Chapter 168: The First Night

"It's not much, but it's comfortable," Claire says as she stands by the door of Gabriel's temporary room. It is spartan and neat, by all means, but so far from the luxury Gabriel is used to.

He shrugs. "Don't worry, this is perfect. I'm out in the country, I've met your family. What can I ask for?"

"I can't sleep here with you, you know. My parents would freak out. It's not like we're already married and…"

"That's fine. We've never slept together, anyway. If you know what I mean," he says.

Claire laughs. "Someday we'll come to that. Maybe soon."

Gabriel smiles at looks at her. "I look forward to that."

"So…goodnight, then?"

"Good—"

Claire gives him a kiss on the lips so fast that it's over before he realizes it.

"See you tomorrow," she says, walking away, toward her own room.

"Okay," he mutters, more to himself than to anyone else.