Read Online The Organized Bride (Billionaire Marriage Brokers Book 2) by Lucy McConnell - Free Book Online Page B

wheel. How was she ever going to get through an afternoon of meetings?
    Slowly climbing out of the car, she patted the driver’s arm and told him thank you. Her favorite shoes felt heavy as she crossed the small plaza. On one level, she was excited about the afternoon’s agenda, but on a completely physical level, she dreaded getting through it.
    Not surprisingly, Gabe met her in the lobby. His lowered brow left no doubt that he’d watched her slow steps from the car to the building. She chided herself for not being more aware. Hoping to win back a few points, she smiled and said, “The driver is a lifesaver. Thanks again.”
    “It’s no trouble,” replied Gabe. He didn’t return her smile, though. Instead, he squinted as he took in her red-rimmed eyes and puffy face.
    His scrutiny had MaKayla tucking her hair behind her ear nervously. She wasn’t used to people noticing her or paying close attention. Most of the time, she was a contact, someone who could get things done, a part of the overall event; hardly anyone really looked at her, and Gabe’s intent gaze made her feel exposed and somewhat shy. Her reaction was strange because she considered herself an unconquerable extrovert. Her outgoing nature was part of what made her so good at her job.
    She didn’t have the energy to argue over whether she was healthy enough to stay, so she sidestepped the whole conversation and said, “I’m excited to meet with David to plan the shareholder’s luncheon today. I have some ideas that should make it tasteful and yet memorable.”
    Gabe nodded. “David’s planning to meet you in your office. I’ll take you up.” He motioned for her to go first.
    MaKayla was grateful he didn’t try to coddle her. She needed to make a good impression on her coworkers, to earn their trust, and she wasn’t going to do that by hiding behind Gabe. It was important that they see her as capable without the boss’s presence. That was one reason she was glad this meeting with David did not include Gabe. The other reason she couldn’t quite put her finger on. It was like a sudden set of nerves hit her at strange times when Gabe was around, causing her to forget her training and do embarrassing things, like stumble into his arms. Besides, without him hovering over her shoulder, she’d feel more at ease.
    Gabe pressed the elevator button. “How was the hotel?”
    “Just fine.” MaKayla adjusted her purse. Should she ask him about his drive home last night, or would that be snarky? She’d heard his tires when he pulled away. Either he was normally a maniac driver, or he’d been upset. He hadn’t said anything about their time together last night, and she wasn’t about to be the first to bring it up.
    Gabe looked around the small elevator as though he were looking for a topic of conversation. MaKayla fought a smile. It was nice to see him flustered, made him seem human. It also made her wonder if she’d pegged him wrong. He wasn’t drilling her on stats, facts, or budgets; wasn’t checking to make sure she had every detail down; and wasn’t pestering her like she’d expected.
    When the doors opened and Gabe reached for her elbow, MaKayla was the one flustered. She looked down at his hand and then up to meet his gaze, where time froze. For just a moment, Gabe wasn’t her boss. He was just a man. A man with concern on his face. Was that concern for her? MaKayla placed her hand over Gabe’s, feeling his warm skin against hers. His startling blue eyes searched her face, glancing off her lips and causing MaKayla’s heart to sprint.
    Sharon coughed as she crossed the open space.
    MaKayla snatched her hand back. This was Gabe—her boss. He was not a man, not available, and not interested!
    Gabe cleared his throat before pointing to different hallways. “That hallway leads to human resources. That one goes to research and development. That one is accounting. And this one is where we go.”
    He kept his hand on her arm, and MaKayla found