Carved in Stone (The Stone Series) by Noree Kahika Read Free Book Online

through a gauntlet of emotions. I must be imaging it because surely this can’t be real – pain, frustration then finally determination shifts swiftly through his gorgeous features
                  “We need to talk Gabriella,” he says softly, after several minutes of silence.
                  Nodding in agreement, I stand frozen holding my breath. He’s right we do need to talk. We need to at least clear the air between us – this tension is unbelievably uncomfortable and as I work for his company, it’s inevitable, we are going to keep running into each other.
                  “I know somewhere quiet where we can have dinner and talk. Then I’ll drive you home.”
                  “Oh… umm… it will have to be another time. I have a business dinner tonight.”
    My voice is small , timid and for the life of me I don’t know why I’m so nervous telling him that I have other plans.
                  Raising his eyebrows, he asks in a hard tone, “You have a business dinner tonight?”
                  “Yes.”
                  Aidan’s jaw clenches, instantly his eyes turn stony, questioning.
    “With whom?” He grates out.
    Oh shit!
                  Clearing my throat and squaring my shoulders I answer with as much bravery I can muster after a very long and exhausting day.
                  “Caleb has asked me to try this new Vegan restaurant that’s just opened in Hollywood. He thinks they would be perfect to do the catering for the gala hotel opening.”
    There I’ve said it.
    Very professional Gabby – see, no need to be nervous at all.
                  “No!”
                  “No? What do you mean No?” I ask in confusion.
                  “Exactly what I said. No!” Snaps Aidan curtly.
                  “But… but…” My mouth is literally opening and closing like a fish as I stutter foolishly.
                  “But this is my job Aidan,” I finally spit out exasperated.
                  “Your job Gabriella is not going to dinner with Caleb Norwood. Your job is organizing events for this company. Not going on a date .”
                  “A date! Are you kidding me?” I shriek, both my voice and temper rising to an all time high.
                  “Norwood couldn’t give too fucks about a new Vegan restaurant for his hotel opening Gabriella. He wants to fuck you. So no, you won’t be going out to dinner with him.”
                  Oh hell no! He did not just say that! And who in Sam Hill does he think he is, telling me whom I can and can’t go out to dinner with.
    No Way Jose !
                  “Well firstly Mr. Stone,” I retort coldly, squaring my shoulders. “Regardless of what you think – it is a business dinner. For your information, sourcing caterers for a function is my job, a job I take very seriously and in doing such, does actually require me to go and sample the menus at various restaurants. Secondly…” I pause inhaling a deep breath to forcefully deliver my other point.
                  “Secondly, who I go out to dinner with, on my own time I might add, is frankly, none of your damn business.”
                  With my heart pounding in my chest, my breath puffing, the car doors open and seizing my escape, I briskly walk out of the elevator, leaving Aidan fuming behind me.
                  “Don’t you walk away from me Gabriella,” thunders Aidan, completely ignoring the people who are now standing in the lobby of Stone Tower gawking at the pair of us.
                  Ohmigod, he is making a scene and he doesn’t even care. Well two can play this game!
                  “Or what Aidan,” I seethe, spinning around to glare at him; his hands are fisted down by his side as he stalks