Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Clairessa's POV

The car hadn't even stopped before Nicole had her face pressed against the window, buzzing with excitement.

The second we stepped out, I had to admit-it was impressive. The kind of resort where the super-rich came to disappear for a weekend and blow off steam.

Nicole gasped beside me. "Oh my God. This place is gorgeous! I mean-finally! I've always wanted to come on one of these trips."

I didn't respond. I was too busy watching Adrian, who was oddly quiet beside her.

Normally, he'd have something smug or self-important to say. But now? Silence. And for once, I hoped he'd stay that way.

Nicole, of course, kept going.

"Ugh, I swear, Claire. You always get picked for these things with Gabriel. You're like, his star girl," she said with a fake laugh.

Then, under her breath, loud enough for me to hear: "Thank God he finally added me to one. I was starting to think I needed to do special favors to get selected too."

I stopped mid-step and threw her a warning glare.

She gave a smug smile. "Kidding!" she added with a dramatic eye roll.

Adrian glanced between us. "Star girl?" His brow furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Nicole smirked like she'd been waiting for the chance. "You haven't heard?

Gabriel always takes his beloved Claire on these high-profile trips. It's kind of their thing."

There it was, the drama I'd hoped to avoid.

Adrian's expression darkened for a second, but he caught himself. His smile returned, cool and composed. "Maybe that's because Clairessa's good at her job. Actually, she's the best."

He turned to me and offered a soft, almost boyish smile.

I didn't return it. I just gave him a half-nod and moved ahead, muttering, "I can't deal with this right now."

I could still hear them behind me.

"This is how she treats you?" Nicole's voice cut through the air, grating. "God, Adrian, how low have you stooped?"

I rolled my eyes and kept walking. None of them were worth my stress.

The hotel's automatic doors slid open, revealing a sophisticated reception area. And there they were.

Gabriel, dressed in navy, arms folded, watching everything like he already had a dozen unspoken thoughts in his head.

Randolph stood beside him, a broad grin spreading across his face as he saw us approach.

brilliant Gabriel's team. I've been looking forward to

Mr. Randolph," we all greeted in

forward, shaking each hand one by one. Nicole, of course, practically elbowed

so much for inviting us," she gushed, gripping his hand like she was proposing marriage. "We are so excited. I mean, I've heard so much about

the discomfort in his eyes-the way he subtly tried to pull his hand

Next was Adrian.

Junior," Randolph greeted with a raised brow. "Good to see you again. I trust you'll

rubbing his neck. "You got it,

Then it was me.

reached for my hand slower, more intentionally. I didn't miss the way Gabriel's gaze tracked the movement, monitoring

was

with a smile. "A pleasure

"The feeling is

Gabriel stepped in, his

"Welcome."

on mine before flicking briefly

a smartly dressed man and a smiling woman by the elevator. "Get

a grin. "I know you're here as the project team, but forget all that for now. It's my birthday. I want you to relax. Unwind. Drink.

lobby. "This

royalty. Sleep like you've got no deadlines. Just.....

Gabriel playfully. "I hope your team's better at relaxing than their

offered a tight-lipped smile the kind that didn't reach his eyes.

told me he didn't want to be

Pen

smile and

you'll all

settled into your

a minute?” His

"Of course. I'll have your luggage

a slim keycard. "Miss Hart-suite card. Top floor.

you," I said,

his expression serious, but before he could

he called, lifting a hand with a charming smile. “I'd like a word, if

jaw tensing slightly. Then he looked at me and gave a quick, apologetic smile before walking away. "Later," he

just like that I

wait for Pen or anyone else. I already had my keycard and room

straight for

The

Then they paused.

hand slid through

The doors parted again.

Gabriel stepped in.

Of course.