One

Tiana's Pov

"Tiana, honey, we have some news!" Mom's voice floated up from downstairs, all chirpy and way too happy for a Tuesday evening. I was sprawled on my bed, scrolling through my phone, trying to ignore the fact that my brain was, as usual, replaying the latest Gabriel dream.

Yeah, that Gabriel. My dad's best friend. The one who haunted my sleep with those ridiculously handsome smiles and touches that felt so real, I'd wake up all flustered and confused. He was, like, thirty-something, noble, always dressed sharp, and totally off-limits. My forbidden fantasy. My secret obsession since I was, like, fifteen.

"Coming!" I yelled back, shoving the embarrassing thoughts away. Gotta act normal. Always normal.

I trudged downstairs. Dad was already there, looking a bit nervous, which was weird. Mom was practically bouncing. "Sit down, sweetie! We have big news!"

I plopped onto the sofa, trying to look interested. "What's up? Did you win the lottery?"

Mom giggled. "Even better! Your dad got the promotion! In London!"

My eyes widened. "London? Seriously? That's... far." My parents, moving to London. Okay, that was a lot.

Dad cleared his throat. "It's a huge opportunity, Tiana. But it means we'll be gone for at least a year, maybe two."

"A year? Two?" I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. I mean, I loved my parents, but living alone? Or with relatives? That sounded... complicated.

"And that's where the other part of the news comes in," Mom said, her smile a little too bright. "We've talked it over, and Gabriel has graciously offered to let you stay with him!"

My jaw dropped. "Gabriel?" The name came out as a strangled whisper. My brain just short-circuited. Gabriel? My dad's best friend? The star of my steamy, beautiful, utterly inappropriate dreams?

Dad nodded, looking relieved. "Yeah, Gabriel. He's got that big house, plenty of space. And he's family, practically. We trust him completely."

Trust him completely. Oh, if they only knew. My cheeks felt hot. This was... this was insane. This was a joke, right?

"But... Why Gabriel?" I managed to ask, trying to keep my voice steady. "What about Aunt Carol? Or..."

"Aunt Carol's house is too small, honey," Mom cut in. "And Gabriel insisted. Said he'd be happy to have you. He's always been so fond of you, Tiana."

Fond. Right. Like a little sister. A kid. That's how he saw me. Always.

But then, a different thought, a dangerous, thrilling thought, started to bloom in my chest, pushing past the panic. My heart started to pound, not with dread, but with something else. Something wild.

Living with Gabriel.

My mind flashed to one of my dreams, Gabriel's strong hands, his deep laugh, the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled. All those years, all that repression, all those forbidden feelings locked away.

And now…

"So, it's settled then!" Dad said, oblivious to the internal earthquake happening inside me. "You'll move in with Gabriel next month."

Next month. Thirty days. Thirty days until I was under his roof. Alone with him.

My breath hitched. This wasn't just a job transfer. This wasn't just a new living arrangement. This was it. This was my only chance in life. The universe, or maybe just my crazy, desperate heart, had just handed me the keys to my forbidden fantasy.

The next few weeks were a blur of packing boxes and forced smiles. My parents were so excited about London, they barely noticed my quiet intensity. I was planning. Every single detail. How to act, what to say, how to make him see me, not as a kid, but as a woman. The woman from my dreams.

I spent hours in front of the mirror, practicing expressions, trying on outfits that were "innocent but alluring." I researched Gabriel's favorite coffee, his preferred music, anything that could give me an edge. This wasn't just moving; this was a strategic operation. My peaceful, invisible life was officially over, but for a completely different reason than most girls would imagine. I wasn't trying to avoid drama; I was trying to create a very specific kind of drama.

Finally, the moving day arrived. My parents were already at the airport, waving goodbye with teary but excited eyes. I stood on Gabriel's doorstep, my single suitcase beside me, my heart pounding like a drum solo. This was it. No turning back.

The door opened, and there he was. Gabriel.

He was wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans, but even in casual clothes, he looked impossibly handsome. His dark hair was a little messy, like he'd just run his hand through it, and his eyes, those warm, intelligent eyes, crinkled at the corners when he smiled.

"Tiana! Come in, come in!" he said, his voice deep and welcoming. He reached out, taking my suitcase as if it weighed nothing. "Your parents just called. Said you'd be here any minute. How was the trip?"OK

"Fine, Gabriel," I managed, my voice a little breathy. His scent, a mix of expensive cologne and something uniquely him, hit me, and my dreams suddenly felt very, very real.

He led me inside, his house even more impressive than I remembered. It was sleek, modern, but still felt warm. "Your room's all ready. It's the guest room, but I tried to make it comfortable for you." He gestured towards a door down a short hallway.

"Thanks," I said, trying to sound casual, but my eyes were already scanning the space, taking in every detail. This was where he lived. This was where we would live.

He turned, his smile still in place, but then his gaze lingered on me for a moment longer than usual. His eyes, usually so open and friendly, seemed to darken, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. He took a small step closer, and I held my breath.

"You've... grown up, Tiana," he said, his voice a little lower now, a hint of surprise in it. His eyes traced my face, my hair, my figure, and for the first time, I felt like he was truly seeing me, not just the kid he'd known.

My heart hammered against my ribs. This was it. This was the beginning.

He cleared his throat, the moment breaking, and stepped back, a slight flush on his cheeks. "Anyway, make yourself at home. I'll be in my study if you need anything." He gave me a quick, almost nervous smile, and then disappeared down another hallway.

I stood there, alone in his living room, my hand instinctively going to my chest, where my heart was still racing. He saw me. He noticed.

The flush on his cheeks, the way his eyes had lingered... it wasn't just my imagination.

A thrill, cold and exhilarating, shot through me. This was going to be harder, and more dangerous, than I ever imagined. But also... so much more exciting.