Chapter 58-59-60

Chapter 58: Subtleties and Approaches

The days went by, and Gabriel's routine returned to normal, with him ensuring the safety of Kylie and her children. However, Stassie began to show up more and more at her best friend's events, creating moments to be close to Gabriel. At first, he thought it was just a coincidence, but little by little, he realized that she was making an effort to create opportunities for interaction.

It was a sunny afternoon in Los Angeles, and Gabriel accompanied Kylie and Stassie to an outdoor event. He maintained his professional demeanor, but it was hard not to notice Stassie's frequent glances.

"Gabriel, don't you get tired of being so serious all the time?" Stassie asked, offering a smile.

"It's my job," he replied calmly, keeping his eyes on the crowd around him.

"Oh, but what if you could have a different job? Something less... rigid?" she insisted, walking beside him while Kylie chatted with other guests.

"I never thought about it. I like what I do," he replied, trying not to get distracted.

"You're very disciplined, aren't you? But did you know that disciplined people deserve a little fun too?"

Gabriel glanced at her for a brief moment and gave her a slight smile before turning back to the room.

Later, as Kylie took pictures for the event, Stassie approached Gabriel, carrying two glasses of water.

"Here, security. You need to hydrate," she said, handing him a glass.

"Thanks," Gabriel replied, accepting it.

Stassie stood next to him, scanning the crowd as he did. "So, what's it like seeing the world from our point of view? It must be interesting."

"Interesting isn't the word I'd use. Challenging, maybe," Gabriel replied, taking a sip of water.

"I like challenges," she said, looking at him with a smile. "And you seem to be the biggest challenge of all."

Gabriel chuckled softly, but remained focused on what he was doing.

After the event, when they were driving back to Kylie's house, Stassie, sitting in the backseat, took the opportunity to strike up a conversation.

"Gabriel, I have to admit: you are the most mysterious guy I've ever met. I mean, you're handsome, smart, but completely unapproachable. Why?"

He smiled slightly, keeping his eyes on the road. "I'm not unapproachable. I just focus on what I do."

"Oh, so you're saying that if you weren't focused on work, you could be approachable?" she teased, laughing.

Kylie, who had been listening to everything, interrupted. "Stassie, he'll never give in. Gabriel is the most dedicated professional I've ever met. It's like trying to knock down a wall."

Stassie shrugged, but smiled. "We'll see. Maybe I can find a way through that wall."

Another day, Gabriel was called to accompany Kylie on a photo shoot. Stassie was also there, as a guest, and once again took the opportunity to get closer.

While Kylie was busy on set, Stassie called Gabriel outside.

"You know, you're always in the middle of everything, but you never participate. Have you ever thought about being in front of the camera?"

"I've done it before, but it's not my priority," he replied, recalling his days as a model.

"Oh, so there's more to you that I don't know," she said, crossing her arms and tilting her head. "Are you going to tell me more or am I going to have to find out for myself?"

"I guess you like to find out things on your own," he replied, giving her a playful look.

She laughed. "You're right. But I'm not going to give up on learning more about you."

A few days later, Stassie organized a small get-together at Kylie's house, inviting close friends. Gabriel, even though he was off work, was called by Kylie to keep an eye on the security of the place.

During the night, Stassie found an opportunity to pull him aside.

"You know, Gabriel, you can be all professional you want, but I see there's more to you than just discipline and focus," she said, looking him straight in the eye.

"And what do you see?" he asked, curious about her confidence.

"I see someone who's so used to taking care of everyone else that maybe he's forgotten how to let someone else take care of him," she replied, sincerely.

Gabriel was silent for a moment, taken aback by her words. He knew Stassie was right, but he didn't want to admit it.

"You're determined, that's undeniable," he said finally, with a slight smile.

"And I'll continue to be," she replied, moving slightly closer. "Just to let you know."

Later, when Gabriel returned home, he couldn't get Stassie's words out of his head. She was unlike anyone he'd ever met: direct, confident, but at the same time sweet and understanding.

As much as he tried to maintain his professional demeanor, it was impossible to ignore the connection that was beginning to form between them.

Lying in bed, he let out a sigh. "Maybe she's right," he muttered to himself. "Maybe it's time to let someone else in."

Meanwhile, Stassie, in her own home, smiled as she remembered the look on Gabriel's face when she had challenged him. She knew she was making progress, even if it was slow.

Chapter 59: Opening Spaces

The weeks passed, and Gabriel began to notice that his resistance towards Stassie was waning. There was something about her that captivated him maybe her confidence, or her sincere and spontaneous manner. She was different from the people he usually met at work; someone who didn't seem intimidated by his serious demeanor or the aura of mystery he carried.

It was late afternoon at Kylie's house, and Gabriel, as usual, was on duty, checking the security cameras while she and Stassie chatted in the living room. Amidst the laughter and stories, Kylie noticed something.

"You've been coming here more often lately, Stassie," Kylie commented, smiling.

"Oh, and you're complaining? I thought you liked my company," Stassie replied, giving her friend a playful look.

"I'm not complaining, but I think I know who the real reason for these visits might be," Kylie said, looking at Gabriel, who was standing near the door, maintaining a professional demeanor.

Stassie pretended to ignore the comment, but her smile gave it all away. "You're always so focused, Gabriel," Stassie said, trying to pull him into the conversation. "Don't you have moments when you relax?"

He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment. "Focus is part of my job. But I relax... sometimes."

"Good, because I was thinking we could go out for coffee sometime," Stassie said casually, but her eyes were bright with anticipation.

Gabriel hesitated. He didn't usually mix his personal and professional lives, but there was something in her light, carefree tone that made him consider the idea.

"I'll think about it," he replied, turning his attention back to the cameras.

Kylie watched everything silently, but with a smile that showed that something was changing.

Two days later, Gabriel decided to accept the invitation. He knew that somehow Stassie wouldn't give up easily, and maybe it would be good to get out of the routine for a moment.

At the end of the workday, he sent her a text:

"About that coffee… is it still on?"

The reply came almost instantly:

"Always! I'll pick you up tomorrow at 4pm?"

Gabriel chuckled softly as he read the message. It felt strange to be on the other end, being "invited" to something.

The next day, Stassie showed up at Kylie's house with a beaming smile. Gabriel was already waiting, dressed casually in a black t-shirt and jeans. He seemed more relaxed, but still carried his usual seriousness.

"Ready for your moment of relaxation?" she asked, handing him a coffee as soon as he got in the car.

"Did you buy the coffee yet?" he asked, surprised.

"Sure. It's my way of showing that I can be efficient too," she replied, winking.

The ride was smooth, with Stassie leading the conversation while Gabriel listened and responded in short sentences. But gradually, he began to relax, and his answers became longer, more natural.

At the café, they found a table out of the way, away from prying eyes. "So, Gabriel, have you always been this… closed off?" she asked, as she stirred her coffee.

He thought for a moment before answering. "I think it's the result of years of doing what I do. It's hard to open up when you're constantly analyzing everything around you."

"I understand," she said, serious for the first time. "But you deserve more than just work. Everyone does."

Gabriel smiled slightly. "You're very determined, aren't you?"

"Absolutely," she replied. "And I think I'm finally breaking down that wall you have."

They continued talking, and to Gabriel's surprise, he actually enjoyed the time he spent with her. Kylie Notices the Difference

A few days later, while they were at Kylie's house again, she noticed something different about Gabriel's behavior. He seemed calmer, less stiff, and even laughed quietly at Stassie's jokes.

While Gabriel was outside checking the perimeter, Kylie turned to Stassie.

"What did you do to him?" Kylie asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Nothing major," Stassie replied with a satisfied smile. "I'm just showing him that he can be more than just security."

"Well, whatever it is, it's working. I've never seen him so… human," Kylie said, laughing.

The small advances continued. Stassie began bringing Gabriel coffees during work, finding excuses to spend more time with him, and even creating situations for them to talk alone.

One evening, while Gabriel was making his rounds of the property, he found Stassie in the garden, looking at the stars.

"Lost?" he asked, approaching.

"No, just enjoying the moment," she replied, looking at him. "You should try it."

He was silent for a moment before sitting down next to her, something that surprised him.

"See? It's not that hard," she said, smiling.

Back at home, Gabriel began to reflect on what was happening. He realized that he was allowing himself to open up a part of himself that he had kept locked away for years. Stassie had a light and uncomplicated way of dealing with life, something he admired, even without admitting it.

Looking at his phone, he saw a message from her:

"Thanks for today. You're starting to let your guard down, and I'm loving it."

He laughed and replied:

"Maybe you're right."

The following days brought a new dynamic between them. Although Gabriel still maintained his professional demeanor at work, Stassie managed to create a unique space between them something that even Kylie noticed and, deep down, approved of.

Kylie joked with him one quiet afternoon.

"Gabriel, you're smiling more. Don't you think you should take your reputation as a security guard seriously?"

He shrugged, with a slight smile. "Maybe I'm learning to balance things."

"Or maybe it's Stassie's influence," Kylie teased, laughing.

He didn't answer, but the slight blush on his face gave it all away.

Chapter 60: Opening the Heart

Time seemed to pass more quickly for Stassie, especially on the days when she found an excuse to be near Gabriel. His calm manner, his firm posture, and most importantly, the way he maintained his integrity without letting himself be carried away by the superficialities around him, had won her heart.

He was not only a handsome and disciplined man; he was genuine, a rare quality in the world she knew.

Gabriel was finishing his security check routine when he found Stassie sitting in the garden of Kylie's house. It was a peaceful late afternoon, with the sun painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

"You like being here, don't you?" Gabriel asked, approaching.

Stassie looked up and smiled. "It's one of the few places where I feel at peace. And, to be honest, your presence helps."

Gabriel arched an eyebrow, but the slight smile at the corner of his lips showed that he appreciated the comment. "You know how to make small talk, Stassie."

"And you know how to avoid personal topics," she replied, laughing.

He laughed too, sitting down next to her on the bench. "Maybe I need someone to teach me."

The conversation flowed naturally, as it always did between them. Stassie loved how he spoke honestly, without trying to impress. Gabriel, in turn, began to appreciate the little things she did, like the way she listened attentively or asked genuine questions about his life and thoughts.

Later that night, Stassie was in the kitchen with Kylie, helping her organize some dishes while they talked.

"You've been spending a lot of time here lately," Kylie commented, with a mischievous smile. "And I think I know why."

Stassie paused, pretending not to understand. "Oh, yeah? And why would that be?"

Kylie crossed her arms, laughing. "Don't get me wrong, Stassie. I see how you look at Gabriel. And honestly, I don't blame you."

Stassie sighed, setting down the plate she was holding. "Okay, I admit it. I really like him, Kylie. He's unlike any man I've ever met. You know, in our world, it's hard to find someone who's... real. He's authentic, he's strong, but at the same time he has such a soft side."

Kylie smiled, watching her friend curiously. "And do you think he feels the same way?"

"I don't know," Stassie replied, biting her lip. "He's hard to read, you know? Always so serious, so focused on work. But sometimes... sometimes I feel like he's allowing himself to get closer."

Kylie tilted her head. "I think you're right. He's never been like this with anyone before. And if you ask me, you two would be amazing together. He's a great man, Stassie. Strong, focused, but also protective and loyal. You couldn't have chosen better."

Stassie laughed, shaking her head. "That's exactly it. He's a real man. Not the kind of guy you usually find."

The next day, Stassie texted Gabriel: "I have something important to show you. Can you meet me at my usual coffee shop?"

Gabriel replied a few minutes later: "Sure. I'll see you there at 5."

When they met, Stassie seemed more nervous than usual. Gabriel noticed, but chose not to press her.

"So, what was so important?" he asked, as she stirred her coffee without taking a sip.

"Actually... it's not something I need to show you, but something I need to tell you," she began, looking directly into his eyes.

Gabriel held her gaze, waiting.

"I really like you, Gabriel," she said finally. "And it's not just because of your looks or the fact that you're one of the most interesting men I've ever met. It's because of who you are. You have a strength that goes beyond the physical, and that inspires me."

Gabriel was silent for a moment, processing her words. He wasn't a man who opened his heart easily, but he also knew he couldn't ignore what was happening between them.

"Stassie," he began, his tone softer. "I admire you so much. It's rare to find someone so... genuine. But for me, it's complicated. My work, my life... they're not exactly ordinary."

"I know that," she replied quickly. "But I'm not asking you to change who you are. I just want you to know that if you're willing, I'm here."

Later, Stassie returned to Kylie's house, where she found her sitting on the couch, watching a TV show.

"So? How was it?" Kylie asked anxiously.

Stassie shrugged, but there was a smile on her face. "He hasn't said he feels the same way, but he hasn't pushed me away either. I guess that's a start."

Kylie laughed. "With Gabriel, that's practically a declaration of love."

That night, Gabriel returned home, reflecting on everything that had happened. He knew that Stassie was special and that he was getting closer to her than he had planned.

As he sat in the living room, staring at his phone, he finally texted:

"Thank you for today. You make me see things differently, and that's a rare thing for me."

The reply came almost immediately:

"Maybe I'm just helping you remember that you deserve to be happy too."

And for the first time in a long time, Gabriel smiled to himself.

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