by Todd, E. L.
“I know,” I whispered.
“I started gambling when I was in college. It started off small, but after I won a few times, I became addicted. I’ve always been obsessed with sports so I was pretty knowledgeable about everything. My small wins became bigger and bigger. Then I started playing with the big boys. My addiction only grew. I ended up making enough money that I bought the Rangers.”
“You bought the Rangers?”
He nodded.
“Well, that explains a lot.”
“I’m always quiet about my profession because people want in on it, or they want money from me. So dating is really hard. I always have to act broke or like an average Joe.”
“Is that why you took me to the Ranger game?”
He smiled. “I’ve always wanted a girl that loves sports, and someone who doesn’t care about fancy dinners and bullshit like that. When we went to the game you had so much fun. I could tell you didn’t care that I wasn’t taking you to the Ritz. I was immediately smitten with you. I knew you were the one for me. And when we went to dinner and you offered to pay, I was shocked. Girls never do that. I wouldn’t want you to pay, but it’s nice to be in a relationship where I know I’m not being used.”
I nodded. “I can understand that. And when I told Janet that I wanted to be a housewife, I meant when I have kids. Not forever.”
“You don’t have to explain yourself,” he said gently.
“I just don’t want you to think that’s why I’m around.”
“You’ve already proven it to me,” he said. “I see the way you look at me. There’s nothing but love there.”
“What should we do?” I asked with a sigh.
“We’re staying together.”
“But—”
“No buts. If my sister wants to behave this way, fine. I don’t care. I’m not giving you up. You did nothing wrong.”
I still wasn’t convinced. “But she’s my best friend.”
“I know,” he said gently. “But she isn’t tearing us apart. She’ll realize she’s wrong eventually.”
“And if she doesn’t?”
He shrugged. “It’s her loss.”
I stared at his chest and thought to myself. This was a bad situation. I wished it never happened. Tony made me so happy and I didn’t want to give him up. And he was right about Janet. Her assumptions were completely wrong. I was seriously wounded by the horrible accusations. She couldn’t be more wrong.
Tony moved on top of me then pinned my legs back. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“I really don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t,” he said as he pressed his face close to mine. He slid inside me and made me moan.
“Tony…”
“I’m not giving this up for anything,” he whispered in my ear. He moved inside me, his hands holding my legs back. Tony stared into my eyes while he made love to me. It felt amazing every time we were together, more amazing than I ever could have dreamed. I grabbed the back of his neck and felt more tears fall. Tony was everything to me, the person I always wanted. I couldn’t let him go. If I did, it would break my heart.
“Look at me,” he whispered.
I opened my eyes and looked into his.
He kissed the moisture around my eyes while he thrust.
I felt myself tighten around him as my body gave into him. The pleasure spread through my body and ignited me, making me burn like hot ash. “Tony….”
“Baby…”
“Yeah…god yeah.”
He stiffed as he met his bliss at the same time. He moved into me a few more times before we were both finished. His hands grabbed my neck and he kissed me gently, trailing kisses everywhere. When he pulled out, he grabbed me and pulled me to his chest, holding me close. I never felt more depressed and happy at the same time. But as long as I had Tony, I would be okay. Janet is the one who ruined everything. When my depression faded away, all I felt was rage.
9
I was pretty depressed for the next few days. I kept checking my phone to see if Janet called but she never did. It was the hardest breakup I’d ever been through. I never lost a girlfriend, especially one I was so close to. I knew I shouldn’t be sad because Janet was out of line, but I couldn’t help it. I missed her.
When I told Orlando everything, he was pissed.
“Fuck that cunt,” he said.
“Keep your voice down,” I whispered.
“I can’t believe her. At least Tony had your back.”
“Yeah,” I said. “He refused to break up.”
“He really likes you, Cassie.”
“And I really like him.”’
“No, you love him,” Orlando said.
“No, I don’t.”
He rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”
“But I’m starting to.”
Pia hadn’t given me another assignment for the magazine so I had a short break to get everything together for the next piece. I did extensive research on the fashion hit in Milan and Paris. She expected me to pick upcoming fashion trends before they happened, which was just ridiculous. I went to school so I could recognize trends and improve them. I wasn’t a fortune teller. I seriously hated my boss. The only good thing about this place was Orlando. He was a godsend to me.
When I went to Tony’s that night, he had his friends over for the game.
“Hey, baby,” he said when he opened the door. He kissed me and made my lips burn. “I’m glad you’re here.”
I held up a six pack. “And I bring gifts.”
“Ooh. Now you’re even better.” He grabbed it and put it on the table.
When I took off my jacket, he saw the Ranger jersey he got me. We were watching baseball but I wanted to wear it anyway.
“You look so fucking cute in that.”
I smiled. “You like it?”
“I want to make love tonight while you wear this.”
“I can do that.”
He pulled me close to him and gave me another kiss. The guys in the living room cheered when the Yankees scored. “Let me introduce you to the guys.” We walked into the living room and he introduced me to everyone. They were all nice and friendly. I felt a little out of place being the only girl there, but Tony made sure I wasn’t lonely.
When he sat on the couch, he pulled me into his lap and held me close. There was plenty of room to sit, but he didn’t want me anywhere else. Scott came over and sat next to us.
I looked at him. “I thought you weren’t supposed to talk to us?”
Scott drank from his beer. “She can’t tell me what to do. I don’t care if she’s mad.”
“You won’t be getting any tonight,” Tony said.
“I don’t care,” Scott said. “I’m pretty fucking pissed at her.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “So you don’t think I’m with Tony for his money?”
“Not at all,” he said. “And I’m shocked that your best friend doesn’t see it either.”
Talking about Janet was making me depressed.
Scott continued talking. “Life is too short and precious to cut people out of your life forever. I know Janet means well, but this is a stupid way to go about it. My parents died years ago so I know what it’s like to lose someone you can’t get back. It just gets under my skin…”
“I hope you can change her mind,” I said.
“Me too.”
Tony moved his hand through my hair while he watched the TV. When a commercial was on, his eyes were only for me. He pulled me close to him and kissed me like he hadn’t felt my lips in years. His hand moved under my jersey and felt the skin of my stomach. I felt like his obsession. He couldn’t get enough of me.
When the game was over, the guys stayed over and ate pizza and hot wings. I could tell Tony was close with his friends because he was carefree and natural around them. Before he told me the truth, he was always slightly rigid and closed off. Now he was different, happy. He didn’t have to hide.
After everyone lef
t, I helped him clean everything up. There were beer bottles, plates, and pizza boxes everywhere. It was a total mess. When everything was put away, we went to bed in his room.
“What are you doing this weekend?” he asked.
“Nothing spectacular. Why?”
“I want to go away this weekend.”
“Oh. Where do you want to go?”
“San Diego.”
“Isn’t that in California?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh,” I said.
“You don’t want to?”
“That’s just a far trip for the weekend.”
“I just want to relax in a hotel room on the beach. Somewhere quiet with good Mexican good.”
“Would it just be us two?” I asked.
“Of course.”
“Then I’m in.”
“We’ll leave as soon as you get off work tomorrow.”
I smiled. “I’m excited. I’ve never been to California.”
“You’ll love it,” he said. He pulled up my shirt and kissed the skin of my stomach. “I love your body, baby.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I try to work out every day.”
“It shows.”
“And I have to stay thin for my job.”
“I didn’t realize that was a prerequisite.”
“It’s because it’s a fashion magazine,” I said as I rolled my eyes. “It’s so stupid.”
He pulled off my underwear and kept kissing me.
I went to grab my jersey but he kept it on. “No.”
“Well, I want you to be naked.”
He pulled off his shirts and boxers in a flash.
I chuckled lightly.
“I like making love without condoms,” he said as he kissed my neck.
“It’s nice, huh?”
“I really like it. I like coming inside you. That’s the best part.”
I ran my hands up his chest then felt his hard cock.
“Turn over,” he said.
I did as he asked and felt his arm wrap around my waist. When he slid inside me, I moaned loudly. It didn’t matter what position we did it in, it was always amazing. He leaned over me and pressed his lips against my ear, whispering to me quietly.
I felt him stretch me as he moved in and out. I still wore my jersey and his chest pressed against it while he bucked inside me. I held onto his headboard while he rocked me, making me scream. The neighbors probably heard me but I didn’t care.
My body started to crumble. “Tony…”
“I’m there too, baby.”
I clenched the wood. “Yeah…”
He breathed into my ear as we climaxed together, feeling the connection simultaneously. When I heard him moan, it heightened my arousal. Knowing he felt good made me feel good. He pulled out then lay on the bed. I collapsed on his chest, breathing hard.
“You’re the best sex I’ve ever had,” he said.
“I find that hard to believe.”
“I already have you,” he said. “Why would I tell you a line?”
“That’s true.”
He kissed my forehead. “It’s so nice being myself around you. I don’t have to hide anymore.”
“I’m glad you don’t.” I started thinking about Janet. “I just wish—”
“Stop.”
I fell silent.
“We aren’t thinking about that anymore. We’re happy. That’s all that matters.”
I sighed.
“I made you a few drawers to keep your stuff in.”
“You did?” I asked with a smile.
“And there’s a drawer in my bathroom so you can put your toothbrush and girly things away.”
“Girly things?”
“You know, makeup, tampons…stuff like that.”
I closed my eyes. “Orlando wants to go on a double date.”
“Your friend from work?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m down.”
“He and his boyfriend want to check you out.”
“I hope they don’t fight over me,” he said with a smile.
“I’ll take them out if they try to steal my man.”
“I don’t know…I have my bet on the two gay guys. They’d probably beat you up.”
“Hey, I work out!”
“They probably work out more than you do.”
“Damn, you’re right.”
He buried his face in my neck. “So has anyone been bothering you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Like, Tyler or that piece of shit ex-boyfriend of yours.”
“Oh,” I said. “No.”
“Good.”
“Why would they?”
He kissed my neck gently. “If I lost you, I know I’d be doing everything in my power to win you back.”
I rolled my eyes. “Danny doesn’t stand a chance.”
“I like hearing that.”
I kissed him on the forehead. “No one stands a chance.”
“Even better,” he whispered.
“Are you making breakfast tomorrow?”
He smiled. “What would you like?”
“Pancakes and coffee.”
“Okay,” he said. “I’ll make sure it happens. I have a Mickey Mouse pancake maker.”
“You do?” I asked excitedly.
“I’m guessing you want me to use that one?”
“Duh!”
He laughed. “Stop being so adorable.”
“I can’t.”
“I’m glad you can’t.” He cuddled next to me and closed his eyes.
I wasn’t tired so I watched him sleep instead. He looked so peaceful and calm. Even though he lost his sister he seemed happier than he’d ever been. Now that he was honest with me, he seemed to be whole again. I couldn’t lie and say I wasn’t more attracted to him because he was loaded, because I was. But it wasn’t about the money. Knowing he made his own empire by himself was truly amazing. He stood on his own two feet and made his own fortune. It was inspiring and amazing. And I loved everything about him. I felt like I won the lottery. I hated that date with Tyler but I was so glad it happened. If it hadn’t, I wouldn’t have walked into the bar and met Tony.
10
When I got off work on Friday, I was so excited for our trip. I couldn’t sleep last night because I was too wired to rest. I went to my apartment and gathered my bags. Tony arrived a few moments later.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“I can’t wait!” I said as I clapped my hands together.
He smiled then kissed me. “We’ll have a lot of fun.”
A guy walked into the room and grabbed my suitcases. I flinched when I watched him.
“Don’t worry. He’s one of my guys,” he said with a laugh. “He isn’t robbing you.”
“Oh,” I said. “Okay. I was freaked out for a second there.”
“Are you missing anything?”
“No,” I said as I grabbed my purse. I opened it and handed him an envelope. “Here’s my share for the trip. I think that should cover everything.”
He stared at it then looked at me. “What are you doing?”
“Paying for my half of the trip.”
Tony pushed it away. “I invited you.”
“So?” I said. “I want to haul my own weight.”
“Put that away,” he said in a stern voice. His eyes narrowed and the angry side of him emerged. “I’m not taking it.”
I sighed then returned it to my purse. “You don’t have to pay for everything.”
“I know,” he said. “I’ll let you pay for a dinner.”
“That’s it?”
“You’re lucky I’m letting you do that.”
I rolled my eyes.
He grabbed my ass. “What was that?”
I smiled. “Nothing…”
He kissed me hard on the mouth. “It didn’t look like nothing.”
“I’ll do that again when we go to bed tonight.”
His eyes darkened. “I knew you
were kinky.”
“A little.”
We went to the limo on the sidewalk and got inside. I looked around in wonder.
“Have you never been in a limo before?”
I shook my head.
“Not even for prom?”
“I didn’t go.”
“Why not?”
“I didn’t want to.”
He held my hand as we drove to the airport. When we arrived, we went through a different customs aisle and boarded a small jet.
“Why are we on a small plane?”
“I own it,” he said simply.
“Oh…”
We sat in the back and took our seats. After takeoff, we unbuckled our safety belts and relaxed. Tony sat in a lounge hair and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. I leaned against him and tried to process what was happening. I was on a private jet that my boyfriend owned. He had more money than I could ever imagine. It was unbelievable.
“Do your parents know about your fortune?”
“No,” he said.
“So you don’t tell anyone?”
“No. It isn’t worth it. I tell people I work at a computer company. Something vague and boring.”
“It seems like money is more of a curse than a blessing.”
“It is most of the time. It hasn’t been since I met you. It’s nice being with someone that cares about me for who I am. I’ve always wanted to settle down and find a girl that I could spend my money on, giving her the world. It’s just not meaningful when she’s only there for that reason. Since you aren’t like that, I have someone to spend my money with. It’s a great feeling. I feel like I’ve been vindicated. I’m finally free.”
“You don’t need to spend money on me. Taking me to see the Rangers in the front row is already good enough.”
He smiled. “You’re happy with the little things in life.”
“You know what I really like?”
“What?”
“When you get fresh popcorn at the movies. You know, the kind they just made with the butter on top.”
“Sometimes you are so cute that I can’t stand it.”
I shrugged. “I grew up poor. You learned to love what you had and the one you were with.”
His hands glided through my hair while he stared at me.
“Have you talked to Janet?” I asked.
“I told you not to bring her up.”
“So we’re just going to never speak of her?”