Falling For My Ex's Dad (Clarissa and Gabriel) novel Chapter 222

Gabriel’s POV

Lunch with Randolph was the last thing I wanted after everything that had gone down at home.

We weren’t friends. We talked when necessary—during meetings, contracts, deals. That was the extent of it. But after the recent signing, he insisted we celebrate. Claimed he had a spot. Some overpriced restaurant uptown. I hadn’t even bothered to check the name.

He was already seated when I arrived, grinning like we were old college buddies. Clearly riding high on the deal.

“Gabriel,” he said, lifting his glass. “Look at us—partners in crime. Congratulations again on sealing the deal.”

I gave a short nod and took my seat. “Suppose we have you to thank for the final push.”

He chuckled. “You’re too modest. It’s a win on both ends.”

He kept talking—rollout plans, future partnerships, maybe a European expansion. I tried to follow.

But my head wasn’t here.

It was with her.

Clairessa.

I let her take control. Let her lead. A liberty I hadn’t given any woman in years.

But my sweet Claire did it so gracefully, so confidently—it didn’t feel like losing anything at all.

And it felt good to surrender, for once, to the force spinning my world in every direction.

Fuck…

The memory of her—her mouth around my cock, the way she wrapped her tongue so greedily, so delicately, made me shift in my seat.

That sound she made while she moved over me… the low, needy moan that slipped from her throat.

Damn. It was all I could think about.

The teasing look in her eyes as she tortured me with soft, lingering licks—only to swallow me whole again like she knew exactly how to destroy me. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.

And now? It felt like I couldn’t function properly without her.

No matter how hard I tried to focus on Randolph, my mind kept flashing back—how I came apart for her. How I shouted how much I loved her like a man possessed.

Because I was possessed.

She owned every part of me now—every nerve, every beat of my fucked-up heart.

There was no escaping her. No outrunning this thing between us.

No denying it anymore.

I was all in.

I clenched my jaw and looked away from my wine glass.

This morning, when I tried to talk to her about last night, I would’ve poured my damn heart out—if she’d let me.

But she played dumb. Looked me dead in the eyes and lied through her perfect fucking teeth.

It drove me insane. Worse—it lit that same burning desire to remind her body exactly what it felt like to be mine.

“Gabriel.”

I blinked. Randolph had said my name. Twice, maybe more.

“Hmm?”

He smirked, settling deeper into his seat. “I was just saying… you seem distracted today.”

I reached for the untouched scotch in front of me and forced a thin smile. “Not at all. Just thinking.”

He chuckled knowingly. “You don’t strike me as the type to get thrown off balance easily. But here you are—clearly somewhere else.”

I kept my tone even. “You know how it is. CEOs juggle a lot—timelines, launches, meetings.”

“Of course,” Randolph said, swirling his drink. “I wasn’t criticizing. Just observing. You’re not the only one juggling, Gabriel. And we both know the game never stops.”

My smile tightened. “What matters is that we have it all under control.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Spoken like a man trying to convince himself.”

I gave a sly smile and took a slow sip of my drink.

The last thing I needed was Randolph poking around in my personal life. This meeting had dragged on long enough. I needed to come up with a reason to leave—soon.

He kept studying me, then flashed a wide grin like he’d just thought of something clever.

“Maybe you need a break,” he said casually. “Step away from the chaos for a bit.”

“I’ll rest when there’s less at stake.”

“Bullshit,” he countered, chuckling. “You and I both know the stakes only get higher in this business. That’s why we have to force ourselves to slow down. Enjoy the little things.”

Fair enough.

“You’ve got a point,” I said, setting my glass down. “But my next vacation’s not until the end of the year.”

“That’s too far.” He leaned back in his seat, swirling his drink. “You know, my fiftieth is coming up next weekend.”

I looked up. “Is it?”

“You heard right.” He grinned. “Half a century on this planet. I figured it deserves some recognition. Nothing over the top, of course.”

I gave him a look. “With you? I doubt that.”

He laughed. “This time’s different. Just one of my exotic hotels. Three days, starting Friday. Good food, live music, a few industry friends. I want you there.”

I leaned back. “I’d love to, Randolph. But with everything going on—meetings, briefings—I’ll need to check my schedule before I confirm.”

He leaned in slightly, voice light but pointed. “Come on, Gabriel. I just signed a multi-million-dollar deal with your company. The least you can do is show up to my party.”

I gave him a wry smile. “I’ll do my possible best.”

“That’s corporate for ‘I’m not coming,’” he teased. “Tell you what—bring your team. All of them. We’re about to launch anyway, and this gives us a chance to talk casually. Let loose. Connect without the suits.”

He paused, then added with a smile that made my jaw tighten: “And bring the stunning lady with the peach delivery. What’s her name again…?”

My shoulders stiffened.

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