by Gray, Beth
Charlie grimaced as the strobes flashed repeatedly in front of him. “This is not funny.”
Terri walked forward. “I’ll tell you what. I might be willing to exchange some photos of you for a—painting—of me.”
“You know, some people might consider that blackmail.”
“Do you really want to talk about charges that could be levied?”
Charlie looked at the women ganging up on him. “I’ll have to talk to Chad and see if he will sell it back to me.”
“Oh, I’m sure he will.”
“Okay, anything else?”
Jessica patted a small file she carried with her. “Well, now that you ask. I don’t think you saw some other photos taken during the promotional cruise.”
A puzzled look registered on Charlie’s face as he retrieved his towel. “For some reason I don’t think I’m going to like what you’re going to show me.” He accepted the package and flipped through the photos of him drinking with many of the guys at the gyms, fitness clubs, and spas.
Jessica moved forward. “How do you like them?”
“It looks like I’m doing my job of entertaining the people that will be buying the Buffer.”
“Yes, it does look like you are enjoying yourself. I would say you are keeping these guys very happy.”
The shock registered on his face. He tightened the towel hanging on his shoulder. “I’m not gay, and you all know it.” He glanced at Terri. “Well, two of you should know that.”
The women turned toward each other and laughed. “Charlie, we’re just having fun with you. I’m sure we can come up with a model to push the gay line of the Buffer.”
Charlie’s eyes darted around. “Okay, I’ll apologize for the painting also. I didn’t think I would ever see you again—honest.”
The three women knew he had enough and offered him hugs. Jessica and LeAnna rested shoulder to shoulder as LeAnna spoke. “We only have one remaining problem. I think I speak for both of us. We both like you and think you can be a lot of fun. However, best friends don’t date the same guy. You do understand?”
“Sure, that makes sense. But, I’m not into any one girl now. I think you know that.”
“That’s too bad.”
“What are you suggesting?”
“We’re all going out dancing tonight. Whether you decide on one or the other is up to you. I assure you the other one with still be a good friend—just not a screw buddy. However, if you want to try your luck at the clubs, it is your decision.” Jessica held up the photos.
“I can tell right now you are a wicked woman. Those photos presented the wrong way will make me the target of every gay guy in the clubs.”
“Well, I would have to say you have a lot of proving to do that you’re not gay tonight.” Jessica laughed briefly before blowing him a sexy kiss.
Terri glanced at her friends and wondered how the night would play out. She knew they both planned on having fun, and if one of them advanced with Charlie or not, it didn’t really matter. They would all remain friends for a long time.
* * * *
Terri watched the various video clips and shortened versions she planned to use for promoting the Buffer. She had what she needed and hoped Chad would like it also. It had been several weeks now since she last saw him. That night was so fantastic.
She heard he had closed on his end, making him a fifty percent owner of the project. Her ownership would happen in a few days. All of the details had been finalized. They both had everything riding on this.
She heard a knock on the door. She rushed to it and, upon opening it, saw Chad standing in the entrance. Her heart fluttered. She rushed at him, wrapping her arms around his neck as his arms engulfed her and pulled her closer to him.
She whispered, hoping to control her trembling voice as much as possible. “I missed you.”
“I know. I missed you, too.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.
A flush of warmth flooded her face. She breathed in the intoxicating aroma of his scent, so different from anyone else’s. “I can’t wait to show you what I have.”
“Considering that we’re equal partners now, I’m sure it will be fantastic.”
She pulled him to a seat in the viewing room. His arm stretched around her shoulders as she arranged for the video to start from the beginning. “I really need for you to be critical and point out anything you don’t like. This has to be perfect.”
Before the video could start, Chad lifted a finger to the bottom of her chin and turned her head toward him, kissing her firmly. “I’ve been thinking about you.”
“Really!”
“Yes, and you are the first woman I’ve ever admitted this to.”
Terri’s heart fluttered as she studied his eyes, warm enough to melt into and disappear into for eternity. “Admitted what?”
“Admitted that I’m in love with. I know we have obstacles, but if you think we can make it work, I would love to try.”
Terri closed her eyes. “Chad, I’ll admit it will be hard, but I’ll also admit I love you.” She kissed his lips, knowing she had found a man capable of filling her every need.
Terri saw Chad’s father walking into the viewing room, holding a small file. “I thought I would find you in here. I thought you might like to see the latest sales-projection numbers. There fantastic! Word of this video has leaked and it looks like we are going to have a hard time keeping up meeting the demand for it.”
As the rush of excitement swelled, Terri studied Chad’s dad and wondered what kind of father-in-law he would be. He sure the hell produced one fantastic son.
THE END
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Beth is as an award-winning novelist who lives on the beach in Florida where inspiration is only steps away. While often found in coffee or wine shops up and down the nearby string of islands writing the next novel, Beth takes time to enjoy this paradise. Many of the characters in the novels come from people quietly observed at these coffee and wine shops. Yes, a good glass of wine creates many romantic twists—almost as much as the eye candy walking the beaches—well almost.
After working hard writing all day Beth loves to explore new horizons, be it cycling the trails or dancing the night away to a top salsa band performing in one of South Beach’s top nightclubs. Traveling the world also is an addiction for Beth, but it contributes to the stock of characters discovered in real life which become heroes and heroines in future stories.
Beth belongs to the Romance Writers of America, the Florida Writers Association, and the International Travel Writers Association.
Also by Beth Gray
Siren Allure: In the Spirit of Research:
The Field Testing of the Kama Sutra
Available at
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Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com