“No, I’m just a slut. Everyone laughed at me. You used me, and I let you.”
“That reflected on me, not you. Eleesha, look at me.”
She forced herself, running makeup and all.
“Eleesha Greene, I truly do love you, and I truly want you to marry me. That is, if you’re crazy enough to have me. And furthermore, you look so incredibly, totally out of this world in that dress, I don’t think I am going to be able to share you tonight with anyone else.”
Eleesha laughed, sniffling. “That’s good, because I am not exactly ready for prime time here.”
“Actually, I was more concerned with having to fight the rest of the men off with a stick.”
She rolled her eyes. “Just tell me if we get married, you’re not going to be this sappy all the time?”
“I’m afraid so. Except when I’m spanking and abusing you, that is.”
“Oh, goodie. Exactly how long is this deal supposed to last?”
“Not long,” he assured. “Seventy, eighty years tops.”
“Well, you gave me a decade off. I guess I should be thankful for that.”
Ross whirled her about for a swift smack to her sequin-covered ass. He meant to deliver a second, but she covered herself with her hands and took off running. They chased each other around the room like a couple of teenagers ‘til at last she dove straight onto the bed.
Ross leaped on top of her, pinning her on her back. They were kissing in seconds, their hearts matching rhythms. Outside the sun was setting. The party was starting downstairs but neither cared. They had their own party going up here. And tomorrow, they were getting married.
Epilogue
The DJ had just announced the first dance. Well, not exactly the first dance, but at least for the purposes of the reception it was. Ross and Eleesha’s friends were on their feet cheering. Martha loudest of all. As promised she’d been maid of honor. Eleesha fully intended to let her catch the bouquet, as well, especially as she had her eye on a young wide receiver, a former teammate of Ross’ who was among the guests for the spectacular event.
Since the two were already married, the service had been just a formality. It was the party everyone was waiting for. Ross happily took his bride of six weeks into his arms. She looked lovely in the off-the-shoulder white dress. He wore a dark blue suit and white boutonnière.
One would think there were few surprises at this point, but actually each had promised the other a very special nuptial present.
“I love you.” She clung to him, feeling so at home in his arms.
“I love you, too,” he replied, having learned to let the words roll quickly and easily off his tongue in recent days.
Back at the table, in their seats of honor, they squared off, each offering the other a small flat shirt box.
Eleesha opened hers first. Inside she found a golf shirt, royal blue with her own company logo on it. While it was certainly nice enough, she wondered what made this so special.
“There’s a note,” he pointed.
She unfolded the piece of paper. “A little something for your first day of work…as CEO.”
Eleesha looked at him. “I don’t understand.”
“I bought the company,” he grinned. “Well, not me alone, but a group of investors. Former players like me, with money in the bank. We put our heads together and figured this was a good investment. We also figured on you as the right one to steer the ship. If you’re interested.”
She threw herself into his arms. “Oh, Ross, thank you. You won’t be disappointed.”
“I hope not,” he embraced her. “’Cause I’m not as forgiving as the others. They’ll just cut back on your bonus. Me, I’ll put you right over my knee.”
“Oh, I hope you’ll do that no matter what,” she crooned. “Now it’s your turn.”
Ross attended to his own box. Inside he found a shirt, too. He held it up to great laughter. It was a Blazers shirt, a golf shirt, fire engine red and silver, the team colors. “Now I can root them on in style when I go see the games,” he said.
Eleesha shook her head. “Sorry, dear, but you’ll be a little busy. You’re not going to wear that as a spectator.”
He cocked his head. “Spitfire, you know I’ll never play again.”
“You’re not going to be a player either.” Eleesha raised her glass. “Folks, I’d like to offer a toast. To my husband, Ross Maclean. The new quarterback coach of the Blazers.”
Hoots and hollers went up throughout the room.
“Finally,” shouted Lyle. “We can have a winning season again.”
Ross frowned. “Eleesha, I don’t know a thing about coaching. And how did you arrange all this?”
“Sure you do. It’s all in your head, and in your heart. You’re a natural. Trust me. And I’ll fill you in on the details later. It’s as good as in the bag. A done deal.”
“I wish I had your kind of confidence in me,” he said.
“Oh, I’ll make sure you believe in yourself, every step of the way.”
“And if I break out in cold sweats and throw up my first day on the job?”
“Then I’ll be there to hold your hand,” she laughed. “Just like you’ll do for me the first day I have to go in and actually be the boss instead of just another peon who gets to bitch about everything.”
“It’s a deal,” he nodded.
She leaned over and took his face in her hands. Never had she been hungrier or more ready for a kiss in her life. They both knew the real challenges were just beginning. Two new jobs, and a baby on the way. But they’d make it, because their love had already stood the test of time and distance.
Besides, where would either of them find someone else so perfectly suited for playing Come and Get Me? The way the two of them saw it, they would have a lifetime of fun, adventure and sparring.
Even if they would have to come up with a G-rated version of how they met to tell their grandkids.
About the author:
Reese Gabriel is a born romantic with a taste for the edgier side of love. Having traveled the world and sampled many of the finer things, Reese now enjoys the greater simplicities; barefoot walks by the ocean, kisses under moonlight and whispers of passion in the darkness with that one special person.
Preferring to remain behind the scenes, cherished by a precious few, Reese hopes to awaken in the lives of many the possibilities of true love through stories of far off places and enchanted lives.
For the sake of love and hope and imagination, these stories are told. May they be enjoyed as much in the reading of them as in the writing.
Reese Gabriel welcomes mail from readers. You can write to Reese c/o Ellora’s Cave Publishing at 1337 Commerce Drive, #13, Stow, Ohio 44224.
Also available by Reese Gabriel:
Dance of Submission
Kimberlee’s Keeper
Roping His Filly
Temporary Slave
Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.
www.ellorascave.com
Come and Get Me Page 13
