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 seeing you all

Randolph," we all

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

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

I could see the discomfort in his eyes-the way

Next was Adrian.

to see you again.

awkwardly, rubbing his neck. "You got it,

Then it was me.

my hand slower, more intentionally. I didn't miss the

was warm but

said with a smile. "A

feeling is mutual,

continue, Gabriel stepped in, his voice cutting through the moment like a

"Welcome."

before flicking briefly to the

all to your rooms," he continued, gesturing toward a smartly dressed man and a smiling woman by the

all go," Randolph waved a hand with a grin. "I know you're here as the project team, but forget all that for now. It's my

lobby. "This is

of it. Eat like royalty. Sleep like you've got no

your team's better

the kind

didn't want to

Pen stepped

smile

you'll

into

anyone moved, Adrian stepped toward me. "Actually-can I have a minute?” His voice

nodded. "Of course. I'll have your luggage

slim keycard. "Miss Hart-suite card. Top floor. Ocean view.

I said,

serious, but before he could say a word, Randolph's voice

called, lifting a hand with a charming smile. “I'd

at me and gave a quick, apologetic smile before walking away. "Later,"

just like that I

didn't wait for Pen or anyone else. I already had my keycard

I headed straight for the

stepped in alone. The

Then they paused.

slid through the

The doors parted again.

Gabriel stepped in.

Of course.