Chapter 22 - Speak To Me

(Jamie)

I was beyond pissed about what happened at the interview. As soon as I saw Warren walk into the room, I had a feeling that this was some type of setup..then after what Dani texted me when I left..I made a call to Everett Entertainments CEO, Chris Wyatt. He was the one who knew my dad personally..I suggested he should think twice about keeping Warren on board.

Warren and Cecelia had gone out a few times before we started dating..well, she told my father she ended all of her previous relationships but I know a lot of people in New York..I essentially had eyes everywhere. Cecelia had at least six men she was sleeping with that I knew of and Warren was one of them.

Dani texted me after we left, informing me that Cecelia was spreading rumors about Gabriella in the dressing room..rumors that could hurt my future wife..I don't know why John hasn't told Gabby everything about her mother..but this really could do some damage. I'm debating if I should just sit her down and tell her myself...I hate keeping things from her..it makes me feel sick to my stomach..but I will give John a chance to tell her first.

Letting out a sigh, I put my phone away. I couldn't help but gaze over at Gabriella and wonder how she could still be so happy and kind through all of this..she truly is a special person.

I know Gabriella would've sat through that whole thing and just taken it. Which makes me sad..she has probably dealt with this type of treatment her whole life.

"Are you okay beautiful?" I whispered while reaching over and taking Gabriella's hand. I watched as she nodded her head and smiled, those big blue eyes sparkling as they took my breath away.

We were on the way to my dad's now and I tried so hard to keep it all together. I don't think I have ever been this nervous..I'm afraid of what my dad might do or say..what if he scares Gabriella away or something?

After the interview, I took her to the sushi place I told her about and honestly..that will be a memory that will stick with me forever. One thing Gabriella can do is eat and I don't even know where it all goes. She tried every single thing on her plate and her expressions were so mesmerizing, I couldn't help but stare. I loved when she tried something she didn't like because her nose would scrunch up as she tried so hard to not show it...and the noises..so many freaking moans and sighs..fuck..the thought of sushi now gives me a boner apparently. Yeah, I think I'm turning into a freaking pervert now.

Suddenly Gabriella lifted her hand and pointed to her lips, making my heart race as I couldn't help but smile.

"Would you like a kiss?" I asked, my voice causing her body to shiver as she nodded her head up and down in the most adorable way.

I bent down, wasting no time as I pressed my lips to hers just as the car pulled up to my dad's house.

I pulled away gently, my hand cupping her chin as I dragged my thumb across her plump bottom lip.

Fuck she was gorgeous..

"Gabriella..you have to promise me that if you feel uncomfortable at any moment, you tell me. Then we will leave okay.." I reassured her as she nodded softly before leaning into me once more, kissing me all on her own.

I swear just her touch alone was enough to calm me down..

After pulling away, I let out a deep breath and glanced outside, seeing my dad's mansion all lit up as Ray waited outside for us.

My father bought this place about four years ago and I swear I have only been here three times...all for company-related events. So for him to invite us over for dinner, was a new experience.

"Ready?" I asked, as my eyes searched Gabriella carefully, seeing no hesitation whatsoever as she smiled and mouthed the word yes.

We stepped out of the car hand in hand, I couldn't help but glance down at Gabriella's beautiful deep blue dress, the material hugged her body perfectly but was tasteful and elegant at the same time.

She looked stunning..

We walked up to the mansion's large glass doors.

I rang the doorbell quickly before stepping back and kept my gaze on Gabriella.

That's when my dad answered the door..it took me a few moments to recognize it was him considering he was wearing something other than a suit. I swear he sleeps in his Armani suits..so seeing him in a cashmere sweater and chinos was almost startling.

"Gabriella, welcome to my home, you look positively gorgeous." Dad said with a dazzling smile as I watched Gabriella's cheeks turn pink, making me frown slightly.

Why was she reacting like that? And why the hell is my dad acting like this?

"Son, come on in, let's have a drink before dinner is finished." My dad shook my hand, which I felt awkward about as he pulled me into the house before slapping my back.

I didn't know what to do or say.

"Do you like champagne Gabby sweetheart or would you prefer something stronger?" He asked as Gabriella walked beside me, my hand resting on her lower back as I guided her into the room.

Gabriella seemed to ponder the question as I was staring at my dad suspiciously..why was he suddenly being so friendly?

Gabriella began to sigh something with her hands as she mouthed the word champagne. I watched as she made her hands into fists before flicking her thumb out like a cork popping.

"Lovely, that I can understand." My dad winked, making Gabby freaking giggle..like seriously giggle as she looped her arm through mine and smiled shyly.

Okay..it's official..I'm in a shitty mood now..my dad has been telling stories about my childhood and Gabriella just drank them up excitedly. He now pulled out some random ass family album that I had never seen in my damn life and began showing her pictures of me in bathtubs and shit.

Mom..yeah..I would expect that..in fact, I was banking on that..but dad?! That came out of left field.

The way Gabriella gazed down at the pictures and pointed at them excitedly did make my stomach flip..but it was my dad's overly loud laugh and the way he smiled at Gabriella happily that made me uncomfortable..could he be hitting on her or something?! He wouldn't do that, right?

Suddenly a man in a chef's coat came out, telling us dinner was ready and Gabriella suddenly stated she had to use the restroom.

"I can show you." I hopped up making my dad stand as well.

"I think she can find it herself son." My dad stated as I narrowed my eyes at him as he explained to her exactly where it was.

The moment Gabriella left..I snapped my attention back to Dad as the biggest smirk pulled at his face.

Then what he said next made my mouth drop open.

"You're already in love with the girl aren't you." He stated cooly while a smile twitched in the corner of his mouth.

I clenched my hands into fists as I looked at my dad, feeling guarded.

"She is something else..I can't deny it Jamie..I can see it too. She can't even speak and she is already the most interesting woman I have ever met. Listen son..I know we haven't always been close..I know I haven't been the warmest and this contract seemed to put an even bigger bridge between us." My dad walked over to me, his hand resting on my shoulder as I felt like this was some type of alternate universe.

"But maybe, this is how it was always meant to be. Maybe my future daughter-in-law might be that missing piece."

Well..I was not expecting that..not one bit..