Chapter 20 - Speak To Me

(Gabriella)

I peeked over at Jamie, realizing he was staring at me too as I gave him a small smile. After having the best sleep of my life..this morning has been nothing but a whirlwind.

Jamie ordered us some breakfast and even had someone bring me a couple of dresses to choose for the interview this morning.

I tried them all on and finally settled on a soft pink dress with white flowers and a layered neckline with frilly sleeves.

I kept my hair down, and after stepping out of my room to show Jamie, he walked up to me and gave me the biggest kiss ever.

"You look stunning." He breathed while pulling away and glancing down at my body.

He has been even more touchy and affectionate since the moment I woke up and everything feels so natural. Even now he is holding my hand as we drive through the city.

"After the interview we should grab some lunch at this sushi place down the street." He suggested as I sat up a little straighter before pulling my phone out and trying to free my hand to type..but he wasn't letting go.

I glanced at him before he gave me a small frown and reluctantly untangled our fingers.

"I have never had sushi before." I typed before flashing it to him as I saw his eyes scan the screen slowly.

"I bet you will love it." He stated before reaching up and tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"Did I already tell you how beautiful you look today?" Jamie whispered, making a goofy grin fill my face as I typed out a response. He has been all morning..

"Hmm..I can't remember..better tell me again." I typed before looking up at him and fluttering my eyelashes.

Jamie let out a deep chuckle before bending down close to me.

"You look very very beautiful and I can't stop thinking about that kiss this morning." He whispered, making my stomach flip as I let out a shuddering breath.

This morning I might've gotten a little braver..after waking up with Jamie, I snuggled up to him and we began kissing..well..then I kinda climbed on top of him and took over a little. At least I tried to..but the memory of his hands sliding down to my butt made me squeeze my legs together, trying to stop this aching between my legs.

All of this was so new..I didn't even know what was happening to me fully.

The tension between us became thicker by the second as my eyes darted to his lips.

"You are a very fast learner Gabriella Kensington..I give you an A plus for kissing." He said playfully as I felt my heart leap into my throat just as Jamie pressed his lips to mine.

I swear the moment our lips met..everything else around us simply disappears..because before I knew it, Jamie had pulled away and Ray was outside of our door, waiting to open it for us.

"Come on, let's get this over with so all of New York knows you are mine." Jamie stated as my eyes widened in shock..he..he said I was his..I could melt to the floor right now. I swear he turns me into putty.

Jamie tapped on the window and Ray hastily opened the door as Jamie slid out before helping me next. I smiled warmly at Ray as his tough exterior began to crack when a smile filled his usually stone cold face.

Ray was a very nice guy, I would say he was in his forties maybe. But he always looked so serious and professional, so when I see his smile, it makes me feel special.

"I will text you when the interview is over." Jamie told Ray before placing his hand on my lower back and stepping close beside me.

"Don't be nervous okay? We are in this together." Jamie whispered as we neared the tall building. I nodded my head, trying to absorb Jamie's words as the urge to throw up sat in the back of my throat.

I had never done anything like this..and even just being by so many people and having them essentially ask me questions..it made me beyond nervous.

We stepped through the double doors and the vision of people bustling by filled the large lobby before us. Everyone in here seemed like they had important things to do as they carried stacks of paper or had their phones pressed to their ears while engaging in various conversations.

I had been into Daddy's office a few times, so it wasn't totally new to me, but the people here seemed a lot more serious.

Jamie tightened his grip on me as he nodded to a security guard and then a young woman came walking towards us.

"Mr. Sinclair, you are right on time as usual." The woman said with a big smile. She had deep red hair and wore a pink silk cami with a nude-colored pantsuit. Her heels matched her outfit perfectly and I couldn't help but admire her curves. She was definitely a beautiful woman.

"Dani, thank you for getting us in so last minute." Jamie responded before looking down at me.

"This is my Fiancee Gabriella, Gabriella, this is Dani, she went to high school with me." Jamie explained, making me feel a little more relaxed for some reason. So they were friends, that's why they seemed so familiar with one another.

I reached out, shaking the woman's hand before smiling warmly at her and signing hello.

"By the way..you better tell Rylan what's going on..he won't stop blowing up my phone." The woman added as she turned on her heel before leading the way towards a row of elevators.

"I will tell him when I feel it's right. I don't need him getting involved." Jamie stated cooly before helping me on the elevator as he wrapped his arm around my waist protectively.

I watched as Dani peered down at the spot where he held me as a curious expression filled her eyes.

"Oh..and by the way..the other woman is here too." The girl stated, making Jamie stiffen as he snapped his head towards Dani.

"What do you mean she is here?" Jamie asked angrily, making my brow furrow as I tried to figure out who they were talking about.

"Well..they got wind about the interview..and they told Chris they wanted to clear the air." Dani said before smiling at Jamie sheepishly.

"Isn't that something you should have told us earlier?" Jamie gritted through his teeth before glaring at Dani as she swallowed hard.

"H..He..told me not to..I'm sorry Jamie..he knew you wouldn't have come." Dani rushed out as Jamie ignored her before turning to me and placing his hands on either side of my face.

"Gabby, I am going to leave this up to you. It seems Cecelia has come to the interview. If you don't want to do this, we can leave right now." Jamie explained, making my eyes widen as I felt my stomach drop.

Why was she here?

"Not just Cecelia, Regina Kensington is here as well." Dani whispered, making Jamie sigh as he turned towards her.

"They are stating that they want to show their support and clear up any misunderstandings." Dani explained while stepping between the doors, making sure they wouldn't close.

"This is all too much..we will have to reschedule.." Jamie declared as I glanced towards him and saw he was now angry..

Then guilt filled me..I didn't want this to affect Jamie..I didn't want him to see how dysfunctional my family was..I just wanted to get this over with..and maybe..maybe they really did want to clear the air.

I quickly reached out before gripping Jamie's jacked as I shook my head no.

"Gabriella, I don't think this is a good idea." Jamie stated and I bit my lip anxiously..just as I was about to nod in agreement, I heard a voice calling out my name, making me glance up in surprise.

"Oh Gabriella sweetheart there you are." Regina suddenly appeared out of nowhere before swooping into the elevator and giving me a hug.

I was left standing there in shock..did she really just hug me?

"We have missed you sweetie..I know we left things a little rocky..but we are ready to clear the air..we want to support you." Regina spoke the softest I have ever heard as I didn't even know what to do..was this real?

"Come, let's go sit down, Cecelia is ready to explain everything." Regina said while reaching down and gripping my hand.

I glanced up at Jamie who seemed to be watching Regina suspiciously as I nodded my head softly..letting Regina pull me out of the elevator.

"We had a word with your father, and he explained how you two really seem to be a great match..I understand now that this is more than an arrangement sweetheart..and after you left..well..the house felt so empty." She whispered, making my heart ache as I peered up at her.

She..she misses me?

"Now, can we start over fresh? I know there is a lot to make up for..but I want to show you that I'm really here for you sweetheart..we both are."