Female Novel
Chapter 2186
As soon as Sylvia spoke up, the onlookers scattered like leaves in the wind, with Eunice and Lydiamaking a beeline for the exit when they saw their boss's temper flaring.
Sylvia marched up to Gabriel, grabbing his wrist and steering him towards her office.
Once inside, with the door shut and the prying eyes of office gossip cut off, Sylvia's lips curled into asmile. "They can be such a riot," she said, gesturing around her office. "Take a seat anywhere youlike, make yourself comfortable."
Gabriel surveyed the room before settling onto a sofa by the window. "Don't mind me," he said, hisvoice even. "Carry on with your work."
Sylvia poured him a cup of coffee. "Won't you get bored?"novelbin
Taking a sip, Gabriel replied in his calm tone, "I'm on holiday, boredom is my constant companion."
With a noncommittal shrug, Sylvia offered, "Well, if you need anything, just holler."
Gabriel nodded in acknowledgment.
The morning passed quickly with both of them immersed in their own tasks.
Come noon, they ventured across the street to a restaurant for lunch. It was impossible not to noticethe curious and excited glances from colleagues, their whispers wafting over like the aroma of freshpie.
"Looks like Eugene's out of the running, huh?"
"But her boyfriend's got that cool, rugged thing going on. They're like a match made in heaven!"
"Do you get the feeling they're more than friends, yet not quite lovebirds?"
"I'm calling it – they're totally dating. And that's that!"
Gabriel remained unfazed by the scrutiny, and Sylvia only shot her assistant a warning glare, lettingthe others speculate to their hearts' content.
After lunch, they returned to the office to continue with the afternoon's workload.
Sylvia was indeed busy – phone calls, scheduling, contract reviews.
After a couple of hours, her assistant popped in with a selection of paper bags, grinning. "Director'streat for afternoon tea. These are for you and Mr. Carnes. Enjoy, I'll leave you to it!"
Milanda sneaked a glance at Gabriel and giggled on her way out. Her morning of sleuthing had paidoff; she'd not only discovered Gabriel's last name but also earned the office an afternoon treat.
Sylvia unpacked the bags, laying out pastries and drinks on the coffee table, handing Gabriel hiscoffee.
She sat opposite him, nibbling on a cake, her gaze drifting out the floor-to-ceiling window, reflectinghis tall, handsome silhouette. Her eyes softened, marveling at the unexpected warmth of the wintersun.
After finishing her cake and popping a piece of peppermint candy in her mouth, Sylvia stood andstraddled Gabriel's lap, leaning in for a kiss.
Gabriel set down his coffee, his hands encircling her waist, perfectly encompassing her. The richscent of coffee mingled with the freshness of mint as Sylvia playfully swirled the candy in her mouth.
Bathed in sunlight, her skin glowed like fresh snow, her expression one of indulgence, effortlesslyseductive.
It wasn't until the peppermint dissolved completely, savored by them both, that Gabriel halted theirembrace. "Back to work," he said firmly, his voice deep. "Don't get distracted."
Sylvia, feeling languid, leaned into his embrace for a moment longer before Gabriel's armsunwound, allowing her to stand.
After a while, the persistent buzz of Sylvia's phone on the desk pulled her attention away. Sheglanced at the caller ID and, without a second thought, her brows knitted together in annoyance.