Sunset Flare

by Shannyn Leah

  Marc turned away first, facing his sister. “Yes and no.”

  Now Gunner let his gaze finally find Izzy. She sucked in her lips, looking like she was enjoying the confrontation. “Which is it? Because it’s been hours since I saw the torture room and you’re only looking for me now?”

  “I was called into an important meeting, so I had Melissa watch the cameras while I took the meeting. She said everything had gone smoothly. I wanted to make sure myself, so I just now sat down to watch them.”

  “Oh...” She laughed in a situation that lacked humor. “So not only did you witness me fall flat on my ass, but Melissa did too. Then you both watched me as I tried to...” She glanced at Gunner, a smirk crossing her face. She should be more humiliated. He felt humiliated for her...for him.

  Marc swallowed hard and said a stern, “Yes.”

  The single word sent Izzy into a fit of laughter only she succumbed to, leaving Marc and Gunner in awkward stillness. She laughed, and gasped to calm herself.

  Gunner thanked his lucky stars he hadn’t accepted her offer then. But he had now.

  “Oh, this is priceless.”

  Gunner felt less than amused.

  Marc touched his sister’s wet hair, before looking at Gunner and putting the damp areas of his shirt together. “Where have you two been?”

  Izzy swatted his hand away. “Swimming, genius.”

  “Where?”

  “We were actually just heading back to my suite for a night cap...” Izzy smirked. “You know...sex.”

  Marc’s rage returned, but Izzy slapped his chest, deflating the situation. “Marc, stop. I’m kidding.” She laughed. “I would let you two stay here and hash out my best interests with a good old duel, but I think you’d slaughter my brother, or security would slaughter you. Either way, it wouldn’t be warranted, so why don’t we go get a drink at the bar.”

  In that instant, the silently fighting men split directions. Gunner headed toward the suite and Marc walked away in the opposite direction.

  When he returned to the suite, Anton exited the bedroom sending him accusing eyes. Enough with the accusing eyes tonight. He just wanted a bed and shut eye.

  “Where were you?” he spat out in his native tongue, heading to the bar. He poured them both a drink, handing Gunner one before sitting on a plush chair. Even as he sipped the liquid his skeptical eyes didn’t leave Gunner.

  Gunner leaned his hip on the side of the kitchen counter, answering in the same dialect. “Supper.”

  “Alone?”

  “No.” He didn’t add the part about Izzy, the room or the apology he’d intended and he certainly didn’t mention the hot tub. No point in giving Anton any more flames to fuel the fire. Gunner could see lightning in his eyes already.

  “Wouldn’t it be wiser to screw her in the suite than to sport around with her in the public eye?”

  Ouch.

  “I might be old but I’m not stupid, boy. The heat between you burns through your looks. And her...” He chuckled. “Let’s just say it wouldn’t be difficult to get that young lady in bed. A little too easy.”

  Gunner ignored the anger unfolding inside him at Anton’s insult. At least Izzy knew what she wanted. He, on the other hand, had wanted to hold her afterwards. He’d broken all his rules sleeping with her. Not to mention, she’d been in a vulnerable state.

  He was an ass.

  Anton finished his drink, poured another and walked up to Gunner. “I’m not offering you freedom to screw it all up with another Caliendo.” He walked away, but the stale smell of cigars lingered.

  Son of a bitch. He was right. Gunner needed to stay on track.

  “Hey,” he called after him. “Did you know Marc has surveillance set up where we’re working?”

  “I suspected he might, but didn’t know for sure.” The door slammed behind Anton.

  One week. No more Izzy. Then his freedom.

  Chapter Eleven

  AFTER AVOIDING LUNCH the next day with Marc, Izzy stopped by the front desk.

  “Is Melissa in her office?” she asked the receptionist who’d just finished checking out an older couple raving about how much they’d enjoyed the “adults only” pool area. Their comments made Izzy remember her “adults only” evening in the hot tub with Gunner. Precisely her reasoning for popping by Melissa’s office.

  The receptionist nodded at her. “Yes, but she asked for no interruptions. Emergency only.”

  Izzy moved behind the counter. “Thanks. This is an emergency.” She gave a little knock on Melissa’s closed door and, without waiting for a reply, slipped inside.

  Melissa’s head whipped up, livid at the unpermitted entrance.

  “Hey, Melissa.”

  “Marc’s not here.” She dismissed her, moving her attention back to the computer screen.

  “I know. I came to see you.”

  “Go away.” She scribbled a note on the paper in front of her as her other hand continued using the mouse to scroll down the screen.

  “So, Marc tells me you were in charge of the movie and popcorn yesterday featuring the library basement and myself as the heroine.” Izzy plopped down on the sleek white chair across from Melissa’s desk, stretching her legs and folding her ankles onto the edge of the contemporary white and metal desk.

  “Popcorn wouldn’t have made up for the torture that was yesterday.” Melissa looked straight at her. “But I would trade you for popcorn. I would trade you and my shoes and walk barefoot for the rest of my life to end this exchange between us.”

  “Okay, well let’s cut to the chase—”

  “Kate’s with Rosemary in the craft room for the next...” She glanced at the watch on her wrist. Who wore watches anymore? “...twenty-eight minutes and I’m sure she’d love to converse with you.”

  “I had sex with Gunner.”

  Melissa didn’t even flinch. “I’m not surprised. I’m more surprised it took you so long. He turned you down flat either, though. I suppose that in itself made it less insufferable to watch.”

  “I wasn’t going to sleep with him. I didn’t plan to sleep with him. It just sort of happened and it was amazing. A-m-a-zing. The best sex I’ve ever had. He’s such a jerk, but his touch was soft and thoughtful, but aggressive and rough, too, and his mouth...” Izzy whistled. “His mouth was a piece of heaven I’d like to flavor again.”

  In fact, he kissed like she hadn’t been kissed in a long time. He growled, touched, and consumed her like...well, like he hadn’t had sex for a while either. It was presumptuous of her and probably wrong, but either way she needed to know his past.

  “I don’t understand why we’re having this

  conversation.”

  “All my sisters are gone and you can help me, whereas them, not so much.”

  “I can’t help you.”

  “You don’t even know what I want.”

  Melissa leaned forward, folding her bare arms over the desk. Today she sported a stunning turquoise sleeveless dress that made her eye color pop. “I don’t care what you want.”

  “The hot tub was a onetime thing. I wouldn’t be opposed to getting naked with him again, but I need to know his background first.”

  “I’m opposed to this.” She waved her hand between them. “I’m not your BFF but I can have Abby on the phone in an instant. I will arrange a limo to pick her up or drop you off in Oakston if you stop filling my head with your sex life.”

  “Abby can’t help me.”

  “I don’t think anyone can help you.” Melissa dismissed her again, shuffling papers around her desk. Who even uses paper today when iPads are more accessible? “I have actual work to do and bragging about your onetime fling doesn’t categorize itself in my job description. Had it, I wouldn’t have accepted the job.”

  “But you had no choice in accepting this job, did you, Melissa?”

  Melissa’s probing eyes squinted and made their way back to Izzy. “What are you talking about?”

  Izzy sat up. “When we were on th
e cruise there may have been a moment when you told me and Abby all about your dad forcing you to work here.”

  Sternness stole every feature of Melissa’s face. Izzy elaborated. “You were as drunk as a sailor.”

  “Are you planning on blackmailing me?” Melissa’s tone sank to a darkness Izzy hadn’t expected. What did she think she’d told Izzy besides being miserable at the resort, and not being able to run away with the man she loved? First, Melissa was always miserable. Second, Marc was married, so that ship had long sailed. Izzy decided not to touch on anything she’d discovered and take Melissa’s high temperature down a couple degrees.

  “I need Gunner’s file.”

  “I don’t have Gunner’s file.”

  “But Marc does and you have a key to his office and I need in his office to get Gunner’s file.”

  Silence stretched out between them as Melissa tossed the idea back and forth in her head. “Izzy, why don’t you ask Marc for the file? He would give it to you, or at the very least, answer the questions you’re seeking.”

  “Because I’m asking you.”

  “I can’t get into Marc’s office.”

  “You’re his secretary. You have a key.”

  “No, I don’t. Marc took my key away when he stepped in for Robert.”

  “But you would have made doubles.” It was a guess at best. If Melissa’s father, the mayor of Willow Valley and an untrusting man at that, sent her to work for Robert, more than likely the reasoning circled around the files...again. Always the files.

  Melissa’s jaw tightened. “Marc changed the locks after he took the key.” No denying the second set of keys.

  Seeing no further help, Izzy stood. “I guess I will get out of your hair then.”

  She hadn’t made it to the door before Melissa said, “Wait.” Izzy turned to find her standing up, looking a nervous mess, and wringing her hands. Her face scrunched up with worry. “What did I tell you?” She rolled her eyes. Melissa, actually rolled her eyes. “When I was intoxicated.”

  Izzy contemplated stringing her along without any real answer, but on the other side, she’d had the dad who kept secrets and had tried to force his children into doing what he wanted, so she understood.

  Izzy shook her head. “Nothing much. You mentioned your dad forced you to work here and talked about not being able to leave now. Something about running away with the man you love.” She sent her a smile. “Marc’s happy.”

  “Marc?”

  “The man you love.” Or so she’d assumed in some twisted way Melissa loved Marc. As much as Melissa could love a person. “Kate’s his soul mate. But, as for your father, talking from experience, it’s best to confront him and get away from his toxicity. It won’t end well.”

  Melissa’s face hardened. “I live my life, my way. It has nothing to do with my dad.”

  Izzy nodded, once thinking those words were true, but now doubting them. “I bet there’s a file in that basement with the mayor’s name on it and I bet that has been what you’ve been monitoring until Marc took over.”

  She pointed at the door. “Get out.”

  “Yours is probably down there, too. Do you think my mom hasn’t read it?”

  “Shut the door behind you.” Melissa sat down, dismissing Izzy. She left, knowing she’d touched a nerve. The question remained, what exactly was Melissa’s angle? She’d have to ponder it another day, when her mom returned.

  There was no way she could ask Marc for Gunner’s file. That left her without his file, still curious about him and unable to forget the way his touch felt.

  Hopefully a day at the spa would erase the memories of Gunner and maybe a night at the bar to follow would help, too.

  GUNNER NEEDED A SHOWER and some sleep. Crossing the pool room in the dead of the night, he thought about jumping in the pool to cool down. He needed a severe cooling down. He ripped his shirt off and was about to kick his shoes off when he saw a movement by the waterfall. Izzy stepped out.

  Bloody hell, seriously?

  He’d been thankful this morning when Marc headed to the basement with them, instead of her.

  The way she sauntered over to him now, a mischievously playful look crossing her face, was the exact reason he hadn’t wanted to see her. Her look screamed she was ready to play some more. Hell, he was ready to play some more. That’s why he needed a cold shower because he couldn’t get this vixen out of his bloody mind. He didn’t want her. One time was one too many.

  “Hey there, stranger.” She stopped in front of him, running her fingers across his bare chest. A silky white dress showed her bared shoulders and grazed the floor. “Going for a swim?”

  Not now.

  “I have an idea,” she said. “Why don’t we go for a swim together. I can change into my swim suit or we can go skinny dipping? No one is awake at this late hour.”

  Except her.

  The offer tempted his exhausted mind and longing body, but he listened to his wise...or unwise head...and declined.

  She caught his arm as he passed. “Come on, handsome. You know you want to.”

  His blood boiled for her, but he refused to make this mistake twice, so he did the only thing he knew that would really piss her off...he pushed her into the pool and walked away.

  Chapter Twelve

  FOLLOWING THREE EXTENSIVLY, gruelling days of work, Gunner skipped Anton’s offer for a nightcap, deciding to hit the lakeshore for a run instead. He needed an escape rather than hanging out—more like hiding out—in the suite.

  Hiding from life, hiding from Izzy, and hiding from the way Izzy made him feel about life.

  One shared meal between them and one quick bang with the blonde beauty and he’d remembered what real living felt like. His desire to have it again absolutely scared the hell out of him.

  It wasn’t until he’d escaped the resort’s bright courtyard now, stepping under the blanketed black sky and sinking his bare feet into the cool sand that he finally felt relaxed for the first time in days. But not enough. His body screamed for the release of a good run, to feel anything different than the emotions clouding his thoughts, his mind, and his body the past few days.

  Holding his shoes, he started into a jog.

  She hadn’t left him alone either.

  Mentally. He couldn’t mentally get her out of his damn mind. Physically, he hadn’t seen her after he’d made her livid by pushing her back into the pool. Thankfully, he didn’t have to worry about another run-in with her...physically. Her body, her touch, her whisper crept into his dreams every night, preying on his insecurities about stepping into the real world again making him fear contact with her.

  He was a mess.

  He’d also came to terms with taking advantage of her vulnerability the night in the hot tub. He wouldn’t let that happen between them again.

  Distance was the solution and running would help.

  Picking up his pace, he longed to feel as peaceful as the couples and families casually joking and laughing that he passed. He wished his shoulders didn’t automatically tense as they approached, or his body didn’t prepare for a fight. He wished he could envision their words “good evening” as a possibility of his future.

  What future?

  Blonde hair and mocha-colored brown eyes popped again into his head. A sassy tongue, and lest he forget, her untamed attitude.

  He broke into a run.

  Luscious lips, soft skin and laughter as soft as the wind filled his senses.

  He ran harder.

  Plus, she possessed a caring heart, one strong enough to make her feel remorse and shame for Robert’s actions. He didn’t even want to consider how she’d protected him from Marc’s wrath. It would have been easy to hand his ass over for exposing her to the torture room and then taking her in the hot tub.

  Memories of her wet upper body arching at his touch, and her moans of bliss, all flooded his mind.

  He ran faster. Harder. Quicker.

  The unwanted thoughts crashed in his head like the wav
es against the shoreline and he hadn’t noticed the distance his feet had taken him until he realized he’d stopped passing people.

  Deserted, isolated solitude comforted him, made him feel safe. What a shitty way to live. He slowed to a jog.

  His good fortune lasted less than ten feet when he noticed a figure in the distance. His first instinct was to hide in the bushes along the shoreline—get out of sight and evaluate if his life was in danger. Would there come a day when these thoughts didn’t invade his mind? But the shadow paid him no attention.

  He should simply turn around and walk away.

  He almost did, planned to, until the silhouette came into focus and all his planning washed away with the tide. He stopped at the edge of a canoe and watched Izzy grunting and kicking it, giving the wood a few choice words one wouldn’t repeat in, front of children. The canoe remained wedged in the sand with one end partially submerged in the water.

  She didn’t notice him until Gunner loudly cleared his throat.

  She jumped, and whipped around, covering her hand over her chest, and stopping her sad attempts to push the boat into the water.

  Her body tensed at the sight of him. Narrowing her eyes, she slowly stood in a perfectly poised position. “Can I help you with something?” Her condescending voice entertained him since she clearly stood in the position of needing assistance.

  “I was going to ask you the same thing.”

  Was he? He’d been getting A’s at keeping his distance from her and now...now he was just begging for trouble.

  She planted her hands on her hips, leaning back on one flat running shoe. Hmm, running shoes. The white sneaker didn’t suit her style.

  His eyes moved down over a black sweater covering a black t-shirt over black jeans. She was dressed like a shadow.

  “Once again, my eyes are up here, stud-muffin. You’re sending me mixed signals after your last reaction to my advances.”

  He pulled his eyes back up to hers. “What are you doing?”