He blew out a frustrated breath and Stephanie sat completely still, her gaze going from Caleb to Zoe and then back again.
What the hell just happened?
“Are you cutting me entirely or what?” He sounded angry, frustrated.
Stephanie was dying to know what the article was about. It took a lot to offend Zoe.
“Absolutely not. I still want you to share the column with Stephanie. It’s just that I didn’t find the content appropriate to print in City. I know we’re considered a gritty and realistic magazine but I want to keep things tasteful. Stephanie’s stuff is sexy, sometimes even a little dirty but she always writes it in a tasteful way.”
Stephanie’s cheeks heated at the compliment.
“I have to say this. I think you made a mistake, Zoe. Men these days are into this stuff. They’d find my topic realistic, something they can relate to.”
“Caleb.” Zoe leveled him with a look, her Starbucks clutched tightly in her hand. “Men calling women bitches and cunts while they screw them in the throes of wild sex, it’s not my type of thing. I doubt it is Stephanie’s thing either, right, Steph?”
“Uh, no.” She couldn’t imagine Justin calling her a—cunt in the middle of a wild bout of sex. Oh, they had lots of fun and they’d done some crazy things but she wouldn’t get off on him calling her derogatory names.
“I was with one woman who would come every single time I called her a fuckin’ cunt, I swear to God.” Caleb shook his head, his mouth twisted into a grimace. “I think you’re missing out on a good topic here.”
“Oh yes, I’m sure it would generate lots of response and none of it positive. This is why I decided to cut it.” Zoe paused, sending Caleb a meaningful look. “Move on to the next topic, Caleb. Keep it real but not too real. Get it?”
“I get it.” He stood, glowering first at Stephanie then at Zoe. “Make up a bunch of crap about how perfect my sexual interludes are, get all romantic and shit. Like Stephanie does it right?”
With that, he walked out, slamming the door behind him, making both of the women jump. Zoe shot Stephanie a sympathetic look.
“I’m sorry you had to witness that. I hope I made the right choice in not publishing his article.” Zoe shook her head and took another sip of her drink.
“I think you made the right choice. I can’t imagine a man calling me such names in the middle of sex.” Stephanie wrinkled her nose.
“Me either, it’s just not my thing. I know a lot of women and I’m sure they’d agree. I don’t mind offending the readers a little bit. I like stirring up controversy just as much as the next person but sometimes, I have to draw the line. It’s my job.”
“Of course.” Stephanie stood, suddenly ready to escape. “What went into the magazine as a replacement for his article?”
“We did a short recap of the top male and female sexual fantasies. Kept it in relation to your articles and did a little tally of who’s experienced what between your topics and Caleb’s. A fun score sheet, so to speak.”
Great. That just cheapened the entire experience so far between her and Justin.
“Ah, okay.” Stephanie started for the door but paused to turn and look back at Zoe. “You don’t really think I’m making any of this up, do you? Caleb said I was and you just accused me of it in a sense. I swear it’s all true. Really.”
Zoe nodded and set her Starbucks cup on her desk. “I believe you, Stephanie. You’re one of the most honest people I know. You wouldn’t make any of this up. Keep up the good work, you’re doing great. I can’t wait to read your next article.”
Stephanie walked out of Zoe’s office, guilt gnawing at her gut. Zoe’s remark about her being one of the most honest people she knew ate at her, made her feel bad about what she was doing to Justin.
A man who hated reporters and the media more than anything and that’s exactly what she was. Writing an article about their sexual experiences for all of San Francisco and the Bay Area to read on a weekly basis.
It sucked, feeling like this. It twisted her insides into knots and made her want to confess everything.
But how could she confess it all without pissing him off? She didn’t want to risk making him angry. Instead, she preferred to live in her perfect little hot sex bubble with Justin, indulging in him as much as she could.
God, she was such a selfish bitch.
Caleb watched her as she sat at her desk, his eyes narrowed into slits, his expression tight.
He was still angry and the last thing she wanted to do was get into an argument.
“Don’t take your anger out on me just because of what Zoe did. I had nothing to do with it,” Stephanie warned, grabbing her cell out of her purse and checking if anyone called.
Always eager and ready for another phone call from Justin. She was pitiful, really.
“I know you didn’t but you wanna know what pisses me off? How you’re making all of this shit up and Zoe eats it up with a spoon.”
“I’m not making it up.”
He laughed though he didn’t sound amused. No, he sounded mighty pissed off. “Yeah, right. No guy is like that, Steph. Trust me. We’re all dogs at heart. We’re all out for ourselves and no one else. If the guy really does act like this, he’s playing you.”
Doubt filtered through her brain and she couldn’t believe she was even considering Caleb’s words as truth. She knew Justin wasn’t feeding her a line.
Didn’t she?
“I’m not getting played.” Stephanie tilted her chin, indignant. “I know exactly what and who I’m dealing with. He’s a good guy. They do exist, you know.”
“No, they really don’t but go ahead and keep fooling yourself. Whatever works for you, ya know?”
She turned her chair so her back was to him. What a baby, all pissed off and stomping mad over Zoe’s decision. He needed to grow a freaking pair.
But his words niggled at her, lingering in the back of her mind the entire afternoon as she worked.
What if Justin really was playing her? What if he wasn’t as perfect as he seemed? Okay, she knew no one was as perfect as they seemed in the beginning of a relationship but what if he was really and truly a dog like—heaven forbid—Caleb?
No, no one was as bad as Caleb. She could reassure herself with that fact, at least.
Her cell rang just before five and she grabbed it, her heart skipping a beat when she saw who it was via caller ID. Glancing about, she saw Caleb sitting at his desk but he didn’t seem to be paying any attention to her.
Perfect.
“Hey, I was just thinking about you,” she greeted softly, not wanting Caleb to eavesdrop.
“All good things I hope.” Justin’s deep voice washed over her, making her skin tingle.
“Always. How are you? How’s your knee?”
“Better, much better. The doctor came by earlier and said I’d made a lot of improvement really fast. I told him I had an excellent nurse.”
She laughed. “I’m sure. I hope you didn’t spill all of the details.”
“Never. Those are mine to think about and mine alone.” He paused and she couldn’t help but secretly thrill at his words. The man had a way of saying things that made her feel so good. About herself and how he felt about her.
“What are you doing right now?”
“Working.” She glanced at the clock on her monitor. “Though I’m almost finished for the day.”
“I’d like to see you tonight if you’re not busy.” He paused. “If you don’t mind.”
It had been only two days since she last saw him. The time in between was getting shorter and shorter.
“Of course I want to see you. What did you have in mind?”
“Well, I was hoping you wouldn’t mind making the trek out to my house. Unless you want me to come and see you, though I know you have a roommate.”
“Yeah, no way would you want to come to my place trust me.” She didn’t want him there anyway. Didn’t want her bitchy roommate to find out who she was
secretly seeing. She also didn’t want him to see her dingy, small apartment. Compared to his beautiful house it put her place to shame.
“Do you mind coming out here then? I could order a pizza or something.”
“You eat pizza?” With his body and the way he worked out, or the way he used to really work out, she was surprised.
“I have no reason to deny myself. And yeah, I eat pizza. Why would you think I didn’t?”
“I don’t know, the fact that you’re a superstar stud who used to put yourself through rigorous training to maintain the physique you have?” And what a physique it was.
“I’m not a superstar stud by any means anymore, Stephanie. You know this.” He sounded more than a little frustrated and she wished she’d never brought it up.
He was awfully sensitive about the subject. Not that she could blame him.
“Forget I even said it, I’m sorry.” She waved her hand in front of her as if she could wave it all away. “Yes, I’ll come out and see you and have dinner with you.”
“My doctor took me off bed rest.” His voice was full of promise.
“Oh, I’m sure he did.”
“We can make up for lost time.”
“I thought we’d made up for it pretty good the last time we saw each other.”
“Well yeah, that was fun but I’ve missed you, Stephanie.”
His admission was the first of its kind and it shocked her silent. There was something more going on and she wasn’t quite sure how to approach it.
“I’ve, um, I’ve missed you too, Justin.” She glanced around again, hoping no one heard her. Especially Caleb. He was such a nosy bastard and he’d run with this story like no one’s business.
“You want to stay the night?”
She gulped and her heart dropped to her stomach. “Um, I don’t have anything with me to wear for tomorrow.”
“Call in sick.” His voice was soft, cajoling. “Spend the day with me, babe.”
Oh, that sounded so good. Spending all night with him and then the entire day tomorrow, like a real couple would. She had nothing pressing to turn into Zoe and hey, she could justify calling in sick if she was with Justin. She could consider it research and all.
Her eyes slid closed and she swallowed hard, feeling like crap. She needed to come clean. She needed to tell him exactly what was going on with all of those articles. Maybe she could gather the courage to do so tonight or tomorrow.
Yeah tomorrow. Give herself at least one more day.
“Stephanie, are you still there?”
“Yes, I’m sorry. I’ll leave in a few minutes and call you when I get on the freeway. I’m sure traffic will be a nightmare.”
“Great. I’m glad you said yes.” He paused. “Drive safe, babe.”
“I will. See you in a little bit.” She slipped her phone into her purse and glanced up to find Caleb staring directly at her, his gaze intense.
As if he’d heard every single word she’d just said.
“Are you okay?” She pretended she had nothing to hide. Better to act casual, throw Caleb off track by throwing it back on him.
He sat up straight in his chair and turned back to his monitor. “I’m fine. Why the hell do you ask? Like you care.”
She ignored him, figuring he was still pissed off.
Let him fester. He deserved it, the jackass. He had a lot of nerve thinking people would want to read his article about dirty name calling.
If he kept tripping up and making mistakes, maybe Zoe and the powers that be would give the column to just her. Exactly what she’d wanted in the first place.
Wouldn’t that be perfect? A girl could dream.
A girl also needed to watch her back. She really hoped Caleb didn’t hear any part of her phone conversation with Justin.
Knowing Caleb though, that might be futile worrying on her part.
Chapter Twenty-two
Justin hadn’t had this much fun since he could remember. If he was having fun, it was usually baseball-related, hanging out with his friends from the team but they were all busy actually playing baseball.
He’d been sulking ever since the accident. Hated to admit it, but it was true. And then he’d run into Stephanie.
Well, she’d run into him. And changed his life for the better.
She’d come over last night and they ate pizza, watched a terrible movie on pay per view and then decided to soak in his giant tub.
Where he proceeded to have his every wicked way with her, until she was coming and gasping in his arms. After toweling her off, he’d led her to his bed where he continued to have his way with her, making love to her for hours. As if he couldn’t get enough.
He always felt like he couldn’t get enough. For instance, she was sitting next to him in the skybox, watching the Miners play New York. She’d taken his advice and called in sick, excited to actually go to a real live baseball game, she’d told him, since she’d never been before.
And so he’d brought her. He’d introduced her to his old coach, to a couple of his close friends and teammates. She’d smiled and shook all of their hands, looking thrilled to be hanging out with a bunch of perverted baseball players who were all eyeing her delicious curves.
He’d shot them all a warning look that had said, ‘she’s mine’ and they’d backed off. They knew when Justin meant business.
They were also curious. Never before had he brought a woman around and actually introduced her. None of the past women had ever mattered.
Stephanie mattered—in more ways than he cared to admit.
But how could he tell her? She was adorable wearing a pair of jeans she’d bought at a mall on their way to the game and a Miners T-shirt he’d picked up. Her hair was down as per his request and her freckles seemed extra cute to him today.
She looked freshly scrubbed and as wholesome as could be. Hard to believe she was the same woman who’d ridden him like he was a wild beast earlier this morning.
Most likely she didn’t want to hear flowery words and declarations of love at a freaking baseball game. She’d probably prefer his confessions in private.
Pausing, he sat up straighter, his mind zeroing on his previous thought. Declarations of love and all that, what the fuck? Did he really love this woman? Was he actually in love for the first time in his life?
He had no clue. But he figured he was close. Real close.
And that was a little scary but in a good way. In a throw all caution to the wind and go for it kind of way.
“Are you all right? You’re awfully quiet.” Stephanie nudged him with her shoulder, a little smile curving her pretty mouth.
“Ah, I’m fine. Just thinking.” He smiled, trying to reassure her and he slipped an arm around her shoulders, squeezing her close for the briefest moment. “It’s weird to be up here watching the game.”
“I’m sure.” Her expression grew solemn and she disentangled herself from him. “Does it make you uncomfortable, being here?”
Justin shrugged. “I’ve watched quite a few games, I’m getting used to it.”
Hell, he’d have to get used to it. Negotiations were complete and he was going to start his new job next week. Expert correspondent traveling and reporting on the playoffs, straight through to the World Series. He was excited, a little nervous over doing something new and so freaking public.
He hated the media and now he was one of them. It made no sense, he would’ve never believed it if someone told him a year ago he’d become a correspondent but here he was.
Damn, he needed to tell Stephanie and soon. Traveling around for the games was going to keep him away from home for a while and that meant keeping him away from her. The one part he hated most about his new job.
They’d figure something out though, he knew it. She’d understand. Especially after he confessed how he felt about her.
“Well I think it’s exciting though truthfully, I’d rather be closer to the field. Closer to the action.” She smiled at him, a flash of straight white
teeth against her deep red lips and he was overwhelmed yet again at how beautiful she was.
Would he ever tire of staring at her? He didn’t think so.
“Next time I bring you to a game, I’ll get you right down on the field. You’ll have the best seat in the stadium.”
“You’re too good to me.” She leaned in, her face so close to his and he decided fuck it. He knew the owner was just behind him as well as a few other Miners bigwigs. But if he was going to declare his intentions to Stephanie tonight, then he may as well semi-declare his intentions right in front of a crowd.
Tilting his head he brushed his mouth against hers, lingering there, giving her a sweet kiss that made his head spin. She sighed and he swallowed it, giving her a quick swipe of his tongue before he reluctantly pulled away from her.
She stared up at him, all dreamy eyed and his heart beat triple time. Proud that he’d put that look on her face with just one simple kiss.
“We’re kicking their asses,” he murmured, reaching out and drawing his index finger along her jaw.
“What?” She blinked up at him, looking a little lost.
He nodded toward the scoreboard. “We’re ahead by six and it’s the bottom of the eighth with two outs. This game is done.”
“Do you want to leave?”
“Yes.” He moved so he could whisper in her ear. “So I can get you alone and kiss you some more.”
“All right.” She nodded, her hair brushing against his face and he breathed deep, inhaling her sweet floral scent. “Let’s go.”
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