by Marie Harte
“So you bake, you hate reporters, and you’re dating my brother.”
Sadie felt uncomfortable. “Yes. Are we done?”
Iris smiled. “Not yet. So you like my brother?”
“I think we covered that.”
“Did we?” Iris bit into her cream puff and moaned. “Oh my God. This is amazing.”
“I know.”
“Have you made Gear one of these? ’Cause if you do, he’ll never leave your side, ever. These are to die for.” Iris consumed the rest in one big bite.
“Glad you like it. They’re my favorite, if you want the truth. Though it is the season for Halloween. You should try our pumpkin rolls.”
“I’ll get one to go.” Iris sighed. “I’m in heaven. That was so good.”
A customer headed to the front, so Sadie excused herself to wait on him. Several more entered, and once she finished tallying up orders, she saw Iris standing by, watching her.
“Seen enough?”
“You’re not a fan of people, are you?”
Sadie gave her a grim smile. “No. And especially not when they take five minutes, holding up the line, trying to decide between a monster macaroon and a pumpkin bread man. I say get both. It’s easy.”
Iris grinned. “You can box me up two more cream puffs and a pumpkin roll to go.”
“That I can do.”
“My brother really likes you, you know.” She paused. “More than he ever liked Sahara.”
Sadie started but didn’t otherwise respond, placing the box on the counter. She didn’t know if she should give the girl the food for free, as goodwill toward Gear’s family, but Iris took the choice from her and slapped a ten on the counter.
“Keep the change.”
Never one to argue over a tip, Sadie did. “Thanks.” After a moment, she said, “I like your brother too.”
“He likes you a lot. Don’t break his heart, or I’ll hex you.”
“Oh?”
Iris frowned. “Well, it won’t really be a hex. I’m not a witch or anything. And real witches are more into pagan stuff that’s all about the earth and do no harm, but—”
“The point?” Sadie interrupted before Iris launched into information overload.
“Any bad karma you put out there will come right back on you. And treating Harry badly won’t do you any good.”
“How about telling your brother this? He should be nice to me.”
“He isn’t?”
Sadie groaned. “He’s great. I just meant at some point, being the famous Gear Blackstone, he’ll get douchy or nasty, act like God’s gift to women, and we’ll break up. And it’ll be his fault.”
“Wow. You really went all the way there, didn’t you?”
Flustered because she hadn’t meant to let herself out there like that, Sadie forced herself to sound calm. “Any other questions?”
“Are you coming to the Halloween party next week?”
“I don’t know.” She didn’t remember an invitation to one.
“Otis said he invited you.”
“Oh, at the house in Ballard?”
“That’s the one.” Iris nodded. “Good. If you need a costume, come see me. Fair of Dreams is my shop. We also supply all the costumes for Renaissance Daze, so we’re more than happy to suit you up in medieval garb. Though from what I hear, you did Xena proud.”
Sadie shrugged. “I liked the sword.”
“Hmm. You know, I could totally outfit you as a female knight. If you like swords, you’d love a battle-ax or staff.”
“Maybe.” Sadie liked the idea.
“Okay. I’d better go. See you at Halloween, unless I see you on the news before then,” Iris teased, and in a low voice added, “Try not to beat anyone else up, okay?”
“Funny. Just like your brother.”
Iris beamed. “Bye, Sadie.”
Sadie watched her go, feeling lost and nervous and excited. She was really in deep with Gear. He might not think so, but she had never been so wrapped around a guy before, not counting Adrian. And she knew better. After Adrian had ripped her heart out, she’d done her best to protect it. An easy feat since most men didn’t interest her much past their expiration date. A few sexual encounters and they spoiled.
Not Gear.
Everything about him appealed to her. Except for one thing, and that had more to do with her own insecurities than him. With his fame—infamy—and good looks, he had no shortage of women wanting to sleep with him. Yet he’d settled on Sadie. She’d thought about the why of it a lot. He obviously appreciated the fact she liked him in spite of Motorcycle Madnezz. They had off-the-charts sexual chemistry. They seemed to like the same things.
But she had a feeling sooner or later he’d see the real Sadie. The boring woman who didn’t care about pleasing anyone but her family and herself. What happened when he got even more famous from his new bike shop, and he wanted to go out to galas and TV thingies? He’d want her to dress up and accompany him, and then she’d be that sad, non-famous-actor wife who looked like she’d rather be anywhere than on the red carpet.
Wait. Wife? What the hell was that? She kept subconsciously inserting words like wife, forever, marriage, and babies into her thoughts about Gear.
And that right there. Babies. She’d had unsafe sex with Gear all last weekend. She might be pregnant even now. The birth control she’d started last week wouldn’t take effect until this coming Monday. She wished she could say that she feared having Gear’s baby. But the irrational half of her wanted it. Bad.
For his part, Gear hadn’t brought up their earlier stupidity, nor had he said anything about his part in forgoing condoms. For a guy always keen on being safe, he’d been a lot less than safe with her. Why did that make her feel special?
Because I’m a dope, that’s why.
Her phone buzzed, and she saw a text from Gear about hitting the gym that night.
A smile formed before she could think it away. She should say no, should put more space between them and ready herself for the inevitable when they’d break up after the newness of being together wore off.
Yet Sadie knew her relationship with Gear was unlike any she’d ever had. Damn it. She loved the jackass. What the heck was she going to do when it all went to shit?
She texted him back. See you there. Slacker.
He sent her back X’s and O’s, followed by a smiling cupcake emoji with hearts in its eyes.
Sadie sighed and went back to work, thinking about Gear for the rest of the day.
Chapter 16
That night at the gym, Gear saw Sadie and gave her a nod. She nodded back at him, super serious, and he crossed his eyes at her, causing her to smile. Then glare and shoot him the finger.
He chuckled. His smile left him when some big guy with muscles walked over to her to talk.
She said something, laughed, then nodded toward Gear.
Wondering what she’d told the guy and beyond pleased to have been included at some part in her conversation, Gear waited to be approached.
The big guy smiled and stuck out a hand. “Hey. I meant to say hello before, but our paths haven’t crossed. I’m Mac Jameson, owner of Jameson’s Gym.”
Gear nodded and accepted the man’s hand. Owner or not, if he put the moves on Sadie, Gear would end him. He wondered what Sadie would think if she knew how primal and possessive he’d grown about her.
He cleared his throat. “Hi. I’m Gear.”
“Yeah, seen the show. It’s not going to be anything without you.” Mac grimaced. “All that talky crap. I just wanted the bikes.”
Gear smiled. “Me too.”
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to talk shop. Just wanted to make sure the gym fits you. If anyone gives you a hassle while you’re here, let me know. We have a few famous faces, but at the gym, we keep it low key. No autographs
and fame bullshit. Just weights and working out.”
Elliot waved from across the room.
Mac pinched the bridge of his nose. “And if you can help it, no relationship crap either. This is a gym, damn it.”
Gear laughed. “Everyone knows Elliot, huh?”
Mac nodded. “I swear, I love the guy, but he’s such a pain in the ass. And don’t tell him I said that, because he’ll turn that into a joke, and next thing I know, everyone will think he and I are dating again. Not that we ever were dating. I just mean that somehow these rumors keep getting started.” Mac frowned. “Even my wife thinks it’s funny. I don’t get it.”
Gear nodded. “You said nothing. Got it.”
“I’ll leave you to it, then.” Mac walked away, greeting other people, showing Gear that the guy hadn’t made the stop to impress, but because he treated everyone the same.
That made Gear like the place even more.
Sadie glanced in his direction, then away. And the night progressed.
After doing some dead weights, followed by a very short run on the treadmill—he hated running, one large point of contention with his jackrabbit girlfriend—he went to refill his water bottle.
Leaning against the wall next to the water fountain, a chipper redhead turned her attention to him.
“Oh hi.” She was all breathy. Sadie would have a field day with this one.
“Hi.” He filled his bottle, wishing the flow wasn’t so damn slow-going.
“I’m April. I know you. Gear Blackstone, right?” She turned up the wattage on her already bright smile. “How do you like the gym?”
“I like it just fine.” When women are leaving me alone.
During his time at the gym, he’d mostly been left alone. A few guys had told him how much they’d liked the show, and yes, he’d found a few phone numbers tucked under his towel now and then, but for the most part, people let him be.
This woman seemed to want something.
“I was just wondering if you wanted to go out sometime.” She ran a fingernail over his sweaty arm.
He subtly pulled away, trying not to cause a scene in Sadie’s home away from home. “Ah, no thanks.”
“You sure?” She stepped closer, and he smelled perfume, not sweat. Then, to his shock, her hand grazed the front of his shorts before she cupped him, then quickly dropped her hand.
“Whoa.” He stepped back and bumped into Elliot. “Damn it.” He glared at the woman, but she just smiled and walked by him.
“My name is April. I’ll leave my number at the front desk in case you’re interested.”
Gear and Elliot watched her leave.
“I think I was just fondled.” Gear couldn’t believe it. In all his time on the show, before and after even, he’d never been so boldly, er, handled.
“Wow. That’s much more a Megan move.” Elliot stared after her.
“Does she do this a lot?” Maybe she had mental issues.
“Not that I know of. I think you should talk to Mac about that.”
“I don’t know.” He felt stupid for wanting to complain. If a guy had done it to a woman, no question she should say something. But he was twice April’s size.
“If you don’t, I will. That’s not cool.”
Gear frowned. “Actually, if you mention to Mac you saw it, that might be better than me saying something. With my luck, crazy April will sell her story to the tabloids, and I’ll end up being the grabber.”
“I guess in some ways, fame does suck.” Elliot paused. “And speaking of suck…”
“I’ll stop you right there.”
Elliot laughed. “I was just going to say it sucks to be you.”
“You got that right.” Gear couldn’t help chuckling with him.
“What’s so funny?” Sadie asked as she approached. “And what the hell is April smirking about?”
Gear shook his head at Elliot, not wanting to cause a scene that might spiral out of control, not in Sadie’s gym. Sure, he was now a member too, but this spot was sacred to her.
Elliot glanced from her to Gear, and Gear knew the fool would spill his guts.
“Don’t—”
“April grabbed him.”
Sadie frowned. “What?”
“She totally cock-grabbed your boyfriend. I saw the whole thing.”
Expecting Sadie to give him the third degree about it, Gear readied to defend himself.
“I’ll be right back.” Sadie walked away.
“Huh?”
“Watch.” Elliot smiled with glee.
Gear looked for Sadie and saw her narrowing in on April.
“We should—”
“Watch and learn, Gear. My sister is not one for subtlety. Take note.”
“I’ve seen this play out before.” He cringed, waiting for April to get her ass handed to her.
Sadie had a discreet conversation. The redhead turned wide eyes to him, then hurried away.
“What was that?”
“My scary sister in action.” Elliot sounded satisfied. “You sure you know what you’re doing dating her?”
Sadie returned with a smile.
“Well?” he asked.
“I told her if she touched my man again, I’d shove her head up her ass, right after I ripped out her fake nails one by one and shoved those down her throat.”
“Your man, huh?” Gear wanted to rock back on his heels and crow in delight. “So we’re not in the closet anymore?”
“Hey, man.” Elliot huffed. “That’s my people’s line.”
“Shut up, Elliot,” he and Sadie said at the same time.
“Ugh. Young love. So disgusting.” Elliot left them, grinning ear to ear.
Gear couldn’t wait. He kissed her, right there in the gym for anyone to see. “Man, I love you.” He hadn’t meant to declare it like that. Hell, he hadn’t meant to say it at all.
Sadie blinked up at him when he finished. “I…ah… I have to go treadmill.”
O-kay. So she planned to pretend he hadn’t said it. Probably for the best. They could continue as they’d been, no problem. “Sure thing. I’m gonna hit the sauna. Meet you back at your place after?”
“Yeah.” She practically ran away from him, and Gear wondered if the happiness he’d experienced just now would last. Or if he’d ruined them after all.
* * *
Sadie ran as if her life depended on it. He’d said he loved her. Loved. Her. A slip of the tongue? Yet he hadn’t seemed fazed by the admission. Hell, maybe he said that to all his girlfriends.
Angered at the thought, she ran faster and gave herself a slight incline. Damn, damn, damn. That look April had shot her had told her the woman was up to no good. April had never much liked her, not that Sadie had done anything to cause the hostility. So okay, maybe she’d once ordered the woman off her machine. But then, she’d been waiting for her turn, and April had butted in line.
The rumors about Gear and Sadie being more than friends had apparently hit April, because the redhead had sneered at her before sidling up to the counter, her predatory gaze on Gear.
Hearing April had groped her boyfriend, Sadie had no choice but to declare intent to do the bitch serious harm. And come on, what self-respecting person groped a stranger, anyway?
If Gear didn’t say something to Mac, she intended to. April had something really wrong knocking around in her brain.
Sadie started huffing and knew she’d get a good workout, thanks to Gear. It didn’t help that April was beautiful and knew it, or that she’d conquered practically half the gym in her haste to beat out Michelle for gym bunny of the decade. Sadie had lied to Elliot; she listened to gym gossip. How could she not, with as much time as she spent in the place?
Then again, she’d been spending a lot less time at Jameson’s since hooking up with Gear.
“Man, I love you,” he’d said.
Sadie ran faster, unable to escape those blasted words.
Half an hour later, she preceded Gear into her apartment.
“Good workout? I saw smoke coming from your feet. You’re like a deer on that thing,” Gear said with a smile.
She shrugged, doing her best to put the love comment out of her mind. “I’m going to shower.” She paused, waiting for him to ask to join her. He didn’t.
“Gotta check my messages.” He pulled out his phone and starting scrolling through it.
“Whatever.” He loves me. Right. She huffed and stripped on her way to the shower. Once inside, she let the hot water ease her aches. The one thing she could say about Gear: he was good at keeping her not bored.
She took extra time getting clean, giving Gear a chance to join her. She didn’t like playing games and normally didn’t. But that thing with April and then Gear confessing stupid emotions had hers in a tailspin.
When he failed to join her after twenty minutes, she was steamed enough to dry herself through evaporation.
She toweled off and stormed into her bedroom, only to see Gear lying in her bed, naked and on his side. And he seemed very happy to see her.
“Man, you took forever.”
She coughed. “Um, I was dirty.”
He smiled. “I showered at the gym while you were doing your marathon. Come get me dirty again.”
“I don’t know. You’re probably still contaminated from where April handled you.”
He held himself for her, his erection taking center stage. “Don’t worry. I scrubbed down hard. See? I’m all clean.”
“Yeah?” She dropped her towel and charged the bed, landing on top of him but careful not to damage his precious cock. “Just how clean are you?”
Without giving him a chance to say anything, she scooted down his body and took him in her mouth.
“Sadie, Christ.”
She loved taking him out of his comfort zone. She destroyed him in bed, and the powerful play gave her back the confidence she’d lost earlier.