Gabriel didn''t want to linger in the riding club. He guessed that going in the crowd might cause some issues, but at the same time, he knew that he can''t keep Ba shielded from the world. However, he does not want to overwhelm her right away. She got a glimpse of what might wait for her if their rtionshipsts, and he will let her emotions and thoughts settle before he exposes her to another simr situation.


    Ba was happy that they returned to the car. It gave her time to calm down after the emotional overload Gabriel invoked during their horse ride in the forest. Her body felt like it''s not under her control, and it was tingly all over. She didn''t dislike it, but it was unexpected and some sounds she released were embarrassing. She knows that Gabriel is taking it slow because of her and part of her is grateful that he is not pouncing on her, yet another part wants to explore uncharted territories. It''s a difficult decision to make.


    After a half an hour-long ride, Gabriel stopped the car on the driveway of a white vi that is overlooking the ocean.


    Ba nced at the tall marble columns and she wondered if the ce is deserted because it seemed that it''s only the two of them.


    They entered the vi and passed a big ss door that allowed them to enter the colorful garden.


    A gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of flowers that put a smile on Ba''s face.


    Gabriel held Ba''s hand and led the way toward the center of the garden where they found a gazebo.


    The seating was cushioned, and they found perfectly chilled drinks waiting for them.


    Gabriel noticed that Ba is curiously observing the surroundings.


    "Looking for something?"


    "Are there any people here, or are we on our own?", Ba shared her thoughts but at the next moment, she realized that her question was silly. The drinks didn''t conjure themselves magically. Someone put them there.


    Gabriel scooted closer to Ba. "Would you like that it???s only the two of us?"


    "Well… yeah…", Ba admitted despite her embarrassment of having such bold thoughts.


    Gabriel smiled and passed her the drink. He would like that it''s only the two of them also, but he also knows how that might be a too tempting situation. How can he keep it slow if he and Ba haveplete privacy? Gabriel was confident that he has this figured out, but the incident in the forest proved otherwise. When Ba melted into him and allowed him to do as he pleases while releasing the most seductive sounds he ever heard, Gabriel was on the verge of snapping and the only thing reminding him not to undress her was the fact that they were sitting on top of a horse.


    "I thought we are going for dinner.", Ba said, unaware of Gabriel''s lustful thoughts.


    "We will have our dinner here.", Gabriel informed Ba and observed her keenly. Ba is usually rxed and chatty and now she is looking anywhere other than at Gabriel. He wondered if her thoughts are going in the same direction as his. "Is there something on your mind?"


    Ba shook her head. "It''s just… I remember that woman in the riding club…"


    "Miss Kassel?"


    Ba frowned slightly, not happy that Gabriel remembers that woman''s name. "Yeah, that one and the real estate agent. Are two women coveting you weekly a norm or it''s usually livelier?"


    "Uhm… it depends on the season.", Gabriel responded with a straight face.


    "Can you be serious?"


    "About them? I don''t care if it''s one, five, or a hundred because none of them are important. It is my choice to ignore them and to make fun of them because I refuse to allow them to affect me negatively." Gabriel paused and leaned closer before adding: "And I hope that you can do the same because I am serious about you, Ba."


    Ba''s heart fluttered. It always does, whenever Gabriel looks into her eyes with such intensity, and his words are sealing all the exits she might have to escape his clutches if this is a trap.


    When Ba is on her own, she often thinks about Gabriel and she knows that he is too much of everything… too handsome, too powerful, too rich, too caring… too Gabriel. He said that dating is new for him, but Ba is aware that between the two of them he is the experienced one while she is clueless. And she knows that if he is only ying with her, she will end up being hurt… but there is nothing she can do to stay away from him because no matter how much time they spend together, it feels like seconds, yet without him, every minute is like an eternity. She is absolutely smitten.


    Gabriel''s phone buzzed and he checked the message.


    "Dinner is served… shall we?"


    Ba looked at the hand Gabriel extended toward her and she ced her hand into his. He is always a gentleman. She wondered if this is only for the initial dating or if he is always like that.


    Ba and Gabriel entered the vi and took the stairs up until they emerged at the rooftop terrace of the vi where a table set for two was waiting for them.


    The first course was ted on the table, and the two-tiered trolley was on the side with several other covered tes. It seems that the staff is trained to provide privacy so they get served without noticing them.


    Ba looked around and saw that garden with the gazebo where they sat in is muchrger than she thought initially, and she does not see any other houses nearby. They are either on a massive lot ofnd, or the neighboring houses are well hidden by the trees.


    The view of the ocean on the other side was breathtaking as it was hinting at an uing sunset view.


    "For you, mydy…", Gabriel said with a smile while giving her a perfect red rose.


    Ba was overwhelmed. She epted the rose and inhaled its sweet scent.


    "You are doing so much for me."


    Gabriel''s expressions showed her that he is pleased with her reaction.


    "This is only the beginning, Ba. With you, I am happy, and I hope that my actions reflect that. My only wish right now is that you feel happy with me...", Gabriel said while pulling a chair for her to sit.


    Ba''s big smile told him that she is happy.


    The food was delicious, but Ba does not remember much of the taste. She was mostly staring at Gabriel and it wouldn''t matter if on her te was a piece of moldy bread or the most exquisite caviar because she ate robotically while soaking in Gabriel''s presence.


    As they progressed through their meal, Gabriel switched the tes and made sure that her ss is full and she was happy that hemanded the conversation because if it was up to her, she would just stare at him foolishly.


    ---


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