Chapter 153
Approaching, Hayden poked Teresa's forehead with a pointed finger, "What a teamwork of a couple! If I do become your sister-in-law, I swear I'll spoil you even more than Gabriel does."
Teresa's smile was full of mischief, "Alright then, thanks in advance, sis!"
With a mock glare, Hayden made her exit.
After Hayden left, Gabriel moved quickly to give Teresa a close hug and a firm kiss on the forehead. He looked at her with hope in his eyes and said, "I was worried you were mad at me."
Teresa shot him a look, "Seriously, Liam and I are just friends now. Can we not go all weird every time you bring him up?"
"Guilty as charged," Gabriel wrapped one arm around her, raising the other in surrender, "I swear, no more jealousy over Liam, because I know I'm the only one you truly adore."
Teresa was at a loss for words.
"What delicacies did you bring me?" Having made his promise, Gabriel eagerly reached for the lunch box in Teresa's hand, grinning as he inquired.
"Come sit down before it gets cold," Teresa chided, casting a playful glance before pulling him towards the lounge.
"Of course, whatever you say, dear." Gabriel chuckled, settling down in the lounge, and began to open the lunchbox.
It was just homemade comfort food, but it was a feast for the eyes and smelled delicious. Plus, Gabriel was truly hungry, and this was Teresa’s first love-filled lunch delivery to him. His appetite flared instantly.
"Here, have a sip," Gabriel coaxed after setting the table, tasting the soup to find it at the right temperature before spooning it gently to Teresa's lips.
Teresa didn’t resist and naturally took a sip. Gabriel's mood lifted even more as he watched her, he set down the soup spoon and picked up the fork to offer her a slice of steak.
Teresa turned away, "I've already eaten, I'm not hungry. You go ahead."
"Just one bite," Gabriel persisted.
She rolled her eyes at him but obliged and took a bite.
Only after Teresa had her share did Gabriel voraciously dive into his meal. Teresa, meanwhile, sat beside him, flipping through a financial magazine, occasionally glancing over at the man who had a way of charming her without even trying.
In truth, Gabriel had impeccable table manners. He ate elegantly and quietly, a pleasure to watch, no matter how fast he indulged in the food.
Teresa leaned into the corner of the sofa with her magazine, propping her chin on her hand as she watched him, growing lost in thought until Gabriel suddenly looked over mid-meal, locking eyes with her. Her breath hitched inexplicably, and she quickly returned to her magazine, feigning focus.
Observing her sudden, adorable embarrassment, the mirth and pleasure in Gabriel's deep eyes intensified, and he quickened his eating pace.
Teresa flipped through the magazine in her hands, not once looking up at the man beside her, but she could feel the burn of his gaze skewering her relentlessly. By the time it became too much to bear and she looked up, he had already set his utensils down and was moving in on her.
"The meal was simply divine..." Gabriel's distinct, long fingers lifted her chin gently as he leaned in.
"Hey!" Teresa quickly placed her hands against his chest, "Are you even full yet?"
"My stomach is, but the rest of me isn't," Gabriel pressed on, leaning closer.
"Gabriel!" Teresa turned her head away, "You haven't wiped your mouth."
"Dear, do it for me."
"You're impossible, I'm getting annoyed..." Ah! "Mm!"
Before she could finish her protest, Gabriel had pivoted her face towards his, seizing her lips.
His kiss, infused with the essence of the meal, invaded Teresa's senses completely. She soon got lost in the moment, her hands finding their way around his neck, eagerly reciprocating...
"Knock, knock..."
Just as their kiss intensified, a sudden knocking at the door jolted Teresa back to reality, and she pushed at the man on top of her.
"Mr. Garcia..."
"Get out!"
The secretary on the other side of the door had barely made a sound before Gabriel growled at her.
"I’m sorry!" The secretary quivered at his tone, retreating quickly.
"Why are you so harsh? That was clearly your fault," Teresa scolded as she slid from beneath him, fixing her clothes and grabbing her bag. "There's something I need to take care of at school this afternoon. I'll let Katherine know I won't make it for dinner."
"I'll pick you up for Kyle's birthday party then," Gabriel reached for her hand, clearly not wanting her to leave.
Teresa shook her head, "It might run late, don't wait up. Just go ahead, I'll call you when I'm done."
"Just stay with me a little longer, five more minutes," Gabriel requested with puppy eyes.
Teresa smirked, "In your dreams!"
With that, she pulled her hand free from his grasp and turned to stride away.
But after only a couple of steps, a long arm reached out, encircled her waist, and pulled her back into a warm embrace.
"What now?" She stopped, looking up at Gabriel.
Gabriel smiled, planting a kiss on her forehead, "I'll walk you out."
