Chapter 141
At that he stops and stares down at me with a scrutinizing gaze, searching my face for any hints of lies. When he finds none, he reluctantly nods and sets me down on the plush carpet. Grinning widely, I unplug the hair dryer from the socket as he dresses behind me into navy sweatpants.
I'm still in my lounge wear, which consist of sweatpants and a fuzzy sweater with my hair now tied up in a messy topknot, as I search for something to change into. Before I can decide on an outfit, he grabs my hand and leads me downstairs, murmuring about how he has something for me.
I walk downstairs and into the sitting room with Gabriel behind me, only to stop and stare at the large bouquet of red roses in surprise. A shocked gasp leaves my lips as I turn around to look at him in question. When had he done this? I wonder, walking close to the flowers. He only smiles softly, nodding at me to open the note I now hold. I giggle excitedly, opening it up and reading the contents.
"What would you say if I asked you out on a date?" It reads in cursive writing, my eyes widening at the question. I hear him chuckle before walking over to me, his arms encircling my waist as he pulls me close. I stare into his twinkling green eyes, wanting to brush away the strands of chocolate brown hair that threaten to fall into them.
"I know, I know..." He sighs, taking a seat on the couch and pulling me onto his lap. "I should have asked you at the start and done it the right way but with everything going on, it never seemed like the right time. I'm sorry you couldn't get your first kiss after a romantic date or experience any of that but, I promise I'll make it up to you if you say yes."
I smile at his hopeful expression, cupping his cheek in my small hand. "You don't have to do all this, you know. I'm happy just being with you."
"I want to. You deserve everything in the world. So, what do you say?"
He looks so nervous, it's hard not to chuckle. "Yes. I would love to go out on a date with you, Gabriel."
"Yes!" He grins, picking me up and twirling me around making me laugh at his excitement. He sets me down, pressing a soft kiss to my lips before pulling away. "Okay. I need you to dress warm and meet me in an hour downstairs."
I nod, chuckling as he starts pushing me towards the stairs. Sighing lightly, I quickly make my way upstairs and to our room. Biting my lip, I open the closet and rummage around for something warm.
Eventually picking an outfit, I lay it out on the bed before rushing to the wardrobe. I have already showered so that is out of the way. Grabbing a red lace set of underwear, I quickly put them on before pulling a grey sweater over my torso, followed by my white jeans while I wait for my curler to heat up. Because my hair has a few wavy pieces that don't look right, I curl them loosely before setting them with hairspray. Next, I apply natural makeup, sighing in relief when I manage to get perfect wings of my liner. I grab some mascara and apply it to my lashes making them longer before finishing my look off with a dusty rose colored lipstick.
Because it has snowed outside, I grab my boots instead of flats or heels. I put on my camel colored coat before tying a scarf around my neck. Picking a shoulder bag, I throw in all my essentials as I glance at the clock which indicates that I only have three minutes to get my butt downstairs. Looking in the mirror one last time, I nod at my outfit before leaving the room and making my way downstairs.
My mark tingles before I see him, letting me know that he is close. As I make my way down the stairs, I look up and see him waiting at the end with a look of complete awe and love in his eyes. He is wrapped up in a grey coat with a navy sweater underneath and black jeans, boots covering his feet. I would be lying if I say he doesn't look like a Greek God standing there.
His hand reaches for mine and grabs it as I near, helping me off the steps before pulling me close. As he tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear, I hear him faintly utter "so beautiful," under his breath which makes me blush. A wide smile spreads across his lips at the sight of my cheeks turning a bright pink, the back of his hand grazing against the heated skin.
"Ready for our date, my moon?"
******
"So...where are we going?" I ask once we are seated in the car and have driven a few miles down the road.
He smirks and shakes his head, making me frown instantly. "It's a surprise."
"No, why? I don't like surprises!" I whine, pouting at him to which he just chuckles.
"I'm not telling you Amanda, you'll just have to wait." He shrugs, grinning devilishly at my frustration.
"Fine." I huff, turning on the radio so that it plays softly before crossing my arms over my chest.
The fact that I have never been to Alaska before only serves to further my restlessness because I can't even guess. So instead, I hum along to the familiar pop tunes and gaze at the passing scenery. When I ask how long it will take, Gabriel replies saying our destination is an hour away. To pass the time, I ask him questions about the towns we are passing through, the various sights catching my attention. My fingers itch to grab my camera but I give it a rest, choosing to question Gabriel instead.