Chapter 363 - A Surprise Visitor

"…told I have to wake you up, or you'd be asleep for twenty-four hours straight if I didn't." Gael's gentle voice graced above Angela, his hand brushing delicious circles on her bareback. Laying feather-light kisses all over her face and neck, he pulled her into his chest at the same time that she nuzzled her face against it.

Still disoriented, Angela asked, "What time is it?"

He checked the time on his watch that rested on his nightstand. "7:24."

She groaned, burying her face into his neck, seemingly unwilling to get up.

"How are you feeling?"

"Like I was hit by a train."

"Does your head hurt?"

"A little."

"You need to eat then. You didn't really eat last night."

"But I don't want to get up." Her voice was muffled against his skin.

"I know. I'd bring you food here but…you'll feel much better if you get up and eat with me at the table. Food is ready. So go wash up and meet me outside. Okay?"

"Fine," Angela reluctantly agreed, though she wrapped her arms around him to steal one more hug and a kiss on his bare shoulder before pulling away. "Do you still have to work today?"

Gael hesitated as he met her hopeful eyes. They were still puffy from last night's crying. She would never ask him to stay, even if it was obvious that she wanted him to. And if it were any other day, he would. Sweeping her hair off her face and tucking it behind her ear, he nodded and told her, "I have to. I can't miss today. I'll be gone until the evening like I told you."

"Right… What time do you have to leave?"

"At nine. I still have time, so we can eat breakfast together. Do you need to visit an optical clinic today for your eyes?" He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on each of her lids. 

Sighing, she shook her head in response. "No. Luckily, I brought another pair of unopened lenses. I'll be fine." She smiled.

Although her vision was bad last night after losing her contact lenses from crying, she was already rested, so her vision was better now. She still couldn't see from afar, but she didn't need to constantly wear lenses or eyeglasses unless she had to work or she needed to go out.

"Okay." Gael's hand slid down and cupped one of her ass cheeks, giving it a firm squeeze as he grinned, remembering her wallpaper. "Go. I'll make you some coffee."

The two rolled out of bed—she headed to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth while Gael grabbed something from the closet before leaving the bedroom. Once she was done, she found a set of loungewear on the bed—an ivory-colored cashmere sweater and matching pants. It was one of the clothes that Gael bought for her during the new year's eve shopping.

After changing into the comfortable clothes, she looked at herself in the mirror, noting the puffiness of her eyes had already subsided—though it was still a little obvious that she cried last night. Running her fingers through her hair, she let out a small sigh. The least she could do was join Gael for breakfast at the table before he left for work. After all, he witnessed her breakdown. Angela promised herself she wouldn't cry like that anymore. Once was enough. She didn't want him to think she was weak and scare him away.

Stepping out of the bedroom, she headed straight to the kitchen where she thought he might be. "You could have woken me up earlier, so I could help you make breakfast…" Her words trailed off when she noticed someone from her left periphery and her mouth hung open.

"Surprise!"

Angela gasped. "Ninz!" Her eyes were wide like saucers, watching her best friend rush towards her and engulf her in a big hug. "Oh, my god. What are you doing here?" she hesitated before returning the embrace.

Footsteps came from the side, and Gael came into view with two mugs in hand. "If I woke you up earlier, you wouldn't be as surprised as you are now." He grinned. "Capp?" He offered one mug towards her while he sipped on the other.

She was still in shock when Nina tipped her head towards Gael and said, "He called me late last night and told me about what happened. I came here as fast as I could. I'm sorry, Anj…"

Meeting the other's apologetic gaze, Angela released a sigh of relief before chuckling and squeezing Nina in another hug. "This is crazy. You're in New York."

"Babes, I'll fly to Japan for you if I have to," Nina replied.

"But you love Japan…"

"Exactly!"

The two laughed as they backed away. Angela wiped a stray tear of happiness and surprise from her cheek as she walked towards Gael, receiving the mug he offered as she tiptoed to kiss him on the lips. "I can't believe you did this. Thank you."

"Figured you didn't want to be alone today. I wish I could stay with you but…" A small wistful smile formed on his lips. "Is it okay that I called your friend? At least you have company while I am out."

"Are you kidding? I'm ecstatic!"

"Good." He captured her lips in a slow kiss before releasing her. "We'll eat soon."

When he walked away, Nina sidled up to Angela and spoke in a low voice. "I was so shocked to receive his call last night. I thought something serious had happened. He was going to send his plane to fetch me from Mayne, you know? But I insisted I'll fly on my own and get here this morning. His men picked me up when I landed… I just came straight from the airport."

Angela's heart swelled. Gael was so thoughtful. Despite his background and the rough exterior he sometimes had, he was really sweet to her. Because he had to work today, he made sure she wouldn't be alone. She just kept on falling for him every day.

"Ladies? Breakfast is served." He called from the dining table with his back to them.

"Damn… His ass though," Nina whispered next to her, openly ogling Gael's behind from a distance. "You're so lucky to be waking up next to this piece of hunk. Food ready and dick ready. You're living the dream here, huh?"

Angela slapped her friend's shoulder, laughing as she hooked their arms together and walked towards the dining table. "I miss you, Antonina."

"Ugh." Nina groaned. "Stop calling me that. I'm starting to think I shouldn't have come here."

"You love me too much to regret, Antonina."

"Good Lord. You better make my trip here worth it."

They reached the dining table where Gael pulled out a chair for Angela before taking the seat at the head of the table. "Don't worry, Ms. Lopez. I arranged…something to keep you girls occupied the whole day."

Angela gave Gael a questioning gaze. However, the latter didn't reveal anything but a playful grin. She exchanged glances with her best friend, and Nina shrugged but appeared to be excited about whatever he planned for them.

At exactly nine in the morning, Trigger arrived in the apartment, and Gael was ready to leave. He wore his usual black shirt and pants, and he was closing the cuffs on his sleeves when Angela came over to him, sliding her arms around his waist. She looked up at him, their height difference making her crane her neck to meet his eyes. "You're not going to be in danger, are you?"

"I'm always in danger. Every day. But I know what you mean. And no. But I must be there." And that her mother would probably be there tonight too, but he didn't tell her that. He stroked her arms and back as though getting his fill of her. "You just enjoy today. I'll send a car to pick you and your friend up for dinner. I made a reservation at a French restaurant I think you both will like. I won't be seeing you again until late, but I'll meet you somewhere tonight."

"You did all this for me?"

"Babe… You must know by now that I'll do anything for you."

Heat crept up her cheeks, making her blush. This man knew how to sweep her off her feet. He was so dangerous.

Clearing her throat, she wondered, "What did you prepare for us today anyway?"

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Trigger went to open it. Four women wearing a black uniform top and pants entered the apartment with trolleys and folded boards. They smiled as they lined up, bowed, and then waited for instructions.

Confused, Angela looked up at Gael. "What…"

"They're from Luxe Escape. I didn't know what you girls wanted, so I asked to send a team to take care of you two. Their home services are just the same as if you're in their spa. I'm sure you won't get bored getting pampered the whole day—"

Gael got cut off when Angela tiptoed and pressed her lips to his… once… twice… And she sighed. "Really. You didn't have to do this. I can't thank you enough."

He gave her a lopsided smirk and pulled her closer, his lips brushing against her skin as he whispered to her ear, "I can think of a lot of ways to thank me later tonight."