Chapter 3 Intimacy Interrupted
Emma's POV
I sat at my desk in the company, organizing the Starlight Collection files, my mind still replaying yesterday's confrontation with Gavin. My phone rang, displaying "Eleanor" on the screen - Gavin's mother.
"Emma dear, it's been too long since we've seen you. Would you join us for dinner tonight?" Eleanor's warm voice came through.
"I'm a bit busy with work today..." I tried to decline politely.
"How are things between you and Gavin?" she asked perceptively. "He's been rather distracted these past few days, coming home quite preoccupied."
I was surprised to hear Gavin showed any emotional reaction. "We're... just having some work disagreements."
"All the more reason to come," Eleanor insisted. "Family dinners can solve many problems. I've already asked the chef to prepare your favorite lobster bisque."
After hesitating, I relented. "Alright, I'll be there at seven."
I arrived at the Reynolds mansion, taking a moment in my car to compose myself. Thomas, the butler, opened the massive door with a warm smile.
"Miss Garcia, welcome back. The family is waiting for you."
"Thank you, Thomas," I replied, suddenly nervous.
"You haven't visited in quite some time. Mrs. Reynolds has especially missed you," he said kindly.
I could hear conversation from the living room as I approached.
Eleanor rose gracefully, embracing me. "Emma, you've lost weight! Have you been taking care of yourself?"
Gavin approached from near the fireplace. Our eyes met, his expression uncharacteristically soft. He was wearing the shirt I'd given him, clearly a deliberate choice.
He kissed my cheek lightly. "You came," he said, his voice gentler than usual.
"Your mother can be very persuasive," I answered.
I noticed Sophia sitting quietly in the corner, watching us with those large, seemingly innocent eyes. Ever since Lucas's death, Eleanor had insisted she move into the mansion so they could take care of her.
Eleanor smiled. "Dinner is ready. Let's continue our conversation at the table."
In the dining room, Jonathan went straight to the point once we were seated.
"What's going on with you two? Gavin's been walking around like he's carrying the weight of the world."
"Just work pressure," Gavin replied uncomfortably.
"Wedding planning can be stressful," Eleanor observed. "Especially with both of you managing important projects."
"Have you finalized the date?" Jonathan asked.
"Four weeks from Saturday," I answered, wondering if that was still the plan.
"Emma found her dress," Gavin offered unexpectedly.
"Did you? I can't wait to see you in it. You'll make a beautiful bride," Eleanor beamed.
Jonathan raised his glass. "To Emma. The finest addition our family could hope for."
As we clinked glasses, Gavin's eyes met mine with unusual intensity.
"Emma is the best thing that ever happened to me," he said sincerely. "I know I haven't been showing that lately, and I'm sorry."
His candor surprised me after yesterday's dismissive attitude.
"I promise I'll do better," Gavin continued. "I'll be more present, more attentive. I'll be the man Emma deserves."
Sophia remained unusually quiet throughout dinner, occasionally glancing at Gavin with an expression I couldn't quite read.
As dinner progressed, the conversation lightened. Eleanor shared stories about Gavin's childhood.
"He would insist on carving his initials into every jewelry design," she laughed.
"That explains why every Reynolds piece has his signature somewhere," I smiled, genuinely amused.
When dinner ended, I prepared to leave. "Thank you for dinner. I should get back to my apartment."
"Nonsense!" Eleanor exclaimed. "It's late and raining. You must stay the night."
"Stay," Gavin agreed. "We can go to the office together tomorrow."
"You'll be married in a month," Jonathan pointed out. "Might as well start getting used to living together."
Eleanor smiled. "I've had the guest room prepared, though you're welcome to share Gavin's room, of course."
Looking at Gavin's hopeful expression, I found myself agreeing. "Alright, I'll stay."
Gavin led me down the hall toward the guest room. We walked in silence for a moment before he spoke.
"I meant what I said at dinner. I'm sorry about yesterday."
"I appreciate that," I replied. "But I need more than apologies. I need honesty."
He stopped to face me. "I promise, no more secrets from now on."
"That's all I've ever asked for," I said.
We reached the guest room, and Gavin opened the door. The spacious room was elegant with its cream walls and king-sized bed draped in white silk.
Gavin closed the door, creating a sudden intimacy. "We've known each other ten years, been together for two, yet sometimes we still feel like strangers."
"I know you, Emma," Gavin responded, moving closer. "Better than anyone."
I turned to face him. "Do you? Lately it hasn't felt that way."
"I've been distant," he admitted, his voice low as his hand cupped my cheek. "It was never about you."
Before I could respond, his lips captured mine in a kiss unlike any we'd shared before. This was deep, urgent, almost desperate. I gasped against his mouth, surprised by his sudden intensity, and he took the opportunity to deepen the kiss further.
His arms encircled my waist, pulling me firmly against him. My hands found their way to his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my fingertips. As the kiss intensified, Gavin began slowly unbuttoning my blouse, his fingers warm against my skin.
"Gavin," I whispered, half question, half encouragement.
He responded by trailing kisses down my neck, his breath hot against my sensitive skin. "I've missed you," he murmured, his words vibrating against my throat.
I closed my eyes, trembling slightly as his hands continued their careful exploration. This was the first time in our ten years together that Gavin had shown such passion, such need. As he slipped my blouse from my shoulders, revealing my lace bra, his eyes darkened with appreciation.
"You're beautiful," he breathed, his hands moving to my waist, thumbs tracing circles on my bare skin.
I reached up to loosen his tie, my fingers fumbling slightly with the knot. He helped me, tossing it aside before returning his attention to me. His lips found mine again as he guided me backward toward the bed, his hands now skimming along the curve of my spine, leaving trails of heat in their wake.
The backs of my knees hit the edge of the mattress, and I sank down, pulling him with me. Gavin braced himself above me, his weight a delicious pressure as he continued to kiss me deeply. His hand slid up my ribs to cup my breast through the lace, drawing a soft moan from me that seemed to inflame him further.
Just as his fingers found the clasp of my bra, a loud crash followed by a woman's scream echoed through the hallway.
Gavin's head snapped up, his body tensing instantly. "Was that—"
Before he could finish, Sophia's voice rang out, high and panicked. "Help! Someone!"
Without a second's hesitation, Gavin pulled away from me, the passion in his eyes replaced by alarm. "I need to check on her," he said, already moving toward the door.
"I'll come with you," I offered, quickly gathering my blouse to cover myself.
"No, stay here. I'll be right back," he insisted, and rushed out.