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

Chapter 25: Fighting Off My Attraction

88%

Gabriel's POV

“This is the final report for the Rainers project," Clairessa said, her hands gliding over the cursor on my desktop. As she stood behind me, her body lightly brushed against mine, sending a jolt through me that I couldn't ignore.

Her perfume lingered in the air, intoxicating all my senses, making it impossible to focus. All I could think about was how much I wanted her-how badly I needed to bend her over this desk and make her mine. My fingers twitched with the urge to reach out and touch her, but I clenched them, keeping them firmly on the desk.

Clairessa wasn't making this easy. The more time I spent around her, the worse it got. I had built walls around myself-shutting out emotions, attachments, anything that could weaken me-but she was tearing them down piece by piece. And I hated it. I hated how she made me feel, how she awakened desires I thought I'd buried long ago.

I wondered what she saw in me. Yes, I was a billionaire, and women often fell for my wealth and power. But with Clairessa, it felt different, like she was looking for something more-something I wasn't willing to give.

"Thank you, Clairessa," I muttered, forcing a neutral tone as I watched her walk back to her seat. Her black dress hugged her curves perfectly, every step she took tempting me more. I gritted my teeth. I couldn't let myself go there-not with her.

She smiled brightly, clearly proud of her work. “I think with this, we can wrap up the project earlier than expected," she said, her voice brimming with excitement.

She wasn't just beautiful-she was brilliant. Efficient. Every task I threw her way, no matter how complex, she handled with ease. Each success only made her more irresistible, more impossible to ignore.

“Yes, we can wrap it up,” I replied, keeping my face blank, hiding the internal struggle raging inside me. I wanted her, but I couldn't let myself have her. It would ruin everything.

“So, did you have a good weekend, Mr. Storm?” she asked, her eyes meeting mine.

I swallowed hard. She had no idea. My weekend had been torture. I'd tried to distract myself with work, with anything, but it was useless. I'd gone to bed and woken up thinking about her, wanting her so badly it ached.

"I had... a decent one,” I lied, forcing myself to look away. My gaze lingered on her full, red lips for a second too long. I wanted to close the gap between us and kiss her until she was breathless and begging for more. But the image shattered as I wondered if she still thought about her ex. Was she still in love with him? Did she think about him the way I thought about her? Fuck..... She was vulnerable, and I wasn't the type to take advantage of that.

But God, I wanted to.

10:12 Wed, 19 Feb

Chapter 25: Fighting Off My Attraction

She sighed. "I, on the other hand, had a terrible weekend."

"Tell me about it," I found myself saying, eager to know more, needing to understand her world.

“Jess's friends were still over when I got home, and my apartment was a mess. I spent the entire weekend cleaning instead of resting,” she said, rolling her eyes.

Anger surged through me. How could anyone disrespect her like that? “Does that happen often? Them leaving your apartment like that after a party?” I asked, irritated.

“Well... not so often,” she replied, but I could tell she was lying, protecting her friend.

"Set boundaries," I said firmly. "If they want to party at your place, make it clear they have to clean up after themselves or hire cleaners afterward. Otherwise, your house should no longer be available for such events."

"I couldn't possibly do that to Jess. She's wild and crazy, but she's always been there for me," she defended. "I'm only asking you to set clear boundaries

concerning your home. Otherwise, you'll end up spending

your time cleaning up other people's messes,” I said, my frustration evident.

She sighed, clearly weighing my words. "I guess you're right." She shifted in her seat, brushing off the topic. “But enough about Jess and my messy apartment,” she said with a soft smile. “How are you really doing?"

Her question caught me off guard. No one asked how I was with so much concern and tenderness. Clairessa was getting too close, breaking through walls I had spent years building.

“How does it look like I'm doing?” I retorted, harsher than I intended. I needed to keep her away from anything personal.

But she didn't flinch. “Mr. Storm, you don't always have to put on this hard exterior. It's okay to let your guard down sometimes," she said softly. Her fingers inched across the desk, and before I could react, her hand rested lightly on mine.

I jerked back as if burned, my heart racing. She was seeing too much, getting too close. Vulnerability always came at a cost-an insanely expensive one-and I wasn't willing to pay.

"Stop trying to read me," I snapped, standing abruptly. "You'll only hit a wall."

Disappointment flashed in her eyes, but she didn't say anything. For a brief moment, I regretted my actions. But I couldn't let her in. I couldn't allow myself to care for her. It would only lead to pain–for both of us. It was better this way.

Unable to hold back, I reached out impulsively, brushing her cheek with the back of my fingers. Her skin was soft and warm, her innocent gaze pulling me in. I hated myself for pushing her away, but it was necessary.

"Grab your stuff,” I said, my voice cold again. "Meet me in the garage."

Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away. I needed distance–needed to remind myself

10:12 Wed, 19 Feb

5. 5.

Chapter 25: Fighting Off My Attraction

that wanting her was dangerous, no matter how much I didn't want to let her go.

The moment we stepped into the exotic restaurant, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. A hostess approached us, smiling in that familiar flirtatious way I had grown used to. Women often tried to capture my attention, but I wasn't a man who let himself be swayed by fleeting desires.noveldrama

"Welcome, Mr. Storm,” she greeted, her eyes lingering a little too long as she led us to our table.

Clairessa walked beside me, her presence calm, but I could sense her nervousness. I noticed every small movement, every soft breath she took, and the desire to close the space between us was almost overwhelming.

When we reached the table, I pulled out a chair for her, trying to keep my composure as her soft gaze briefly met mine.

I was about to sit when a voice cut through the restaurant's gentle piano music.

"Gabriel?"

I turned and saw Tina, one of my no-strings-attached flings. I had been avoiding her calls for weeks, hoping she'd take the hint, but clearly, she hadn't.

"Hey, Gabriel,” she said with a wide smile, walking toward us with a confidence I now found irritating. “It's been a while."

I stood, keeping my expression polite. "Hi, Tina."

10:12 Wed, 19 Feb

Chapter 25 Fighting Off My Attraction

She leaned in for a hug, pressing herealf closer than necessary My body tensed. This wasn't place for her theatrics, especially with Clairessa sitting right there

"You've been avoiding my calls, Gabe,” Tins said, her face etched with mock sadness. She wasn't mengs had been avoiding her intentionally. She'd become too clingy, and I needed to set a boundary

"I've been busy,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral

Tina's gaze shifted to Clairessa, her expression twisting into a jealous frown. 1 can see why you' bong" she said sarcastically, giving Clairessa a quick head-to-toe scan.

“It's not-“I started but stopped myself. Why was I even trying to explain? I didn't owe Tina anything Sell, I felt Clairessa's eyes on us, the tension around us was undeniable.

“Tina, meet Clairessa. She works for me,” I said, keeping my voice calm and professional

Tina turned her attention to Clairessa, extending her hand. “Hey, Clairessa," she said, forcing a smile.

Clairessa shook her hand with a graceful demeanor that was in contrast with Tina's hostility

"We need to get on with our lunch,” I said firmly, giving Tina a tight smile that I hoped made it clear the conversation was over.

But Tina wasn't ready to leave. “Gabe, we had something good, and you ghosted me. Call me. Let's talk” she murmured, her fingers reaching for my cheek. I stepped back, avoiding her touch.

I knew what she was trying to do, but I wasn't interested and hadn't been for a long time. “I apologize. Tina. I'll see what I can do to make it up," I replied, though I had no intention of doing so. I just needed her to go. The woman I wanted was sitting across from me, yet I couldn't have her.

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Chapter 25. Fighting Off My Attraction

Tina leaned in and planted a soft kiss on my cheek before finally walking away. I watched her leave, but my mind was completely consumed by the woman sitting across from me.

I took my seat and locked eyes with Clairessa. Her gaze was steady and focused on me. She was quiet, but I could feel her trying to read me. A part of me hated that she could see through me in a way no one else ever

had.