Chapter 87
“It’s nothing p>
Compared to Caitlin’s awkwardness, Gordon looked as unruffled as ever. He picked up a piece of shortbread and tasted it, completely at ease.
He was truly unfazed.
So unfazed, in fact, that it was as if he hadn’t just had his hand held a moment ago.
In her mind, Caitlin gave him a silent thumbs up.
Clearly, she still had a lot to learn. Seriously, it was just holding hands-why was she so flustered? She should really take a leaf out of Gordon’s book.
Taking a deep breath, Caitlin composed herself and rejoined the conversation with Alaina and Celeste, pretending as though nothing had happened. Thankfully, Alaina and Celeste had hit it off and were completely engrossed in their own chat, so their little moment had gone unnoticed.
Gordon glanced at his phone. “Sis, Skyler’s here. I’ll go meet him outside p>
“Go ahead,” Alaina replied without even looking up.
Had Alaina been paying closer attention, she might have noticed that Gordon’s voice was lower and rougher than usual.
Gordon stood and walked toward the door.
Early October had brought a hint of chill to the air, but Gordon felt unbearably warm; he loosened the top button of his shirt as he stepped outside.
He waited about ten minutes before Skyler finally showed up, strolling up to the restaurant entrance.
Spotting Gordon waiting for him, Skyler raised his brows in surprise. “Uncle Gordon? What are you doing out here p>
“Waiting for you,” Gordon said, his tone even.
“For me?” Skyler sounded almost flattered.
Uncle Gordon was actually waiting for him!
As he spoke, Skyler suddenly noticed something odd: “Uncle, did you have a drink tonight p>
“What makes you say that?” Gordon asked.
Skyler pointed at him, confused. “Your face is really red. Like, really red. Even down your neck p>
“It’s stuffy in there,” Gordon said by way of explanation.
“Stuffy?” Skyler scratched his head, unconvinced. “But it’s not that warm today p>
“I just get overheated easily,” Gordon muttered.
Overheated? Skyler hurried after Gordon, grinning cheekily. “Sounds like you need a girlfriend, Uncle p>
It was meant as a harmless joke, but Gordon’s face flushed an even deeper shade of red, as if he’d been set alight. Who knew what he was thinking about? He lowered his voice, “Your mom and the others are inside. I’ll be back-I need the restroom p>
He needed a splash of cold water to calm himself down.
Skyler watched Gordon’s hasty retreat, eyes wide with amusement.
He’d only been teasing, but who would have thought his uncle was so pure- hearted?
Classic-Gordon, the bashful bachelor!
Skyler walked back into the restaurant, spotting Alaina and Caitlin chatting at their
table from across the room, with a sweet-looking girl beside Caitlin.
“Hey, Mom. Hey, Boss Caitlin!” Skyler called as he came over.
Caitlin smiled in greeting. “This is my friend, Celeste p>
“Nice to meet you, Celeste! I’m Skyler, Ms. Sylvester’s son,” he said brightly, exuding easy confidence-so different from Gordon’s reserved air.
Alaina looked around. “Where’s your uncle p>
“He went to the restroom,” Skyler replied.
“Oh,” Alaina said, not pressing further.
After dinner, Alaina smiled and said, “Gordon, Skyler can drive me home. You take Catie and Celeste p>
“Alright,” Gordon nodded.
Down in the restaurant’s parking garage, Gordon’s car stood out as much as he did.
A Rolls-Royce Phantom-limited edition, no less.
Caitlin and Celeste slid into the back seat.
Celeste gave her address. “My place is closer-could you drop me off first, Mr. Sylvester p>
“Of course,” Gordon said with a nod.
Celeste wasn’t slow on the uptake; she could see Alaina was quite fond of Caitlin and was clearly playing matchmaker for Caitlin and Gordon.
More importantly, Celeste thought Caitlin was such a wonderful, amazing woman that only someone like Gordon-top of the top-could possibly be her equal. Ordinary guys didn’t stand a chance!
And they looked perfect together, honestly-better than any couple on a dating show.
She was shipping this duo, no question.
So, as a self-appointed guardian of romance, Celeste was determined to give Caitlin and Gordon their space.
Once Celeste had been dropped off, Gordon continued driving Caitlin home.
The car was quiet, until Gordon’s deep, magnetic voice broke the silence. “Would you like to listen to some music p>
His voice was so pleasant.
Realizing Gordon was speaking to her, Caitlin nodded. “Sure p>
He continued, “You can connect your phone to the Bluetooth if you like p>
He had no idea what kind of music Caitlin enjoyed.
Caitlin took out her phone and connected to the car’s Bluetooth. Once it was synced, she leaned back and glanced toward Gordon at the wheel. From her angle, she could only see his profile-his high-bridged nose and sharply defined features cast into shadow and light by the passing streetlamps, making him look both ascetic and refined.
“Mr. Sylvester, would you mind if I put on a little opera p>