Lovers & Liars

by Joachim, Jean C.

  He removed the top from a plate, revealing shrimp in dill sauce over brown rice, and handed the dish to her. He poured more champagne, and they toasted.

  “To the success of Sway.” He raised his glass, and she clinked hers to his.

  If this play is successful, it will launch East West Productions. This is Gunther’s dream. I hope he gets it. “Will you be able to predict its success when you see it?”

  “Some people think they can, but some shows that were supposed to be surefire winners flopped, and others no one expected to take off, did. No one knows.”

  “It’s like gambling, then? Max is taking a big risk that might pay off and might not?” Erica put a shrimp in her mouth.

  “You put a lot more into it than just gambling, the luck of the cards. Hiring the best writers, best actors, set decorators should help…but you’re right. It’s still a crap shoot.” He took a forkful of meat.

  “And I get anxious putting ten bucks down on a blackjack hand.” She laughed.

  “Max is rolling the dice with millions on this one. We’ll see what we think, eh?” He glanced at her.

  “I hope it’s good. I think I’m going to like Max Webster.”

  “Hell, yeah. He’s a decent guy, not like me.” Gunther looked down at his food.

  Erica put her hand on his arm. “You’re a decent guy. A very decent guy.”

  “Not according to the tabloids.”

  “According to me.”

  He leaned over the table and kissed her. “We look like an old married couple. Sitting here, eating dinner in our bathrobes.”

  “What do you know about an old married couple? Ever been one?”

  “No, and I never intend to.”

  Her heart slowed for a moment. He’s full of it. I don’t believe him. He’s just afraid.

  They split crème caramel for dessert. Gunther refilled their champagne flutes with the last of the bubbly and rolled the dinner cart into the hall. Erica turned on some soft music.

  “Then we won’t be disturbed.” He settled in on the sofa, patting the cushion next to him. She joined him, snuggling into his shoulder, sipping her drink. Gunther sighed and drew her closer. They sat in silence for a while.

  “If your dad is a creep, how did you turn out so good?”

  “My mom was great. She believed in me and made me strong. She died when I was thirteen.”

  “My mom’s great, too.”

  “You don’t see her much, do you?” Erica sipped her drink.

  “She lives in Maine, now. Too cold up there for me. We talk on the phone. Are you dating anyone?”

  “Not really.”

  “Not really? That means ‘yes’ in my book.”

  “A friend I have dinner with from time to time.” She shifted in the seat. Wish I could talk about my acting class. He could probably give me a ton of good advice.

  “Are you sleeping with him?”

  She sat up. “That’s a pretty personal question.”

  “Are you?” He glared at her.

  “No. Are you sleeping with anyone?” she fired back at him, her gaze unwavering.

  Gunther pushed to his feet and moved toward the window. “This conversation is getting way too nosy for me.”

  “So, it’s okay to ask me, but not for me to ask you? Bullshit, Gunther Quill.” She joined him, mesmerized by the view.

  He laughed. “You’ve got balls, I’ll say that.”

  “I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time. You don’t scare me.” She stared directly into his eyes.

  “What if you scare me?” He chuckled.

  “Do I?”

  “You scare the hell out of me,” he whispered, lowering his head to kiss her.

  The tender touch of his lips on hers melted her combative attitude. She inched closer to him until he wound his arms around her, drawing her into his embrace. He angled his head to make the kiss deeper, more urgent. His robe opened. Erica turned off her brain and followed her senses. More. She arched her back, pressing her breasts into him. Wrapping one hand around his neck, she flattened a palm on his bare chest.

  He slipped his hands down her back, cupping her behind. He squeezed her and pushed her flat against him. She felt his growing erection through his jeans.

  He broke from her, breathing hard. “Lawsuit?”

  “No lawsuit. Don’t stop,” she whispered.

  His eyes lit up with lust. He pushed her robe off her shoulders, pulling her to him with one arm while he buried his face in her neck. He dipped his other hand under her thin top. The moment his fingers touched her skin, a fire ignited inside her. His lips on her were like a match to gasoline. Flames flew down to her core. Her nipples hardened, begging for his touch.

  He slid his hand around from her back to her front, closing his fingers around her breast. She sighed. “I want you,” he murmured.

  “Take me.” His hand massaged her, stoking her desire. He pinched a peak, making her moan. He stood back then ripped her top up over her head before yanking her pants to the floor.

  “The window!” She stepped out of her clothes and covered herself with her hands. Gunther glanced behind him, picked her up, and carried her into his room. He tossed her gently on the bed.

  “You’re beautiful,” he said, staring at her.

  “Drop those,” she said, motioning to his pants. Gunther chuckled and shoved his jeans and boxers to the floor. Her eyes widened as her gaze glided over his body. He’s perfect. His wide shoulders led to an impressive chest and abs, with just enough hair forming a line down to his shaft. Supported by sinewy, strong thighs and tapering calves, his body made her mouth water.

  Gunther put one knee on the bed. “You’re sure? I’m not forcing you, seducing you, or anything. No sexual harassment suit, right?”

  “Of course you’re seducing me.” Wetness pooled between her thighs.

  “Not unwilling?” He climbed up, like a panther approaching an unsuspecting rabbit.

  “Don’t leave me like this.” She squirmed, moving her hips from side to side.

  He loomed over her, his lips inches from hers. “Do you want me?”

  “Oh, God, yes! Yes, please, yes,” she whispered.

  His sexy smile returned. He eased his leg over hers, trapping her beneath him. Raised up on his knees, he examined her. “All this time, this body was just outside my door. Damn.”

  He shook his head, making her laugh. Erica put her hands on his arms. She arched up, demanding more contact. Gunther lowered his mouth to hers and his body to rest against her.

  His tongue demanded entry. Shifting his weight to his elbows freed up his fingers to play with the ends of her hair. The heat of his skin on hers drove Erica wild. She ran her hands over his shoulders and down his to rest on his butt. His erection wedged between them was rock hard.

  “Do it, do it,” she muttered.

  He chuckled. “You’re not ready.”

  “Yes, I am, I am,” she panted.

  “Nope.” He kissed her jaw then continued to plant small kisses on her neck, working his way down. “These are…fantastic,” he murmured before placing his mouth over her peak. Erica arched up off the bed as he sucked hard then licked. Gunther took his time, memorizing every nook and cranny of her with his fingertips. He closed his fingers around her breasts, kissing between them, then turning to lavish attention on each one.

  Erica was panting as he kissed his way down her body. He nudged her legs apart with one knee, then curled his long, strong fingers around her thigh and opened her. Resting against his calves, he bent to kiss the inside of her leg then did the same with the other.

  He looked at her, his gaze fanning her fire as he perused her sex. Before she could beg him to take her, his fingers caressed her, exploring her moist flesh while he stared into her eyes. She gasped as his gentle touch found a sensitive spot.

  “There? Good.” He smiled a knowing smile and kept circling his finger.

  Erica closed her eyes and moaned loudly. “Guuunnnttthhher.�
�� All she got was a chuckle in response. Heat spiraled up, growing hotter and hotter as he stroked. “I can’t hold on,” she breathed.

  “Come for me, doe-eyes,” he whispered.

  The sound of his husky voice put her over the top. Her body exploded, her hips bucked up off the bed, and she called his name as colored lights flashed behind her eyes. Her muscles clenched hard then released pleasure all the way to her toes. Still panting, she opened her eyes.

  “You’re amazing, so…responsive,” he said. He planted a sweet kiss on her lips. “Are you protected?”

  She shook her head, so he reached down and pulled a condom out of the back pocket of his jeans. He covered himself quickly and returned to her. She raised her knees up, but Gunther pulled them open and bent down. The minute his tongue touched her sensitive flesh, her head fell back. “Oh my God. Gunther.”

  “You’re even more beautiful when you’re turned on,” he murmured from between her legs.

  “Please, God, I want you. Gunther. Stop torturing me.”

  She looked into his eyes, which were darkened with passion. “I want you, too, doe-eyes, want you bad.” He mounted her, rubbing himself gently on her to lubricate a little, then eased in slowly.

  “Been a long time?” he whispered in her ear, pushing all the way in, filling her completely.

  “How’d you know?”

  “You’re almost unbearably tight. Geez, God. Amazing,” he uttered, his chest rising and falling more rapidly with each thrust. Gunther rode her slowly at first, then faster and harder. With each breath coming quicker, her shallow breathing almost made her light-headed. She moved her hips in rhythm with his.

  Her hands clutched his shoulders. He pushed up and stared into her eyes. I love you, Gunther. Just as the realization hit her, her body stiffened in another release. She cried out his name, hearing only a grunt in response. He continued to pound into her until she heard a loud groan. He uttered her nickname and stopped. With his head buried in her neck, his body shuddered and sweat broke out on his back.

  After his orgasm, he lay still, resting on her. The sound of his panting was loud. She caressed his back with her fingertips and kissed his skin. A contentment she had never felt before settled in her heart.

  He pushed up on his hands, his gaze searching hers. Do I see a look of love there? She tried to keep her feelings from showing, but failed. His sharp stare darted back and forth across her features, his brow knit in worry. Does he think I don’t care? Do I tell him I do?

  She touched him, caressing his stubbly cheek then outlining his lips. His expression became hooded, and the loving look disappeared. He kissed her then rose up. Her skin pebbled at the rush of cold air. He headed for the bathroom. When he returned, Gunther slipped his jeans on commando and sat on the bed. Erica pulled the coverlet around her, suddenly embarrassed to be naked.

  She reached for his face, but his hand caught her wrist and stopped her.

  “That was phenomenal,” she whispered.

  “Great, great sex.”

  “Best ever for me.” More than sex for me. Was it for you?

  He smiled a remote smile. “Good. I’m glad.”

  A drop of disappointment seeped in. Wasn’t it more for you, too?

  “It’s late. We have a big day tomorrow.” He yawned and stretched.

  Do I stay? Do I go? What do I do? Fighting awkwardly with the coverlet, she moved to make her escape, dragging it with her. He doesn’t want me to stay. Tears stung her eyes. Am I just another Gunther Quill conquest? It was late, and exhaustion wiped out her ability to hold back. As she hopped toward the door, water ran over her cheeks. Get out of here before he wishes you’d never come.

  “Hey! Where are you going?” Gunther tugged on her arm.

  “I thought you wanted to be alone,” she said, her head bent.

  He raised her chin, a look of concern on his face. “Waterworks?” She was silent, not knowing what to say. He ripped the bedspread down and let it fall to the floor before he folded her into his embrace.

  “I don’t know what to think, Gunther. I don’t sleep with guys randomly.”

  “Oh, doe-eyes. It’s okay. Of course I want you to stay.” He led her back to the bed and pulled down the comforter.

  “Aren’t you coming?” She chewed her lip at the plaintive sound of her question.

  “In a bit. I’ve got to check a couple of emails first.”

  * * * *

  Gunther retreated to the living room. His habit of burying his emotions in his work kicked in. Don’t think about her, the expression on her face. Is she in love with me? Oh, God.

  Shoving his conflicted thoughts out of his mind, he sat down at the computer. As soon as the screen appeared, his focus returned. Gunther was all business.

  He opened his messages. “Damn! Someone forgot to get the permits? Fire the bastard.” He scrolled down one by one to the next four. “Wardrobe ripped, lighting problems, props go missing. Nothing but problems.” The image of the beautiful woman in the next room nagged at him. He closed his document, unable to avoid the biggest of question all—Erica Wheeler.

  Gunther pushed to his feet and went to the window. Running his hand through his hair, he tried to sort out his feelings. He stared at the lights that lit up the city, as if they could tell him what to do. Why didn’t I have more self-control? I should never have slept with her. Damn. What do I do now? He began to pace. I’m not falling in love with her. I refuse!

  He searched his mind for reasons to put distance between them, but all he came up with were memories of the softness of her skin, the way she looked up into his eyes, and her moans as he made love to her. That’s right. Made love. Not screwed. Damn, she was amazing.

  He didn’t want to face her emotions either. One glance at her kisser after he climaxed, and he knew she was head over heels for him. He recognized that look. It was the same look Laurel had worn the first time he had made love to her. And I wasn’t even any good back then. He chuckled to himself about the progress of his sexual expertise. Shit! What am I going to do? She’ll expect marriage, and I don’t do that. I can’t.

  He hated the pull she had on him, but he couldn’t walk away. Not now, not yet. She was a real partner in his business. She cared for him and showed it in ways he’d never seen before. She’s smart. The company is going to happen, and I need her. He began to pace.

  I want her. Want her in my company, want her in my bed. This new sensation scared him. He’d never wanted to share his business with anyone. Never cared to take a partner, until now. When the idea to team up with Max Webster came to him, he had been overjoyed. It would be brilliant. They’d lock up the best of Broadway for the movies and the best movies for Broadway.

  But he couldn’t do it alone. Max had a couple of producers working for him as well as an assistant. Gunther had hired producers freelance when he needed them, never trusting enough to bring anyone in to work with him. He was afraid they’d steal his ideas.

  But now he had Erica, and she was dynamite. Smart, hardworking, and totally devoted to him. He hadn’t intended to trust her, it just happened. Now she was essential in ways Elsa Marquette never could be. He had been ready to marry Elsa. Elsa was business, Erica would be love. I don’t do love. I can’t. What if something happens to her, like Laurel? What if she leaves me? I couldn’t handle it. I can’t go through that again.

  But he wasn’t at ease with his decision. Why am I even considering marriage? She’s lied to me. Her father is a violent nutcase. I probably can’t trust her. For the first time in his life, he couldn’t figure himself out. And it bugged him. Something was standing in his way, pushing him toward marriage then hanging back, and he had no idea what it was.

  The thought of her sleeping in the room across the way drove him crazy. Now she sleeps with me. No questions. Every night we’re here. But what about when we get home? I’ll deal with that then. I’m a problem solver. That’s what I do. I make things happen. I’ll figure it out.

  He stopped pacing
and closed down the computer. A lovely young woman was waiting for him in his bed. What the hell am I doing here? His phone rang. An associate from the West Coast. Don’t they know what time it is here? Mumbling curses, he took the call.

  “What’s the problem, Carl?” Gunther sat back and did what he always did, listened, analyzed, and came up with a solution. He was the best, and he knew it. And now he’d hit it big with Max Webster and Erica at his side. How can I go wrong?

  After hanging up, he tiptoed into the bedroom, undressed, and eased himself down next to her. Appearing to be only half-awake, Erica cuddled up to him and closed her arms around his naked body, resting her hand on his chest. He pulled her into his shoulder and whispered

  “Goodnight, doe-eyes, sleep tight, baby.”

  He kissed her hair. The aroma of pear soap mixed with her scent to create an intoxicating fragrance. He inhaled deeply then emitted a sigh. His hand cupped her shoulder and his fingertips caressed her skin. A contented sound came from her throat, making him smile. He brushed his lips against her forehead.

  It was the eve of the beginning of his great adventure. Having her next to him was the missing piece of the puzzle. With her, I won’t make a mistake. She muttered something he couldn’t understand and sank into his warmth. A sense of safety and love surrounded him, bringing restful sleep.

  Chapter Six

  Erica ran as fast as her legs could carry her, but her father was gaining on her. Right behind him was her stepmother, yelling at him, pushing him forward. She ran past Billy sitting by the side of the road trying to console Chickie, who was crying.

  Erica kept running. Her lungs seemed about to burst, and she couldn’t catch her breath. Suddenly, she sat bolt upright, gasping for air. A hand on her arm startled her. She twitched and jumped away from the man in the bed with her. Where am I?

  “Let go. Leave me alone!” she screamed.

  A deep voice answered. “Erica, it’s okay. It’s me.”

  “Who are you? What are you doing here? I’ll hurt you if you get any closer.” She balled her hands into fists. The room was pitch black.