“No. I’d issued them temporary passwords as part of our agreement, to tour the accounts and check me out. They used those to create the campaign and newsletter and then sent them.”
“Oh, God. When I saw the newsletter I...”
“It looked bad, didn’t it?”
Rashae opened and closed her mouth. Declan was starting to sweat. He either needed to shed his coat or get out of there. She wasn’t kicking him out. That was a good sign, wasn’t it?
“I feel pretty stupid,” she finally said.
“Why? I lied. I admitted I lied. Everything was set up like it should have been, except I didn’t do it.”
“Because...I just assumed...”
“You assumed, because your designs were in my newsletter, that I was involved?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s how it looked. That’s what I’d have thought.”
Fuck it.
He shrugged out of his coat and laid it on the floor next to him.
“But...that’s not who you are. And I thought the worst of you.” She buried her face against his shoulder.
“I didn’t give you any reason to think otherwise, did I?”
“Why not?” She lifted hear head and frogged him in the knee.
“Ow!” He rubbed his leg. He probably deserved that.
“Okay, so you lied about a little thing, but you let me believe you were in on it?” She hauled back and slugged him in the arm.
“Hey—hey!” He grabbed her by the wrists, which only wound up with her half sprawled across his lap and her arms, strangely, around his neck.
“I want to wring your fucking throat,” she mumbled as she pressed her face to his neck.
“I won’t stop you.”
“Stop being a God damn martyr. You do that, you know? Make yourself at fault for everything, even when it isn’t.”
Declan let his eyes close and wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her tight, inhaling her scent. He didn’t know the first thing about doing a relationship right, but for the first time, he wanted to.
The suite doors banged open.
“Rashae? Rashae did he—oh!” Miranda’s cut off yelp didn’t stir Rashae from the hug.
“Leave them alone,” a male voice that might have been Raul said.
The bedroom door swung shut, cutting off most of the noise from the other room.
Rashae lifted her head and pressed her lips to his. A single kiss...and his world shifted right side up again instead of topsy-turvy.
“So...what do we do now?” She studied his face, so many questions rolled into one.
“Well, I need to know how far you want to follow this with Ayan and John.”
“If money is no obstacle, I want to see them pay,” she said without hesitation. “People like that don’t just decide to steal from someone. It’s something they’ve been getting away with, you know?”
“My thoughts exactly. I have a guy that’s goin’ to try to track down how they got the video off my laptop. See if we can’t prosecute for that, too.”
“Okay. Good. And...what about us?” Her hold around his shoulders loosened just a bit, but he didn’t let go.
“I didn’t think there was an us left.”
“What if there could be?”
“I think...I think you get to make the call, there.”
“I miss you.” The stark honesty behind that statement was enough to take him to his knees, were he standing.
“I miss you, too.”
“Then...what if...what if we tried again?”
“I don’t think I can just be friends with you. We can’t fuck around and pretend it doesn’t mean somethin’.” He stroked his thumb over her lips. “I can’t lie to you and say that stayin’ with you—bein’ with you—doesn’t mean somethin’. It’s more than just a benefit.”
“Oh, boy...”
“I am in love you, Rashae.”
“Do you hear yourself?”
“I do.”
“Are you serious? You barely know me.”
“You might have just met me, but I feel like I’ve known you my whole life. When they did what they did...I wanted—I wanted so badly to make them pay. Because they’d hurt you.”
“Rashae?” Miranda tapped at the door. “I’m sorry, but...the wig?”
“Oh—God.”
Rashae scrambled to her feet and through the door, nearly bowling over Miranda.
Declan pushed to his feet and followed her out into the main area where it looked as though her suitcase had exploded. Tamara was wrestling with a white-blonde wig that was at least six feet long.
“What...is this?” He tilted his head to the side.
Rashae paused as she pulled what looked like a chocolate covered...sequin encrusted...body suit from her bag?
“It’s my Lady Godiva cosplay.” Her grin was victorious. “I figure I might as well own it.”
Declan shook his head and chuckled.
Only Rashae would have the balls to go one step further. She was truly amazing. He stayed back, out of the way, while she worked some sort of costume magic with the wig and body suit.
“How about...we’ve got forty-five minutes before we need to dress for tonight.” Rashae peered at her phone. “Tamara, can you and Steven go pick up food? Miranda—”
“We’ll go see about registration.” Miranda grabbed Raul and hauled him out the door ahead of the others.
Tamara spared him a slightly hostile glance, but didn’t grumble about being shoved out of the door.
Rashae planted her back against the entrance to the suite, her gaze landing on him.
“Sorry about that.”
“No, please, I can go.”
“Stay?”
“If you want me to.”
“I do.” She walked toward him, her gaze roving over his body. She stopped in front of him, flattening her hand over his heart. “One condition?”
“Anything.” He covered her hand with his.
“I want to help play-test your game. You’re too good at this stuff to not be making games.”
That was a kicker.
He blew out a breath.
“One condition?” he parroted back at her.
“Hm?” She tipped her chin up.
“We partner on it.”
“What?” Her eyes went wide.
“Rashae, collaboratin’ with you is the most fun I’ve had on a project in years. If workin’ with you—on any game—means a bit more time, I’m fine with it. Besides, it means you’ll have to see more of me.”
“I like seeing you. I just...you should go with someone that has more experience.”
“Have a little confidence in yourself? Look at what you did in a few weeks, in your spare time. You have a gift, Rashae.”
She opened and closed her mouth.
In all the time he’d known her, had she ever been at a loss for words?
“So, what do you say, will you make sexy games with me?” He lifted her hand to his lips.
“Yes.” She swallowed “If we’re being honest here, I should probably admit that...I might be a little in love with you, too.”
“If we’re being honest...I might have lied when I said I think I’m in love with you.” Declan wrapped his other arm around her.
“You did?”
“I know I’m in love with you.”
“Oh. That’s—nice.” One side of her mouth hitched up.
He could try to be nice, for her, but he’d fail. And they’d both enjoy it.
Epilogue.
Six months later...
“H
it the button. Come on, hit the button.” Rashae pounded Declan’s shoulder.
“All right, all right—let me look it over one more time!” He fended her off with one hand.
“Everything’s perfect. Hit the damn button!”
“Fine. Fine! There.”
He sat back and they watched the screen load the new display that would begin reporting on their active campaign.
Six
months.
Dozens of trips back and forth to DC.
Hours spent at his kitchen table.
And it was all for this moment. The instant their campaign went live.
In another day, several game review sites would publish their assessment of the game demo and they’d get another kick of promo from a few of Declan’s friends. They had about as good of a chance as any that their game would be funded. In less than a year, they’d ship the game out, but right now, all that mattered was this.
Declan pushed his chair back and pulled her down to sit in his lap.
“I just want to stare at it,” she whispered.
“You know—it won’t do anythin’ for a few hours, right?” Besides, it was late and the campaign would take a while to process. Still, it was pseudo-live, and first thing in the morning, all the promo would start.
“I know, it’s just so pretty.” She looped her arms around his neck and rested her head against his.
She still couldn’t believe they’d pulled it off.
Not only had they scrapped everything and started from the ground up after Declan got worried there were too many similarities between their game and John and Ayan’s, but Declan had managed five other game campaigns, and attended three conventions with her, on top of everything else they had going on.
It was nothing short of a miracle.
And she’d enjoyed every minute of it.
Being with Declan—creating with him—was one of the newest creative highs she’d had in ages. And here she’d begun to worry about her well running dry. The only thing missing was having Declan around permanently. She hated the weeks they couldn’t see each other, not having him around, and that he spent so much time not following his dreams. Which was why tonight was a gamble. A big, scary gamble. But love was worth it, wasn’t it?
Declan could hardly believe this moment was here. They remained sitting there, watching his laptop do nothing, for five or ten minutes. He lost track of the time.
If it weren’t for Rashae and her belief in him, he’d have never made this game. Oh, he’d wanted to, but he’d put it off and told himself it couldn’t be done. But with her by his side, they’d made something great.
It was a new chapter of life. And he was ready for it. But was Rashae?
Ever since Sam and Oliver eloped in March, he’d had ideas. Not marriage and wedding ideas, but...something permanent. Which had pushed him to make a decision. Without consulting Rashae.
“Hey. Look at me?” He stroked a hand up her back.
She tore her eyes from the screen and peered down at him.
“I’ve got somethin’ else to tell you.”
“What is it?” She tilted her head to the side, one eye narrowing.
“I’m quittin’.”
“What?”
“I’ve decided to quit my job here, and...take on managin’ a game store—”
“Cool Games.” She gaped at him. “That’s why you wanted to drive clear across town?”
“Maybe.”
The location was more than a store front. It was a warehouse and fulfillment center for the sites online orders. He’d dragged Rashae there under the guise of talking the manager into stocking their game. Except Declan had already interviewed for the role of marketing director.
“How could you not tell me?” She bounced, turning to face him more, her eyes wide.
“I didn’t want to get your hopes up. I didn’t think—”
“Declan! That’s amazing. But...wait...” Her brow furrowed, no doubt sorting through the hundred and one details.
“I turned in my resignation here on Friday. I start at the Cool Games store in a week and a half, and I have a roommate lined up for at least six months. After that, he’s headed overseas for a gig.”
“Why did you not tell me?”
“I really didn’t think it would happen. I thought the owner wouldn’t want to hire me because my business might be a conflict of interest, what with me tryin’ to sell my game over someone else’s.” He shrugged. Truth was, Declan and the owner were friends from years back. His reputation was the only resume he’d needed.
“So...does this mean no more long distancing?” She leaned in close, her smile a million miles wide.
“That’s exactly what it means.”
“I can’t wait to kick your ass on a regular basis.” Rashae leaned in and kissed him.
She could try to kick his ass, and he’d spend a lifetime admiring hers. This was his American Dream.
You can stay up to date on the whole Gone Geek crew in Beauty and the Geek, The Vet and the Geek (part of The Crazy Cat Ladies anthology), and The Jock and the Geek (out this December). Stay tuned for The Adorkable Girl and the Geek in January 2017.
Sign up for the New Release Newsletter at www.SidneyBristol.com to get inside scoops and free books.
Beauty and the Geek
Gone Geek 1
Professor Steven Kipper is used to the stares, the muttered insults. Monster. Disgusting. Gross. It's all he's ever known. Relationships suck when his date won't even go out in public with him, which is why he hasn't bothered. That is until her. The woman on the internet who gets his every quirk. He's hooked on a person he's never met. The way she gets his jokes, the uninhibited sexuality and...just talking to her. She's everything he's ever wanted, only she's a stranger. Unless he can convince her they should unplug and take their virtual relationship off-line.
Tamara Roh has heard all the insults from slut to whore and they bore her. She refuses to let other people define her. Life's tough in the gaming industry, and if she can't handle a few insults the haters will chew her up and spit her out. Her only haven is with her friends and in one very explicit chat room. On-line she can be anyone she wants to, even the normal girl-next-door who just happens to get off on dirty talk, erotic gifs and video chats from the neck down. She might not be able to trust guys in real life to see past the Hot Asian Girlfriend stereotype, but with her internet beau anonymity is her safety net. The only problem is...she's falling for a man who thinks she's someone else.
The Vet and the Geek
Gone Geek 2
When veterinarian Raul is reunited with his long lost cat he gets a lot more than he bargained for in Miranda, the curvy, sassy woman who can wipe the floor with his subpar gaming skills. But Miranda doesn’t know if Raul is flirting with her, or if he’s the stalker she’s lived in fear of for years. Is he the crazy cat guy of her dreams, or is he the man who wants her—dead or alive?
The Jock and the Geek
Gone Geek 3
Samantha Grant is at a dead end in life. Fired from her job because her father happens to be the Secretary of State is just the icing on the cake. At least she has Monster-Go to fill her empty hours. Except she's not the only one playing the augmented reality phone game. Her ex, the jockiest jock of all is, too. And he just happens to be on the rival team. She'll take this competition to a whole new level in the name of winning the title as the best Monster Master in the Capital.
Oliver Falcón is in love with his boss' daughter. The problem is, she hates him with the passion of a thousand, fiery suns. He broke her heart to protect her once, and now he wants her back. Strategy has always been his gift, and this time he's got a plan to not only win Sam back, but show her just how much he belongs in her world. He's gone geek, and he's never going back. Past secrets haunt the former lovers, and as much as Oliver wants Sam back in his arms, he'll break her heart again if it means protecting her.
Previously a newsletter exclusive serial. It has since been expanded for distribution.
Book List
Gone Geek
Beauty and the Geek
The Vet and the Geek
The Jock and the Geek
The Gamer and the Geek
The Adorkable Girl and the Geek
The Star and the Geek
Aegis Group
Blind: Killer Instincts
Dangerous Attraction
Dangerous in Trai
ning
Dangerous Games
Dangerous Assignment
Dangerous Protector
Hot Rides
Drive
Shift
Chase
Bayou Bound
Picture Her Bound
Duty Bound
Bound Memories
Bound & Tamed
Other BDSM Titles
Committed
Bound with Pearls
Collar Me in Paris
Festive Seduction
Electric Engagement
So Inked
Under His Skin
The Harder He Falls
His Marriage Bargain
Standalone Titles
Falling for His Best Friend
Dream Vacation (free read)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
It can never be said that NYT & USA Today Bestselling author Sidney Bristol has had a ‘normal’ life. She is a recovering roller derby queen, former missionary, tattoo addict and board game enthusiast. She grew up in a motor-home on the US highways (with an occasional jaunt into Canada and Mexico), traveling the rodeo circuit with her parents. Sidney has lived abroad in both Russia and Thailand, working with children and teenagers. She now lives in Texas where she spends her time writing, reading, hunting Pokemon, playing board games and catering to her furry overlords, aka the cats.
Copyright © 2016 by Sidney Bristol.
Editing by Dayna Hart. | www.edits.daynahart.com
Copy editing by Nina S. Gooden. | www.greenteaandpinkink.com/pinkinkeditorialservices
Cover design by Charity Hendry. | www.charityhendry.com
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below.
Inked Press/Sidney Bristol
www.sidneybristol.com
Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.
The Gamer and the Geek (Gone Geek, #4) Page 20
