistant professor in the Department of English at Saint Michael’s College. He didn’t waste time fussing over the salary or negotiating a lighter teaching load or other perks. He simply accepted the job. Gladly.

He emailed Julia about his job offer and they resumed their occasional, friendly correspondence. He was stunned when, in mid-April, she emailed him announcing that she was pregnant.

Given the fact that they’d had a gap in their correspondence, Paul didn’t feel comfortable interrogating her about the timing of her pregnancy. He certainly didn’t want to upset her, not only because he treasured their friendship but because he didn’t want Gabriel to withdraw his approval of his completed dissertation. Consequently, Paul simply sent her a congratulatory message and promised that he would send the baby a gift from Vermont.

Having successfully completed and defended his dissertation, and having survived graduation from the University of Toronto in June, Paul moved into his new office on the campus of St. Michael’s College at the end of August.