The Bodyguard

Chapter 13 - Like a Princess

A few hours later, I've showered and I'm getting ready.  I look in the mirror and I’m finally happy with my makeup. It took three attempts to get the not trying too hard look while obviously trying very hard.

My long hair is tamed and curled at the ends and I add my small diamond earrings Dad bought me last Christmas to finish the look.

I undo my robe, hang it back up and slip into my black lace strapless bra and matching thong. I’m not exactly planning for him to see this, but there is a small chance and anyway it makes me feel good wearing nice underwear.

Once I’ve got the dress and heels on I take a last glance in the full length mirror on my wall.  I don’t look like me, I look older, more elegant and glamorous and I smile at the reflection nervously. I hope he likes it too.

I stuff a lipstick, my credit card, my keys and phone into a small black clutch and make my way downstairs.

Amy and Dex are in the kitchen making dinner when I arrive and Amy whistles loudly looking me up and down as I walk in.  

She is about to make a comment I’m sure I don’t want to hear but she’s interrupted by the doorbell.

“Have fun!” She yells before adding, “don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” To which I frown.  I'm pretty sure that isn't much knowing her.

I open the door and Gabriel is standing there looking as delicious as ever in a medium blue suit, a crisp white shirt with no tie and smart brown shoes.  The top two buttons of his shirt are left undone and I can see the outline of his ridiculous pecs, even without a tie he looks stylish and impeccable.  His short dark hair is neat as usual and I blush as his eyes travel over me appraisingly then his mouth opens a little.

“Wow! You look stunning.” He says and I blush even more.

“Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself,” I reply.

He takes my hand and leads me to a shiny black Mercedes. There’s a driver standing next to it and he gives me a nod before opening the back door for me.  Is this the mysterious Ford who helped organise our date I wonder to myself.

Gabriel helps me in then goes to the other side and joins me in the back. He takes my hand as we set off to our mystery destination.

We arrive a short while later at a beautiful hotel, it's made of stone and the entrance is covered with tiny lights. It’s clearly a very classy place and there are fresh flowers everywhere. The driver opens my door and I see the sign as I step out.

The Park Hotel

Gabriel snakes an arm round my waist and leads me to the entrance. The door is opened by a smart man in uniform as we reach it. I feel like I’m a princess or in a movie as we walk in. I’m so not used to this.

Gabriel speaks to a smartly dressed woman at the front of the restaurant and she leads us to a table near a window at the back of the restaurant.  I realise it’s over looking the park we had our first date in and with the sun setting in the background it looks even more breathtaking.

A waiter in a sharp black suit comes to take our orders. Gabriel orders champagne while I look at the menu, which looks delicious, but I cringe when I see the prices.

“See anything you like?” He asks.

“I’m not sure whether to have the spaghetti with asparagus or the mushroom wellington,” I reply.

“Let’s order both and share then you get to try both,” he decides.

The waiter returns with the champagne in an ice bucket which he places on a stand next to us adding two crystal flutes on the table. He uncorks the bottle with ease and pours us a small glass each. Gabriel places our order and the waiter leaves.

“Cheers beautiful,” he says as we clink glasses.

The bubbles tickle my nose as I take a sip. It’s dry and delicious so I savour it.

We talk easily about my day at work, then I realise we always talk about me and I know very little about him.

“Tell me more about you,” I ask. “I want to know about your family and your work since you already know so much about mine.”

“I’m a bodyguard for some fairly big celebrities, but I’m sure Amy already told you that. I also train people and supply security for smaller jobs.”  He explains.  “My family have some land out in the countryside and a few years back my father divided it into three sections for him and my mother, my sister and her family and for me so we could all have our own space.  I have a small cottage there at the moment, but there’s a special piece of land I have reserved to build the house I want to raise my family in,” he says with a smile.  His face lights up when he talks about this, it obviously means a lot to him.

I can’t help but picture what it would be like to live in that house and raise that family with him.  I shake those thoughts from my head in an instant.  What the hell am I doing?  I’ve known this guy for a week, we haven't even slept together and I’m planning my whole future with him in my head.

I really need to get a grip and soon.