The Billionaire's Lost Love

Chapter3

Andrea’s POV

It was a sunny afternoon in Boston. Lucia and I arrived at Montoya Groups' corporate office thirty minutes early for our presentation and were ushered into the conference room. As we were setting up, members of the board walked in to take their seats. We waited with abated breaths for the CEO to join us, fingers crossed and hopeful that we had the best pitch to convince our client, this deal meant a lot to Crest Realty and, of course, to Sales Team B {a huge bonus}.

The CEO walked in at exactly 2pm and took his seat at the head of the table.

“You can begin” one of the board representatives we have been meeting with said to us.

I looked up to commence the presentation and behold, I stared directly into the eyes of Mr. Gabe, the Good Samaritan from this morning. Shell shocked, I began to stutter. Lucia had to nudge me before I regained my composure. The presentation sailed smoothly from there on, and all the questions thrown at us by the board were answered effortlessly. Throughout the presentation, I could feel his eyes on me, but I was determined not to stare at his face lest I lost track of all I had to say. As if stuttering at the beginning of my presentation wasn’t bad enough.

“Very thorough”, Mr. Gabe commented. “You were very precise, and all your details were very solid. I am quite sold on the idea. The board reps will be in touch with you via email to hammer out whatever it is that was left out. Thanks, Miss Andrea and Miss Lucia.”

His eyes locked with mine as he stood up to exit the conference room.

Gabe’s POV

“Uh-oh. She is pretty”, I thought, “never imagined I’d run into her ever again” as I reminisced over our encounter this morning and recalled that I’d been quite dazed to ask for her mobile number. “Seems like luck is on my side. Who thought I’d run into her again and so soon too?”

Sitting at my desk in my office, I paged my assistant via the intercom. “Get me who is in charge of the Crest Realty deal ASAP.” “Yes Sir” Kim, my assistant answered. I have to get her contact by all means possible. I paced restlessly while I waited. Kevin, the rep in charge of the deal walked in two minutes later. “What’s the name of the lady who led the presentation?” “Andrea Sanders, Sir”, Kevin replied. “Thanks. You can leave.”

Andrea’s POV

“That was quite the presentation and quite the look too” Lucia said, whilst giving me a knowing look as we packed up our bags in the conference room. Sometimes, I really want to poke Lucia for her inquisitive nature. She is too knowing. “Well, I met him this morning” I replied, going ahead to recount the story of my encounter with Gabe. “I see. You run into a hottie on a day of crisis and your best friend is the last person to hear about it”, Lucia responds. “He is quite dashing and seems rather into you”, she adds.

“And you know how?” I replied, and turned back to finish up my packing.

Stepping out in front of the company a few minutes later, we ran into Gabe. “Hello ladies” he says, “quite the presentation, Miss Sanders.”

“Andrea, and thanks for the compliment, Mr. Montoya.”

“Gabe” he responded, “seeing as we are on a first-name basis.” “I am not a firm believer in coincidence” he continued, “running into you for the second time today is rather a sign. I’d like to see you again.” Just then, the company valet pulled up in Lucia’s car. “Here’s my card” I said while handing him my business card, “call me, and I’d consider if you ask nicely.” I joined Lucia in the car and we drove off.

Ping!!!!!

A new message popped up on my phone from a strange mobile number late in the evening.

“Can I ask you nicely over coffee tomorrow?” The message was signed at the end with the name Gabe. I wasn't expecting him to extend an invitation so soon. It's been barely twenty-four hours.

I began to smile. I picked up my phone and began to type a reply. “Sure. When and where?”

Three dots appeared to show that he was typing out a reply. “Location is Jules, and time is whatever time you take lunch at work” came the reply.

“Lunchtime is 12pm. See you.”

I didn’t understand why a grin broke out on my face. I’ve never been this excited about going on a coffee date. “Hopefully, I don’t dream about coffee.”

****

Next day.

10 am. Lucia brought in a flower delivery for me. “I decided to save the delivery guy the stress of coming up and going back down.”

“Who is it from?” I asked.

“Don’t know. There is a card though”, Lucia replied, picking up the card and handing it over to me.

Just paving the way to asking you nicely.

Looking forward to seeing you later.

GM.

“GM. Gabriel Montoya?” Lucia queried.

“Yes” came my reply. “He sent a text yesterday asking if we could meet over coffee.”

“I knew it. He likes you. I could see it in his eyes during the presentation and after, too. I told you, but you wouldn’t believe me.”

“Likes me? Gabe Montoya? Nope, I don’t think so.”

“Why?”

“First, he is one of the most eligible bachelors and did I mention that he is rich? As in very wealthy.”

“Secondly, have you seen the women he has been with? I took the liberty of running a search after our presentation and I wouldn’t say I’m his type.”

“Not everything in the tabloids is true,” Lucia said. “And you’re definitely his type if he deems it fit to ask you to a lunch date.”

“I guess you could say so. He might want to pry further into the deal, you know.” I closed the note that came with the card and placed it on my desk. “I am quite giddy with excitement, and it is just a coffee date.”

We looked at each other for a second. Then Lucia gave me a quick smile and turned to leave. I watched her going, not sure what she’d say. After all this time, I knew Lucia was going to say something before leaving. And if she didn’t, that would be the strangest thing happening ever.

“I am glad you like him. It’s about time you had feelings for someone.” “And no, don’t mention your exes. We both know you didn’t have feelings for any of them or, rather, I know you didn’t.”

I began to protest, but Lucia cut me off immediately, “Have fun and live a little,” then her devilish wink followed the comment as she sauntered out of my office space.

“It is just coffee!!” I shouted after her retreating form. It beats me how I am still friends with Lucia. I shook my head in despair.

****

Gabe’s POV

I stepped into the coffee shop and halted as soon as I set my sights on Andrea at the far end of the coffee shop. “How could someone be this beautiful?” I thought. The rays from the sun were reflecting on her. Her red hair glimmered; her skin shone like velvet. I wondered if they would feel that way when touched. Just then, our eyes collided. I smiled, walked towards her, and took the seat opposite her at the table. We placed our orders; pastries, black coffee for me and a latte for her.

We talked about nothing in particular. “Who would have thought that I, Gabriel Montoya, was easy to talk to and would have a lot to say to someone I had never met before?” I mused within myself as I regaled her with stories about one of my adventures in France.

“I’d love for us to do this again. Dinner maybe?” I asked.

“Why should I say yes?” she queried, curious to know if this attraction was a one-sided thing because, unlike Lucia, she was not a psychic.

“Because I like you.”

“Heck, I’m attracted to you and that doesn’t happen so often with me. I’d love to see where this leads,” she replied in a shy voice.

“And I know you’re attracted to me too. Don’t say no”, I concluded.

“Yes” Andrea replied, “but my schedule is full this week. So, weekend?”

“Not a problem. I’m okay with that.” Or I could have you over at my place and cook for you. I promise I’ll have you home in time to rest and feel refreshed in the morning for work if you’d rather have dinner on a weekday.”

“Nope. The weekend works better for me”, Andrea replied.

“Alright. My place? I'll send you directions, and I promise, I am a good cook.”

“I’m looking forward to that good meal.” “I am afraid I have to run, I’m not the boss” she said, “and it was lovely having lunch with you.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” We shared a brief hug and I wanted it to last forever.

“Don’t be a stranger” I said as we parted. She turned and gave me the sexiest wink ever.