Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
She didn’t care about her weight. She knew to many she was overweight and could do with losing a few pounds. After starving on the streets and finally having the security of a hot meal every night, weight didn’t factor into anything.
“Stunning,” Gabriel said. He placed a hand at her back and urged her forward.
“Wow,” Trudy said, startling her, as the other woman arrived.
“She looks incredible, doesn’t she?” Gabriel asked.
“You’ll be the envy of every person there,” Trudy said.
They were just being kind.
Glancing at her reflection, Nora couldn’t help but admit that the dress was flattering. Rather than giving her a frumpy body, it fit beautifully. The bodice was snug, sinking in at the waist, enhancing her breasts, making them look fuller. The dress went from the waist and filled out at the hips. It floated around her, giving her an hourglass figure. She loved the feel of it against her skin.
“I’ve got the makeup artist downstairs,” Trudy said.
“Send her up.”
Nora looked from Gabriel to Trudy. “Makeup artist?”
“We have to complete the look, darling,” Trudy said.
This didn’t sound good, and for the next three hours, while still in her dress, she was covered and protected, but her hair was wet, cut, and styled. Her nails were painted. Her face was also going through the makeover, and by the time it was done, she had on a pair of heels to match the dress. A diamond necklace, bracelet, and matching earrings.
She looked the part of Gabriel’s date. It didn’t fill her with confidence and made her even more terrified of messing up.
****
Stepping into the dining hall with Nora at his side, Gabriel saw Nancy already talking with the guests. Not a single celebrity was present. This was a charity event for businessmen—those who didn’t want to be in the public eye but liked to contribute to good causes, and have a delicious meal as well.
Gabriel didn’t like being in the public eye, and having the title of eligible bachelor, who happened to date a host of models, actresses, and heiresses, he’d unintentionally made trouble for himself.
In his younger days, having the press follow him around had been a rush. Seeing his success displayed in all the papers and magazines had been the highlight of his life. Now, in his forties, privacy mattered more to him. He didn’t appreciate being followed around.
His grandfather had warned him in those early days, and he hadn’t listened, thinking he knew best. Once again, his old man warning him. His grandfather had been more of a father to him than his own.
“This is beautiful,” Nora said.
He couldn’t agree more.
Nancy was a wealthy woman. She loved to take charities and help them flourish. He had known the older woman for quite some time, and her dedication to good causes was what drove her. Many had assumed she would sell her father’s company, and although she was “old money,” she hadn’t done so. Instead, she made sure her family’s company flourished, thriving in the modern world, and in doing so, providing the funds for many of her charity endeavors. Gabriel admired her.
Several men stopped and greeted him. All looked toward Nora with questions in their eyes, wondering who the stunning woman was at his side. The makeup artist had done an amazing job. She’d enhanced Nora’s features. She had minimal makeup on, but it was perfection. Her hair curled around her. She had the aura of a princess—sweet and pure.
Gabriel wanted to dirty her up. To sink his fingers into her hair, to pull those lips to his and kiss her hard. His obsession was not helping.
He introduced her to people as his date, keeping a hand at her back. When he got to talk to Nancy, the other woman was attentive, talking with Nora about her cause and why it was so important.
She asked Nora what she did, and Gabriel smiled. “She works for me.”
Nancy smiled. “You always did have a keen eye for talent.”
He knew Nora was curious what that meant. The truth was, he and Nancy did share a skill. They were able to spot someone special. It was why he was so successful. When it came to acquiring people with certain skills, he had a knack for it.
When he looked at Nora, there was something special about her. He couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was, but he knew there was something there, and not just because he wanted to fuck her. She was going to be an asset to his company. In what way, he didn’t know.
Understanding her love for business and learning, he had a feeling she could go far. Also, even Trudy had noted she was a fast learner.
Nora and Nancy were talking animatedly, until it was announced that dinner was ready. Gabriel was not used to feeling jealous. He never had a reason to be jealous of anyone or anything. Yet, he didn’t like anyone else taking his time away from his woman, and was happy to see that Nancy was sitting at a different table.