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, | had to admit-it was impressive. The kind of resort where the super-rich cto

disappear for a weekend and blow off steam.

Nicole gasped beside me. "Oh my God. This place is gorgeous! | mean-finally! I've always wanted to con

one of these trips."

| didn't respond. | 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, | hoped he'd stay

that way.

Nicole, of course, kept going.

"Ugh, | 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 forto hear: "Thank God he finally addedto one. | was starting to

think | needed to do special favors to get selected too."

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

She gave a smug smile. "Kidding!" she added with a tic 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 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 toand offered a soft, almost boyish smile.

| didn't return it. | 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?"

| 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.

"Well, if it isn't the brilliant Gabriel's team. I've been looking forward to seeing you all again!"

"Hello, Mr. Randolph," we all greeted in chorus.

He stepped forward, shaking each hand one by one. Nicole, of course, practically elbowed pastto be first.

"Mr. Randolph, thank you so much for inviting us," she gushed, gripping his hand like she was proposing

marriage. "We are so excited. | mean, I've heard so much about you, and this place is just... wow!"

Randolph was polite, but | could see the discomfort in his eyes-the way he subtly tried to pull his hand back while

she kept holding on.

Next was Adrian.

"Gabriel Junior," Randolph greeted with a raised brow. "Good to see you again. | trust you'll be on tthis

round?"

Adrian chuckled awkwardly, rubbing his neck. "You got it, sir."

Then it was me.

Randolph reached for my hand slower, more intentionally. | didn't miss the way Gabriel's gaze tracked the

movement, monitoring every detail.

Randolph's grip was warm but light.

"Ms. Hart," he said with a smile. "A pleasure to see your beautiful face again."

| nodded. "The feeling is mutual, sir.”

Before the exchange could continue, Gabriel stepped in, his voice cutting through the moment like a blade.

"Welcome."

His eyes locked on mine before flicking briefly to the rest.

"Max and Pen will show you all to your rooms," he continued, gesturing toward a smartly dressed man and a

smiling woman by the elevator. "Get settled. You'll be briefed at dinner."

"One moment before you 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 birthday. | want you to relax. Unwind. Drink. Laugh. This weekend's about fun."

He gestured around the luxurious lobby. "This is my hotel-everything's on me.

So make the most of it. Eat like royalty. Sleep like you've got no deadlines. Just..... have a damn good time."

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

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

that toldhe didn't want to be here.

Just then, Pen stepped forward with

her bright smile and clipboard

hand, "If you'll all follow me,

you settled into your roomveline

Before anyone moved, Adrian stepped toward me. "Actually-can | have a minute?” His voice was low, directed

only at me. "I need to speak with you."

Pen paused, then nodded. "Of course. I'll have your luggage sent up."

She turned to me, handing over a slim keycard. "Miss Hart-suite card. Top floor. Ocean view. Welcome."

"Thank you," | said, taking the card.

Adrian stepped in closer, ready to speak, his expression serious, but before he could say a word, Randolph's

voice rang out.

"Adrian," he called, lifting a hand with a charming smile. “I'd like a word, if you don't mind."

Adrian glanced back, jaw tensing slightly. Then he looked atand gave a quick, apologetic smile before

walking away. "Later," he muttered.

And just like that | was alone.

| didn't wait for Pen or anyone else. | already had my keycard and room number,

so | headed straight for the elevator.

| stepped in alone. The doors began to close.

Then they paused.

A hand slid through the sensors.

The doors parted again.

Gabriel stepped in.

Of course.

Out of every elevator in this damn resort-he had to pick mine.

He didn't speak. Neither did I.

He leaned back casually against the mirrored wall as the elevator ascended.

| stared ahead, acting like | wasn't

aware of every breath (13 tok Adting

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didn't feel the passion brewing between us.

Pretending my body didn't already respond to him.

Then, suddenly, he pushed off the wall.

| gasped as he pressed into me.

"Gabriel-"

His hand braced the wall beside my head. His lips hovered close, his body

radiating heat.

He tilted my chin up, forcingto meet his eyes.

"I'm not letting you go," he said, voice

raw. "You hear me, Clairessa om

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My heart slammed in my chest.

"You are mine," he repeated.

His lips hovered-so close | could feel his breath. Every part ofached for him

to kisslike | was air he needed.

The elevator dinged.

| cursed the damn thing.

Gabriel stepped back just in time, smoothing his expression.

The doors slid open-and standing on the other side was Adrian.

Shit.

| quickly fixed my hair, keeping my eyes forward as | stepped out.

"See you at dinner," | muttered, not sparing either of them a glance.

Moments later, | made it to my room

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The second the door shut behind me, | leaned against it, exhaling hard.

"Oh God," | whispered, dragging a hand through my hair.

This was going to be a long three days.