“This was the best day of my life,” he admitted to Safire after they’d both climaxed so many times he’d lost count.
“Mine, too.” She rubbed her naked, glowing body against his length. “Let’s do it again tomorrow.”
“And tomorrow …” his voice trailed off as a warm contented feeling spread inside his chest. He wanted forever with Safire, and so he kissed her, lightly.
And she kissed him back, lazily, fulfilled and satiated.
Just kissing, and touching, and lying in each other’s arms, loving and being.
In love? Gunner sighed, giving himself over to the inevitable, and it was wonderful, beautiful, and it was all Safire.
Chapter Eleven
Monday morning, Safire dragged herself into the office. Thrive Entertainment had a suite in a modern, midtown location not too far from her apartment.
She was late, because she’d spent the entire weekend at Gunner’s mansion in Scarsdale being spoiled by his chef and pampered by the football player himself, who had insisted on giving her morning and nightly massages. His strong, firm hands had turned her into a limp noodle, but she had perked up quickly when it was her turn to give back to him. And boy, oh boy, did she give back.
She was sore between her legs and hadn’t needed to take the subway because his driver had dropped her off—right in front of Mitch and Regina who happened to be walking toward the glass doors of the lobby.
“Was that a limo?” Mitch asked the obvious question once the three of them were in the elevator. “The year I got Thrive Employee of the Year, Dex got me a St. Bernard puppy. You mean he’s giving out limos and drivers now?”
“Very funny.” Safire put on a hearty giggle. “No, the limo’s not from Dex.”
“I bet it’s Gunner Gibson’s.” Regina drilled into her from next to the control panel. “I know you won’t listen to me about Gunner, but I want you to know whatever happens, we’re friends, and you can cry on my shoulder any time.”
“I can’t believe this,” Safire said. “I had one date with him New Year’s Eve, and now everyone’s making assumptions.”
“Reg?” Mitch tapped his friend’s shoulder. “Maybe Gunner’s changed. He seemed really polite, and he didn’t get drunk or cause a bar fight.”
“Tigers never change their stripes, and neither do leopards switch out their spots.” Regina huffed as the elevator arrived at their floor. “Be careful is all I’m going to say. That man is unethical and uses his social status for selfish reasons. He doesn’t mind throwing people under the bus when it suits him. There’s not a single moral bone in his body.”
All this Gunner-hatred seemed to come out of nowhere, but then Dex and his brothers were also wary of the quarterback. Safire didn't want to get into a catfight with Regina, especially since the woman who appeared like a waifish greyhound was as staunchly loyal and protective as a bulldog when it came to her friends.
“Thanks for the warning,” Safire said as she stepped from the elevator, trying to make sure her walk didn’t betray how deep and often Gunner had drilled her. “So, what did you think about Jake Rodriguez? Quite a human interest story. Having him on the tour’s going to be a big boon for Dex’s charitable organization.”
“True, that,” Regina sniffed proudly. She was the financial manager of Thrive and headed the department of charitable giving. “Dex is giving prosthetics at every stop of the tour. The kid’s bright and wants to be a doctor. I’m glad he’s the winner and not some dopey dropout who’s main mode of transportation is a skateboard.”
“Uh, I used to hang out at skate parks,” Mitch said. “Couldn’t afford a car, not even a moped.”
Regina punched his pudgy arm. “You’re different. You were a nerd on a skateboard, not a dropout.”
“Anyway, I’ll catch you two for lunch.” Safire waved as she unlocked her office. Mitch Anziano and Regina Smith were Dex’s first employees after he founded Thrive with his award-winning World of Thieves game, and it would behoove Safire to stay on their good sides. Besides that, she really liked them. They were talented, funny, and loyal friends.
Safire had just set her things down and hadn’t even brought up her email when Dex Remington ambled into her office. His dark brown hair was tousled and he scratched at his unshaven jaw, looking like he’d stayed up all night.
“Where were you this weekend?” Dex closed the office door and leaned against it. “It’s unlike you to forget to check your email.”
“I, ah, well, I’m sorry,” Safire stuttered. “Is something wrong?”
“You tell me.” Dex crossed his arms, narrowing his deep blue eyes.
Gulp. It was never good when her boss played twenty questions with her.
“I’ll check my email,” Safire turned to her computer. “But if I’ve done anything wrong, you should just tell me.”
“I’m not sure what to believe,” Dex said. “You know how much I trust you—enough to let you head the secret Zombie Warlord project.”
“Yes, and the last time I looked, we were ahead of schedule.”
“True, but I’m not talking about your schedule. I’m worried about your judgment.”
“Judgment?” Safire’s heart lurched from her chest.
Was Dex also going to go after her for bringing Gunner to the New Year’s Eve party?
“Yes.” He finally pulled out a chair and sat down. “Your sister came by early this morning looking for you. While she was here, she mentioned that her client, Gunner Gibson, is the Wishing With A Star sponsor for Jake Rodriguez.”
“I knew that.” Safire felt a gathering storm rumbling in her stomach. It was one thing for Dex and everyone to hate Gunner, but did it extend to the little boy who happened to be his Wish Buddy?
“Did you know before you picked Jake’s account to be the winner for the World Tour?” Dex leaned forward, staring at her, as if waiting to catch her in a lie.
“No, actually not.” Safire’s back stiffened. “Does being Gunner’s Wish Buddy disqualify him? I can’t help it if my sister is his publicist.”
“Nope, that wouldn’t disqualify him, but if word got out that you selected the winner and you were dating Gunner, then yes, I would have a problem with Jake representing Thrive.”
“But, that’s unfair to Jake. He didn’t do anything wrong. I swear I didn’t know about this connection until Gunner told me after we had already selected Jake.”
“I believe you.” Dex pushed himself up and stood. “I’d prefer that Gunner not go on the tour with Jake, even if he’s paying for it himself. I can’t see giving that man a platform to promote himself by associating with us. I told your sister earlier, and I’m telling you now. Gunner Gibson is not going to clean up his reputation by using Jake Rodriguez, Thrive, or you.”
“Are you saying I can’t date Gunner?” Safire’s voice lowered to just above a whisper.
“I can’t tell you what to do or not do in your personal life, but when it comes to anything associated with my company, yes. I don’t want Gunner anywhere near the Planet Wargames promotional events. If you happen to speak to him, let him know he’s not welcome. I told your sister that this morning and she agreed.”
“She did, huh?” Steam and heat boiled inside of Safire’s chest. Everyone seemed to have gone behind her back to talk about her and Gunner, and they’d made up their minds already that she and Gunner were unsuitable together.
“She doesn’t want your reputation ruined. Neither do I.”
“Neither do I,” Safire said. “And neither does Gunner.”
“So, you’re speaking for him?” Dex raised a single eyebrow.
“He’s my friend, okay?” Safire huffed. “I don’t get why all of you are against him.”
“Because he’s a scumbag, and he’ll do anything, use anybody for his own purposes, and then when he’s finished, he’ll throw them under a tank.”
“And you know this how?”
Dex swept a hand through his messy dark brown hair. “Just be careful. That
’s all I have to say.”
“Sure, thanks. I appreciate the concern.” Safire forced a smile. “I’ll check my email and see if there are any fires to be put out. I’m still due for my vacation after the Zombie Warlord launch, right?”
“Of course you are,” Dex said. “You deserve it. But until then, you have to be on top of things.”
“You’re right. I’ll pay better attention.” Safire’s shoulders slumped. The Zombie launch was a big deal and all the planning had to be done in stealth mode. Their number one competitor, KI Industries, was working on a zombie game too, and if they knew anything about Thrive’s planned date, they’d preempt it with an announcement of their own to steal the thunder. It was Safire’s job to make sure the graphic designs for all the launch materials were ready at any minute, in case Thrive had to strike first.
“Sorry, I was unavailable this weekend,” Safire said, turning to her computer.
Dex put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “It’s not like you, Safire. You’re usually on top of everything.”
She sighed. The only thing she was on top of this weekend was Gunner’s fabulous body.
Chapter Twelve
Even though Gunner enjoyed his off-season, he still kept up his strict workout regimen. He went to his basement weight room and cranked up the music. He was glad that the World Football League gave all players both Western New Year’s and Chinese New Year’s off, but it didn’t matter for the New York Flash, because their regular season had ended before Christmas. Of course, with so many teams in the league, the season had started way back in July with games played below the equator to take advantage of the cooler temperatures Down Under.
Gunner went through his workout at a quick clip. He pushed a barbell above him, doing shoulder presses and thought about Safire, who else?
The weekend with her was beyond anything he could have imagined. She was funny, witty, and energetic. She not only joined him in the weight room, she also went running with him, then spent the afternoon sliding down a hill on a toboggan. She played with his cats and roughhoused with his dogs. They made a big mess in the kitchen and baked cookies, and then sat in front of the fire drinking hot chocolate while playing Scrabble. The only thing Safire refused to touch at his house was his video game player. But who cared when she touched everything else of his—paying special attention to his love stick and through that, his heart and soul.
She had also made her mark on the many beds—water, feather, and foam—the table collection, couches and rugs, the kitchen counter, and up against the bookshelf. That last one had been dicey. Imagine a pile of leather bound classics toppling over them in the throes of passion.
Gunner hefted the barbell back onto the rack and took a long pull from his water bottle. It was too bad Safire had to go back to work. He’d successfully kept her from her computer for two days straight, and if he got his wish, she’d take that long awaited vacation her boss had promised her after the release of the top secret game she’d been working on and spend it with him. He should look at booking tickets to the Bahamas. He knew just the resort where they could relax, go snorkeling, sip cocktails, and try out every vertical and horizontal surface available, not counting the white sand beach.
He was just about to pile more weights onto his barbell, when his cell phone rang with Clarissa’s ringtone.
He answered the call. “Yeah, what’s up?”
Earlier that morning, Clarissa had gone to Thrive Entertainment to arrange the publicity photo ops of him and Jake playing Planet Wargames together.
“Bad news,” Clarissa said. “Dex Remington refuses to have you anywhere near Jake as far as the publicity tour for Planet Wargames is concerned. He said it is irrelevant that you are his Wishing With A Star Sponsor.”
“But I introduced Jake to the game, and it was through the game that Jake grew his determination to walk again and not give up on life.”
“True, but Dex doesn’t want us to profit off the publicity. The game and contest belong to Thrive, and they are in charge of the world tour and all marketing photos, events, and promotions.”
Gunner’s shoulders slumped at the news. Why was it the Remingtons were still ganging up against him when the kiss that had them so upset had already been a year ago. He and Siena were on friendly terms, but the way her brothers acted, he might as well have screwed her ten ways until Sunday. Except she was truly classy, and he was glad they’d had that conversation about him being a better person and treating women as if he appreciated them.
He’d prove that with Safire—his precious little gem.
Gunner returned his attention to Clarissa. “I thought you said this project with Thrive was a great opportunity to let the world know that I’ve been sponsoring Jake.”
“I did, and I even checked with Jewel Wells, Siena’s former agent, who said that Dex had done a joint promo with them when World of Thieves II launched. I’m guessing it’s different rules when it comes to his sister prancing around with a bunch of gamer guys.”
Gunner’s good spirits deflated as fury boiled in his belly. Of course, Dex must have changed the rules once he found out it was Gunner who the boy had asked to be his gamer partner. He’d distinctively remembered the World of Thieves II promos and the prominent spot Siena had, as well as mention of the sportswear line she’d been representing.
Yet another example of how the Remingtons looked out for their own and spat on people of lesser means.
“Look, all’s not lost,” Clarissa said. “We can do something else. Maybe invite Jake and his buddies to training camp and have them run through some drills. After all, even if we don’t mention Jake as Thrive’s Gamer of the Year, people will definitely remember the boy who lost both legs.”
“People better remember him. Jake totally deserves it.”
“Okay, I’m on it. Let me know if there are any football players who want to get in on this.”
“Sure, will do.” He didn’t need Dex Remington or Thrive’s approval to hang out with his Wish Buddy. Besides, he truly wasn’t hanging out with Jake for publicity’s sake, despite what his publicist thought. He liked the kid and admired him for his bravery.
“Before you go,” Clarissa said. “You wouldn’t happen to know where my sister was this weekend, would you? I asked Dex and he said she wasn’t holed up at work like she usually is.”
A buzzing mess of irritation stirred up Gunner’s pulse.
“Why would you talk to Safire’s boss about her? Don’t you know how demeaning it is for you to keep track of her like she’s a baby?”
“She was with you, wasn’t she?” Clarissa’s voice tightened. “I thought I warned you.”
“You did, but I’m not planning on hurting her, and last I checked, she’s an adult.”
“She might be, but she’s still my sister. Besides, I got the distinct impression Dex was putting two and two together.”
“Meaning?”
“He asked me point blank whether you and Safire were dating. Of course, I told him it was only one date for New Year’s Eve. He didn’t seem to believe it and then you know what he said?” Clarissa didn’t wait for Gunner to answer. “That he found it strange that you’re seeing Safire right when she gets elected Thrive Designer of the Year.”
“You think he suspects?” A spike of adrenaline rushed through Gunner’s veins and he wiped himself with a gym towel.
“I doubt it,” Clarissa said. “It’s a coincidence. Besides, Safire didn’t know Jake was your Wish Buddy until after Jake was selected to win.”
“True, but I wouldn’t want to get Safire in any trouble with her boss.” Gunner’s stomach twisted into a knot.
“You won’t if you stay away from her,” Clarissa said. “Come on, Gunner, can’t you see? The Remingtons dislike you, and if Safire persists on liking you, they’ll start questioning her judgment. It wouldn’t make her look good at her job, now, would it?”
“You’re telling me to give up on her so she can keep her job?” Gunner couldn�
�t believe what Clarissa was asking. “I thought you said not to hurt her. You were afraid I would dump her.”
“True, but now, it’s a matter of her job, and if it’s between her job or her heart, I’d say her job is more important. I’m sure you understand.”
“No, actually, I don’t.” Gunner felt his breath seething in his lungs. “I don’t intend to hurt Safire either way.”
“Too late, it’s either one way or another. You stay with her, she gets hurt when Dex fires her. You dump her, she’ll get over it, eventually.”
“And you speak for her? What gives you the right?”
“I’m her sister,” Clarissa said, as if it were all the credentials she needed. “I have a right to know where she was this weekend.”
“She was with me, and we had a great time. Not all of it was in bed either,” Gunner practically growled. “Why don’t you spend more time getting endorsement deals for me, and less time examining my love life?”
“As long as it doesn’t involve my sister. I don’t want to see her reputation dragged down the drain with you.”
Her words slammed upside his head like a wrecking ball demolishing an old warehouse. Was that how she really thought about him? A guy with a low reputation? Someone not good enough for her precious sister?
“Miss Chu,” he said as clearly as he could. “You’re fired.”
Without waiting for her to protest, he ended the call, then made a throwing motion with his arm, although he knew better than to let go of his phone.
For the next hour, Gunner worked out on heavier and heavier weights, then went on a run with his two dogs. After tiring himself out, he showered and shaved, and asked his driver to drive him to Safire’s office.
He texted her, asking her to meet him for lunch, and she accepted with a cryptic message. I have something I want to run by you about Jake’s Planet Wargames account. See you soon.
Chapter Thirteen
The email message was clear. Safire blinked back tears and read the message a third time.
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