Courting Gossip

by Kimberly Dean

  * * *

  They didn’t make it until noon before they were both up again. Exhaustion could only hold off worry for so long.

  Brody found Maggie’s press release and approved it. Then he started digging in, checking in with his sources and reanalysing the information that had come to light last night. Sleep had helped, and his thoughts were coming fast and furious. Unfortunately, so were Genieve’s. She tried working on Luxxor’s database, but her worries kept spiralling as she went through the names on the list. Brody soon saw that the exercise wasn’t helping, and he put it aside for both of them.

  They hit the gym instead. By that time, the press release was hot news. Photographs of Gunderson’s bruised arm were on every television station Brody turned to. Reporters were now tying the break-in at the hotel to the break-in at Genieve’s. Anyone would understand why she was running away from that relationship as far and as fast as she could, yet the situation left sympathy for the senator, too. Not only had he been injured, he’d lost the love of his life.

  It was a bit much for Brody to stomach, so he pulled out his ear buds and watched Jenny do Zumba. She was all in, and he soon had to switch from the treadmill to weights. Running with a hard-on was dangerous for everyone.

  The workouts helped relieve some strain, but eventually it worked its way up again.

  He watched her pace back and forth in front of the sliding glass door. With her bright hair and the intense look in her green eyes, she looked like a tigress measuring the limits of her cage.

  ‘All right.’ He put aside his tablet and pushed himself off the sofa. ‘Let’s go shoot some darts.’

  The idea didn’t perk her up. She just kept on pacing.

  ‘Come on. One game.’

  She raked a hand through her hair. ‘OK,’ she finally agreed.

  He led her up the spiral staircase and found her favourite set with the lightning bolts. For once, she didn’t play coy. Instead, she started firing bullets at the board.

  Brody’s eyebrows lifted. He needed to up his game.

  ‘So what was it?’ she asked as she swiftly closed out the twenties. ‘Bartender or band?’

  He toed the line and went after twenties so she wouldn’t start racking up the points against him. ‘I bartended to put myself through college. How did you get so good?’

  She winked at him, at last showing signs of spirit. ‘Barmaid. I made good tips, but hustling the college boys at darts paid better.’

  He’d bet it did. College boys didn’t tip well, but that didn’t mean they were good at managing their money. They’d been easy marks, but she’d only been using her smarts to line her pockets.

  The game turned competitive. Genieve was throwing darts like laser beams, but she couldn’t keep her focus on what she needed.

  ‘Nineteens, babe,’ Brody said. ‘You’re throwing at sixteens again.’

  Her green eyes turned stormy as she marched over to the board. ‘Damn it.’

  She plucked her darts out of the board, but then used one to stab the nineteen repeatedly.

  ‘OK,’ Brody said, hurrying over. He collected the darts and decided they were done here. The game wasn’t helping either. ‘Remind me not to give you something sharp and pointy next time you’re upset.’

  She dragged her hands through her hair. ‘I’m sorry. I just can’t deal right now.’

  He caught her by the waist. ‘It’s OK.’

  ‘No, it’s not.’

  ‘Want to take another whack at the breadmaker?’

  She pushed at his chest. ‘You just want to get me naked again.’

  ‘Can’t say the thought didn’t occur to me.’ He ducked his head and looked into her eyes. The sudden display of anger hadn’t been like her. She had fire, but that had been something deeper. ‘You all right?’

  She laid her hands against his chest. ‘I can’t take this. I feel violated. How long until we know if all those CSI-types found something?’

  ‘Morgan will let us know. He promised.’ Between the two of them, they texted Nina and the detective way too many times. Nina wanted answers as much as they did, and Morgan was actively working the case. Unfortunately, he had nothing to tell them yet.

  Genieve dropped her head against his chest, and Brody rubbed the back of her neck. ‘Something will break.’

  ‘I can’t wait any more.’

  No, she couldn’t. Bending his knees, he swept her off her feet.

  ‘Brody,’ she said in protest.

  ‘We know one thing that calms you down.’ He carried her across the room towards the big-screen TV. He put her back on her feet and kissed her forehead. ‘Let me distract you.’

  She sighed, but tension still radiated from her like static electricity. He swept her top over her head and moved down to her shorts. The Daisy Dukes again. It was a wonder he got any work done around here. He peeled them over her hips and down her toned legs. He kissed her knee on his way back up.

  She circled her arms around his neck. ‘Sorry your “girlfriend experience” has been a bit extreme.’

  He looked into her face. That contract could burn in hell for all he cared. He didn’t want an experience, he wanted her. ‘I signed up for it, and I plan to see it through.’

  He kissed her, pulling her close. Concern lined her forehead and there was a hint of dark shadows under her eyes. He didn’t want her worrying about him. He was spending enough time worrying about her.

  He undid the tab of her bra and worked the straps over her shoulders. It was another pretty piece of Lycra and lace, but what she hid underneath it was even prettier. He dropped a kiss upon the curve of her breast.

  ‘You too,’ she whispered.

  She tugged at his T-shirt, and he took it off. His belly cinched tight when she kissed his chest and trailed her fingers over his abs. Finally, she laid her head against him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Their bodies connected from heart to groin, and his fingers tangled in her hair. He loved the feel of her against him, her naked breasts against his chest and her hips cradling his.

  His hands glided under her panties, and he caressed her bottom. ‘What can I do to help? Do you need anything? Who can I hurt?’

  ‘You’ve already done so much.’ She tilted her head back until the ends of her fiery hair tickled his wrists. ‘Have I thanked you? You got me out of that hotel room, you hid me away, and now…this.’

  She didn’t have to thank him. He couldn’t have stayed back and done nothing.

  He picked her up and settled her on the beanbag chair. ‘If you’re going to thank me for something, thank me for this.’

  He peeled her panties off and dropped to his knees before her. The beanbag shifted as she tried to sit up. The thing might not offer much support, but it was perfect for what he had in mind. ‘Lie back and relax.’

  He shifted the malleable chair until her hips were propped up.

  Her eyebrows rose. ‘Relax?’

  He grinned, and her breath hitched. She sat forward and caught his face in her hands. ‘You need to do that more often.’

  He looked into her green eyes. ‘Let me do this, and I will.’

  Their mouths locked in a deep kiss as he encouraged her back down. He covered her breasts with his hands as he kissed her neck and down her breastbone. He caressed her curves in slow circles and felt her nipples bump into his palms. He kept going, down and down. Her belly quivered as he licked her skin. He scooted back until he hovered over his destination.

  He gave a gentle push at the insides of her knees. With a groan, she let them drop open. She spread her thighs wider for him and dug her heels into the carpeting. Brody petted her and felt the tension inside her shift.

  ‘Yes,’ he whispered. That was what he wanted.

  Finally, he dropped his head. Using his thumbs, he spread her for an intimate kiss. Her hips trembled and her back arched. Glancing up, he saw her nipples stiff and pointing at the ceiling. His cock hardened, and he couldn’t help but rock against the floor.

 
‘Oh, God. Brody!’

  He kissed her pussy again, taking his time, and her hand clamped onto his shoulder. Her red nails bit, and he knew he was doing something right. He licked in a long stroke along her swells and grooves. She shook, and he settled in for a long stay.

  Neither of them said any more. There was no need. The sound of her sighs and cries told Brody everything he had to know.

  He ate at her slowly, taking his time. She was slick and plump and pink. She was shaved smooth, and he took advantage of it, exploring and experimenting. She felt so soft against his face as he got up close and personal, yet part of him was curious to know how she’d look natural. He was pretty sure she didn’t dye her hair to get that colour. How would she look with a red patch between her legs?

  His cock strained against his zipper.

  He laved her opening with his tongue, and the beans inside the chair crackled as her body twisted. He cupped his hands over her breasts again and pinched her nipples. The cry she let out was throaty and full of need.

  He kept at it, slow and easy, until he felt her muscles start to shake. He’d taken his time, but she needed to come. He focused on her clit and sucked in firm, long pulls.

  ‘Ah!’ she cried.

  Her thighs rocked in and then out. Her hips jumped, straining for completion. Her back arched, and he cupped his hand underneath her. His fingers bit into her bottom, and his other hand caught at her calf. With a gentle, barely-there nip of his teeth, he finished her.

  Her cry filled the man cave…or maybe he needed to change the name to the playroom. Her body rocked with pleasure. Brody eased up, but kept rubbing and licking until she was fully blissed out beneath him.

  He rocked back onto his knees to look at her. She lay arched over the beanbag chair, a gorgeous mess of woman. He’d wanted to do that for her. He’d thought it would be enough, but he needed her too.

  He pulled condoms out of the tiny drawer in the end table between the easy chairs. He’d hid them around his home like Easter eggs in the hope of being prepared. He took no time pushing off his jeans and readying himself. She lifted her arms as he climbed back over her. He penetrated her in one long stroke and began rocking.

  ‘That was beautiful,’ she whispered.

  ‘You’re beautiful.’ He’d always thought so. She could stop a room when she entered, but combine that with her cheek and wit, and he was hooked. He’d developed a reputation in a tough city, but she’d never been intimidated by him. She’d teased and winked until he couldn’t ignore her. He’d tried to stay indifferent – she wasn’t only involved with his client, she was an escort. In the end, none of that mattered.

  He’d gotten her away from Gunderson. Now, if he could only get her away from Luxxor…

  The girlfriend experience…His hips thrust faster. He wanted more than that. He wanted the real deal.

  He braced his hands flat on the floor as he pumped into her. She was so hot, he couldn’t believe it. So relaxed, she offered no resistance. He looked at her sleepy green eyes and her hair splayed out like flames. Her full breasts bounced and their bellies rubbed. And just like that, he came.

  Her hands swept down to his rear and she clenched hard. His head dropped, and he ground against her. At last, his weight fell upon her warm, welcoming body. The beanbag chair beneath them hissed and bunched.

  She kissed his temple. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered.

  ‘Whatever you need,’ he said gruffly.

  He was her man.

  Chapter Twelve

  The call didn’t come in until the next morning. Genieve didn’t answer, but she could tell from the look on Brody’s face that something important had happened. She wandered away from the new bread recipe she was trying and watched him over the breakfast bar. He was standing in front of the sliding glass door. He’d opened it to let the spring day inside, but he looked as if things had just turned dark and stormy. His fingers were drumming against his thigh, and his expression had gone flat.

  ‘I understand. Are you sure?’ He nodded once when he got affirmation. ‘I’ll be there as soon as I can.’

  She padded out of the kitchen into the living room, and her toes curled into the carpeting. She didn’t like the feeling in the air. Something wasn’t right. ‘What is it? Did they catch the guy?’

  He raked a hand through his hair. He looked confused. He’d become less careful about showing his feelings, but the signs were still subtle. ‘That was Gunderson’s assistant. Detective Morgan was just there.’

  Her shoulders slumped. She’d thought they’d been talking about the break-in at her place. She tucked her fingers into her pockets. ‘What was he doing on Capitol Hill?’

  ‘Arresting Margaret Harris.’

  Genieve’s jaw dropped. ‘Maggie? Samuel’s assistant? For what?’

  He put his phone into his back jeans pocket. The confusion was lifting, and anger was swiftly taking its place. ‘For breaking into your house.’

  ‘Maggie?’ Genieve gasped. ‘But…it can’t…is he sure?’

  Brody crossed the room, his lavender eyes turning almost slate. ‘Did she ever give off any signs? Did she ever say anything to you? You said she was jealous.’

  ‘She was infatuated with Samuel, but I never felt threatened by her.’ Genieve lifted her hands. ‘How could I? She’s so mousy and timid.’

  ‘Timid enough to heave a landscaping stone through your window.’ His jaw was hard. He hadn’t shaved yet, and whisker stubble made him look dark and dangerous. ‘Did she show any signs of hostility towards you?’

  Genieve didn’t know what to say. She wanted to be relieved that someone had been caught, but now she had to wonder what she’d done to deserve such treatment. ‘She was standoffish. She barely said a word to me.’

  He stopped a foot in front of her, intensity radiating. ‘Did she know?’ he asked.

  ‘Know what?’

  ‘That you’re an escort.’

  Genieve sucked air in so sharply, it hurt her throat. His question had been razor sharp. ‘No, she didn’t know. Samuel and I didn’t walk around wearing sashes that said “client” and “slut”.’

  ‘I didn’t mean—’ He jerked his chin away and stared at the far wall. His pulse thudded in his throat before he turned back. ‘Are you sure?’

  She folded her arms over her chest, trying to hold in the hurt. How could she be sure? She tried to keep it quiet that she made her money on her back, but that didn’t mean a jealous assistant hadn’t poked around and found out – especially when her client was Samuel. He could be absent-minded and clueless. ‘No, I’m not sure.’

  The pulse in Brody’s throat was joined by a tic at his temple.

  ‘I don’t know what Samuel told her.’

  He rubbed his forehead, and the tension turned into determination.

  ‘I need to go into the city,’ he said matter-of-factly. He hesitated for a brief moment, and then planted a hard kiss on her lips. ‘I’ll fix this.’

  Genieve watched him stalk down the hallway. Damn him for making her feel as if she was in the wrong. They hadn’t suspected the woman, but who would have? Shouldn’t they just feel happy she’d been caught? Relieved? Why was he acting as if things had gotten worse?

  When he came out of the bedroom, he was in a grey suit and tie. His black shoes gleamed, and the look was sharp, powerful and unyielding. He’d gone back to being the old Brody. His eyes were hard, his cheekbones were chiselled and his jaw jutted forward. ‘I’ll call when I have more info.’

  He scooped his keys off the table by the utility-room door, but she stopped him by grabbing his tie. He stopped short and looked at her sharply. He wanted to go old-school? She could do that, but he wasn’t going out that door without remembering that she had his number. They weren’t going back to the way things were before.

  She let her eyelids go heavy as she moved in close. She leaned into him and smoothed his tie along his chest. ‘Don’t be long,’ she said huskily.

  She felt his erection pop up aga
inst her belly. The hard look in his eyes flared, and, next thing she knew, he had her pressed up against the wall.

  His mouth was hot on hers, and she raked her hands through his short hair, letting her fingernails score his scalp. Their tongues batted, and their chests heaved. When he pulled away, he wasn’t so distant any more. ‘We’ll celebrate later,’ he told her softly. ‘But right now I need to tie up loose ends.’

  She caught his lapels. ‘Go. Be sneaky.’

  His lips smacked against hers one last time before he was moving through the door and into the garage.

  Genieve stayed with her shoulders pressed against the wall until she was able to get her legs underneath her again. The man was a force, but she didn’t think he knew the half of it.

  Letting out a shuddering sigh, she headed to the living room. She tucked her legs underneath her on the sofa as she turned on the TV. If Gunderson’s office was calling Brody, it must have just happened. Had the story gotten out yet? She’d known his assistant looked at Samuel with stars in her eyes, but why would she send reporters to the Emissary to rat him out? Did she feel that jilted? Genieve hugged a pillow to her chest. She really didn’t think the woman knew…She was so naïve and small-town. Maybe she’d thought Genieve was a gold-digger?

  When nothing appeared on TV, she switched to searching the internet on Brody’s tablet. It took her more time and she had to go slow, but she needed more information. She still couldn’t make sense of it. Maggie?

  Her phone suddenly rang, and Genieve jumped. She grabbed it from the coffee table, hoping it was Brody in a better mood and with more information. Only it wasn’t Brody. The detective’s name was big and bold on the display.

  She got to her feet as she answered. ‘Hello?’

  ‘Genieve, it’s Detective Morgan. I wanted you to know I made an arrest in your case this morning.’

  ‘I heard. Samuel’s office called Brody.’

  ‘So you know that we’ve charged Margaret Harris with the crime.’

  ‘Yes, but I can’t really believe it.’ Genieve began pacing. A soft breeze filtered through the screen of the sliding glass door, and she hurried over to close it. She suddenly felt vulnerable. ‘Are you sure you have the right person?’