The Alpha’s Nanny (Lori and Gabriel) novel Chapter 16

**The Ocean Remembers Everything**
*By Julia Allan*

**Chapter 16**

After settling the baby into her crib for the night, Lori joined Mr. Gabriel for dinner. She had traded her day clothes for a simple green shirt and comfortable sweatpants, feeling a mix of casualness and nervousness as she approached the dining table where Mr. Gabriel was already seated. He had barely shed his work attire, still looking slightly disheveled from a lengthy discussion with Elliot that had evidently drained him.

As he sat there, he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, revealing strong forearms, and unbuttoned a few of the top buttons, giving off an air of relaxed authority. Lori couldn’t help but glance at him, her curiosity piqued. There was something undeniably intriguing about the way he casually adjusted his clothing, and she found herself captivated by the sight.

The way he ran his fingers through his hair, a gesture of mild frustration, struck her as effortlessly attractive. It was as if he exuded a magnetic charm without even trying. Caught in her moment of admiration, Lori quickly averted her gaze, chastising herself internally. No! She reminded herself firmly. He was her boss, her employer. This wasn’t appropriate.

Just then, Sylvia emerged from the kitchen, carrying a steaming platter of food. The aroma of perfectly cooked steak wafted through the air, mingling with the fresh scent of greens and a colorful array of salads that accompanied the meal. A glass of Chateau was poured for Mr. Gabriel, while Lori opted for water, mindful of her breastfeeding responsibilities. She had never been much of a drinker, preferring to savor the clarity that sobriety offered.

This was their first dinner together without Grace’s presence to break the ice, and the atmosphere felt heavy with an awkward silence. Lori chewed her food slowly, each bite feeling like a chore as she sensed the tension building between them. Stealing furtive glances at Mr. Gabriel from beneath her lashes, she wished fervently for her meal to vanish so she could escape the discomfort of the moment.

“So, you’ve met Elliot,” Mr. Gabriel finally broke the silence, his voice cutting through the stillness. Lori turned her head sharply to meet his gaze.

“Yes,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

“He’s my cousin. I would have introduced you if I had known he was at the beach house,” he added, a hint of frustration in his tone.

“You didn’t know?” She was surprised, her brow furrowing slightly.

Mr. Gabriel shrugged, a look of mild disbelief crossing his face. “I had no idea. Grace has a soft spot for Elliot. She must have snuck him in when I wasn’t looking.”

Lori nodded slowly, piecing together the puzzle. No wonder they had been constantly bringing out trays of food—she had thought it odd at the time.

“Family. You know how they can be,” he said with a light sigh, shrugging again as if to dismiss the chaos of familial bonds.

No, she thought bitterly, she didn’t know. The people she once considered family had been the source of her deepest wounds. They were the ones she had fled from, seeking solace in her independence.

“I’m an orphan,” she stated flatly, her voice devoid of emotion. The words hung in the air, and she watched as Mr. Gabriel froze, his expression shifting to one of shock.

“Shit. I’m sorry,” he said, his voice low and sincere.

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