I want to do right by her. It’s the least I can do.
Chapter Eleven
* * *
Gage
“I’M NERVOUS.” I tap my fingers against the steering wheel, nodding my head to the music playing on the radio.
Marina reaches over and grabs my hand, squeezing quickly before she releases it. “Don’t be. He’s going to love you. Maybe.”
Ha. How honest of her. The “he” she’s referring to is her father. The man I’ve been trying to see for months so I can make an offer hopefully he can’t refuse. Scott Knight has avoided me. Yeah, I know he’s been out of town a lot, but the least he could do is take my calls.
Now he has no choice. I’m going to dinner tonight with Marina at her house and meeting the parents. A big step for me, one I rarely make, but we’ve been seeing each other for over a month. Hopefully, Scott and I can discuss the real estate deal further. Maybe.
Funny how once I got involved with his daughter, that deal isn’t as important to me anymore.
“I’m pretty sure your dad hates me,” I say, because it’s true. The guy must despise me. He’s avoided me because he doesn’t want to make the deal. Now he probably hates the fact I’m with his daughter. His only child. God, I’d hate me if I were him.
Could I sound any more ridiculous? I’m anxious as fuck and acting like an idiot.
She doesn’t say a word in response to my dumb statement. Just sits in the passenger seat of my car with that blissed-out expression on her face. The one that says I just got laid, which she did since we had sex right before we left.
I frown. Hope her parents won’t know that look. They might want to kill me for touching their baby girl.
“Stop frowning.” She leans over the center console and gives me a soft kiss on the lips—while I’m driving. Thank God the road is pretty empty because I swerve a little when that sweet mouth brushes against mine. “You worry too much.”
Ha. I don’t worry enough. I’ve been letting myself forget everything and just enjoying my time with Marina. If we’re not working, we’re together. And lately, I’m not working much at all, which means . . .
“Turn here,” she instructs as she points her finger, breaking my train of thought, and I hit the brakes to slow down, turning right onto a long, tree-lined driveway. It seems to go on for miles and my stomach cramps with nerves at the thought of coming face-to-face with Scott Knight. I haven’t met a woman’s family as her boyfriend since I don’t know when. Ever?
This fact should make me feel like a twenty-eight-year-old loser, but damn it, I haven’t found the right woman yet. As crazy as it sounds, in the little time we’ve known each other, I’m starting to think she’s it. She’s the one. Marina.
Shit. I know my friends love this. Archer doesn’t fault me too hard because he’s hopelessly in love with my sister. Matt, on the other hand, revels in my lovesick misery. He’s also figuratively holding his hand out every chance he gets, demanding we hand over that one-million-dollar payout.
Jackass.
“How long is this damn driveway?” I mutter, earning a little laugh from Marina. Just as I ask, the thick trees disappear, revealing a circular driveway and a somewhat modest house with a spectacularly landscaped yard. I figured for sure Marina grew up in a sprawling mansion, the lone child who ran the house.
Guess I was wrong.
I park the Maserati in front of the four-car garage—the one sign of excess I see—surprised when Marina leans over and gives me another kiss. This one is longer, her lips lingering on mine, her hand curling around the back of my neck and holding me close. I exhale on a rough sound of pleasure and part her lips with my tongue, letting myself sink into her delicious, seductive mouth for a while. Forgetting all about my worry and the fact that I’m making out with Marina in front of her parents’ home.
You’re fucking making out with Marina in front of her parents’ house, you asshole! What the hell? Are you sixteen and can’t control yourself?
Well. That was like an ice-cold dose of reality.
Pulling out of the kiss, I smudge my thumb across her lush bottom lip, smiling at her as she glares up at me. I don’t think she likes that I ended our kissing session. “We shouldn’t be doing this,” I whisper.
She pouts. “Why? I can’t resist you. You know this.”
Her simple admission makes me smile, but I don’t let myself get too hung up on it. “We’re at your house. Your parents are waiting inside to meet me, and I want to make the right impression. Not be the guy who’s caught kissing and feeling up their daughter in his car.”
“You weren’t feeling me up,” she points out.
I grin. “Yet.”
Marina rolls her eyes. “Whatever. And don’t worry about my dad. He’ll take one look at your precious car and fall in love.” Smiling, she leans in for another kiss, but I dodge her at the last minute, making her pout again. “Come on.”
“Yeah, you got that right. Come on.” I open the door and climb out, rounding the front so I can open her door. “Let’s go meet your parents.”
I take her hand and pull her out of the car, hoping like hell she doesn’t notice my sweaty palm. She flashes me a sweet smile and leads me to the front door, her hips swishing seductively when she walks, her ass looking perfect in those jeans she’s wearing.
Yeah. I’m a total goner for her. And she knows it too. I never, ever thought a woman would have me so totally by the balls, but this one does. I don’t mind either. In fact, I like it, knowing she’s mine. Knowing I’m hers.
Archer finds my capitulation into couplehood amusing. My sister thinks it’s the cutest thing she’s ever seen, and that’s a direct quote. Matt laughs every time I talk to him, asking if I’m completely whipped yet. He knows how reluctant I was to let myself get caught by a woman.
Now I’m walking into the so-called trap and seriously thinking I never want out of it.
Marina doesn’t bother ringing the doorbell, and we walk inside to find the living area empty. It’s a wide, open space, full of comfortable furniture that has seen better days and lots of family photos on every available flat surface. On tables, bookshelves, hung on the walls, I’m surrounded by Molinas and Knights, all of them watching me, making me want to squirm where I stand.
Yeah. I think I’ve lost my damn mind. This is what a case of nerves does to a man.
“Dad!”
Marina lets go of my hand, and I watch as she hurries toward her father who’s just entered the living room. She practically throws herself at him, giving him a big hug, which he returns. I know they’re close. She complains that she hasn’t seen him much lately since he’s been out of town, working all the time.
He’s scrambling. Trying to sell off property and cars and whatever else he can get rid of to gain some cash flow. I know this through friends and acquaintances in the business. They all talk. Knight’s been going into San Francisco a lot lately to broker deals. Yet he’s still holding on to that one property I want.
And I think if I work it just right, I can make it mine.
You are such a complete asshole. Marina’s going to think you’re using her to get to her dad.
That had been true, once upon a time. Not any longer. I care for this woman. Hell, I’m falling in love with her. Being in the middle of this situation, not quite knowing what to do . . .
It sucks.
“Good to see you, sweetheart.” Her father gives Marina a kiss on the cheek, smiling down at her. “You look happy.”
I stand there, at a loss over what I should do. Approach them? Clear my throat? Yell that his daughter looks happy because I put that smile on her face and the glow in her cheeks?
Yeah. Can’t do that.
“I want you to meet Gage. Remember I told you about him?” She withdraws from her father’s embrace and leads him over to where I stand. “Gage, this is my father, Scott.”
“Nice to meet you.” I offer my hand and he takes it, somewhat reluctantly. Or maybe I’m overreact
ing. The guy sets me on edge just looking at him.
He’s tall, has a headful of salt-and-pepper hair, and his eyes are a pale, icy blue. Looking at me like he wants to hang me up by my balls too. “Gage. I believe you’ve been trying to get in contact with me.”
“Let’s not talk business today,” Marina starts, but I interrupt her.
“I have been. I know you’re a busy man, but when you get a chance, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
“Call my office. We can set up a meeting,” he offers breezily.
“I’ve been trying to do that for months,” I tell him, needing him to know I’m not in the mood to play games.
Marina shoots me a horrified glare. “Gage,” she whispers, trying to shut me up.
“Don’t get mad at him. He’s right.” Scott’s smile is easy. Too easy. “I have avoided his calls. I believe he’s asking for something I’m not quite ready to give up yet.”
Marina’s mouth drops open. “How do you—”
“Just like you know,” Scott says, smiling at her. “Everyone knows. This town is big, but it has a small-town feel, just like the gossip. And when a stranger comes into town, eager to buy up all the prime real estate he can, he gives everyone something to talk about.”
I can’t tell if this guy is merely tolerating me or hates my guts or . . . doesn’t mind that I’m here and dating his daughter. His only child who I know he’s very protective of.
Can’t blame him though. I’m feeling rather protective of her too. Something we definitely have in common.
“Ah, is this your young man?” Maribella Knight breezes into the room, a slight smile curling her lips. This is who Marina gets her looks from. Maribella is a beautiful woman, her features so similar to her daughter’s, I pretty much know what Marina’s going to look like when she’s older.
“Yes. This is Gage.” Marina smiles nervously. Just like her relationship with her father is so strong, the one she shares with her mother is a bit more fragile. “Gage, this is my mom, Maribella.”
“Call me Mari.” She extends her hand toward me, her gaze not as warm as her voice.
I take her hand and give it a shake, notice how limp it is in my grip. “A pleasure,” I say truthfully.
“I’m sure.” The smile she offers me is brittle, and her gaze narrows the slightest bit.
Yeah. I don’t think Marina’s mother likes me very much at all.
Marina
I KNEW MY mother wouldn’t like very Gage much. I don’t think she’d like any man I brought home. She has these certain expectations I’m afraid no guy could ever meet.
So I pretended her cold disdain doesn’t bother me. Throughout the afternoon and into dinner, she acted disinterested in him. But he did seem to get along with Dad. Now that shocks me. I figured my father would hate him on sight, considering Gage wants nothing more than to buy as much property from him as possible.
They have things in common though. They’re both savvy businessmen. My father’s only downfall is that he owned too much, too fast. It’s been hard for him to recover from the economic crash.
And they both love cars. In fact, their conversation revolved mostly around cars from the time we arrived. Gage even took Dad outside to check out his Maserati, which was love at first sight. At first I thought it was cute. After a while, I got bored.
Last, I’m hoping that they both care about me. Well, I know my dad loves me because, hello, he’s my father. But Gage? He’s never said the words to me, not that I think he would. He’s never even admitted that he cares about me, but what can I expect? We haven’t been together that long.
But Mom said something to me years ago, and I’ve never forgotten her words.
Sometimes, when you know, you just know.
That’s how I feel about Gage. It scares the crap out of me and makes me want to punch him—because near violence is my usual mode of operation when it comes to Gage—but really, I’m excited. Nervous.
I’m falling in love.
Finally, I was able to drag him and my father apart, and we left long after dinner. Mom gave me a look that said she expected me to come right back. Dad told Gage to come by the office any time, or at the very least, call.
So strange. I thought my father would hate him. I thought I would hate Gage, but look at me. Maybe it’s not such a bad thing, letting the bakery go. Gage could buy the strip of buildings, and my family would be in a better financial position. I know that’s been my father’s goal for a while. Maybe I’m the selfish one, wanting to hold on to a business that’s nothing but a drain for my family.
“You’re awfully quiet.”
I glance up to find Gage flashing me a quick smile before he returns his attention to the road. It’s near ten o’clock and he has the windows cracked, letting in the cool fall air. The roads are virtually abandoned, the night sky is like dark velvet dotted with brightly twinkling stars shining from above, and I haven’t felt this content in a long time. If ever.
“I’m glad you and my father got along so well,” I say.
“Truthfully? I’m surprised,” he admits.
Laughing, I shake my head. “So am I. I thought he might hate you . . . or love you.”
“I know.” Gage chuckles. “He’s a good guy though. I like him.”
“So are you. A good guy,” I say softly, drinking Gage in, arousal heating my blood. It doesn’t take much for me to want him. And seeing him behind the wheel of one of his powerful cars always makes me want to jump his bones.
When it comes to Gage, I’m incredibly weak. But I don’t mind, because when I’m with him, I feel strong. Like I can do anything.
“Archer called yesterday.” He sends me a quick look. “He said the two of you met a few days ago.”
“We did.” I nod. “He wanted to hammer out the details.”
“That’s amazing. I’m happy for you. Why didn’t you tell me about it?” He sounds a little incredulous.
Leave it to Gage to get right to the point. Not that I can blame him. He deserves to know what’s going on. “I was afraid I’d jinx it.”
“Even to me?” He looks wounded. Silly man.
Leaning over the console, I press a kiss to his cheek, resting my hand on his muscular thigh so I can give it a squeeze. “Especially to you. You’ll pump me up and get me so excited, I’ll believe I can do no wrong. What if it didn’t work out?”
“I would never let it not work out.” His expression goes tight and his lips thin. “I’d kick Archer’s ass before that would happen.”
“That’s exactly why I didn’t tell you,” I say, laughing. “This is not about you kicking Archer’s ass. This is about Archer and me coming to a business decision. I can’t have you glowering in the background, out to tear anyone apart who dares defy me.”
“Why not? I can’t help it if I’m protective of you.”
He is so sweet I almost want to cry. Or do him. I’d prefer the latter.
“I love how protective you are of me,” I murmur, smoothing my hand up and down his thigh. God, I love his body. He’s so hard . . . everywhere. “I’ve never had someone defend me before.”
“Well, I’m all yours. Don’t forget it.” He flinches and yelps when I cup his burgeoning erection. “Damn it, Marina. I’m driving.”
“Yes, you are. And I’m touching you. Don’t mind me.” I undo the button fly on his jeans and slip my hand within, encountering warm, thin cotton stretched across his hard, thick cock. My panties dampen just touching him, and I release a shuddering breath.
“Don’t you dare do what I think you’re doing,” he admonishes but his voice is weak. He’s such a sucker for my touch.
Almost as much as I’m a sucker for his.
“I could give you a hand job while you drive.” I scooch closer to him, my mouth at his ear, and I curl my fingers around his length. “Or a blow job. Remember when I did that last week?”
That had been fun. He’d been driving this powerful car, looking so sexy and in comm
and I hadn’t been able to resist. Next thing I knew, I was sprawled across the front seat of the Maserati with my head in his lap and his erection in my mouth. He’d had to pull over so I could finish him off without him wrecking.
Hot. He makes me so hot it’s ridiculous. I’m with him, and I feel like a giddy teenager just out for a good time. I think he feels the same way.
At least we’re in this together.
“Baby, I love it when you put your mouth on me, but I’m trying to get us home in one piece so I can have my mouth all over you.” He stifles a groan when I deliberately stroke him. “Fuck, I swear you like seeing me in agony.”
I do. I love torturing him. Only because I know he wants me so bad. It’s a heady feeling, wielding this much power over Gage. And he has power over me as well, there’s no denying it. I think we make a great team.
I can only hope my family feels the same. And eventually they can forgive him—specifically my mother—when he buys up our properties in downtown St. Helena and resells it. That’s what his plan is. He doesn’t even have to tell me. I already know.
And I finally think I’m okay with his plan. If I have to give up the bakery, then so be it. It chokes me up to think about it, but I need to act like a grownup. Archer and I have discussed my possibly working with him very casually, and I know he means his offer. He’s mentioned me taking on a management position within one of his restaurants. I don’t know if I would actually pursue it, but hey, it’s an option. One I appreciate Archer making for me.
“We’ll be home soon, okay?” He settles his hand over mine, giving it a squeeze. I, in turn, give his cock another squeeze. His ragged moan sends a little thrill through me that urges me to keep going. “And then you can do whatever you want to me.”
“Really? Whatever I want?” I raise my brows. There are so many things we haven’t attempted yet that I’d love to try out. I’m so comfortable with him, I know whatever I suggest, he’d be game for it.
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