I open my phone, pulling up some emails for work and sorting through them on the drive back to my apartment. When we arrive, May’s out front waiting.
“I thought we were meeting her there?” Gunner asks.
“I thought so, too. Oh well.” I slide out and she spots me straight away.
Gunner slowly comes up behind me, his hand touching my hip.
“You two never met properly, so let me introduce you. May, this is Gunner. Gunner, this is May.” May offers out her hand, which Gunner takes and shakes briefly before replacing his to his side. I walk past them and unlock the door. Stepping inside, they both follow, not speaking.
Weird.
“I have to change, help yourselves to the drinks. Talk. Get to know each other.” I smile as I step into the bedroom, shutting the door quickly so I can dress in some fresh clothes and panties. After I feel refreshed, I open the door to see both are where I left them and they’re not even looking at each other.
“So, Gunner. Ev tells me you two have moved forward.”
Oh shit! I cringe at her words. I told her when I messaged her that he’s agreed to try for me.
Gunner doesn’t respond.
“And that you’re meeting her parents. Do you meet parents, Gunner?”
“What is it you would like to ask me, May? Don’t skate around the park, come out and say it.”
May stands from the couch and crosses her arms over her chest. “You don’t love her. You’re fucking using her. I’ve seen the marks around her neck, and I heard how you demanded a key. What is it you want from her?”
“What Everly and I have, or might not have, is frankly none of your concern. Unless you are the one I’m sticking my cock in, you have no right to ask.”
I gasp at his words.
May looks at me shocked as I step out of my room.
“He didn’t mean that,” I say, turning to him. “Tell her you didn’t mean that.”
Of course, he does no such thing.
“I don’t need him to apologize, Ev. I see him. Right through his little games. You may not, but I do.” Her eyes turn hard as she looks directly at him. “I think I will skip lunch. Maybe tomorrow you and I can do something, Ev.” She goes to leave, and I follow her outside. She closes my front door behind me. “Don’t fall any deeper, Ev. You’ll lose yourself.” She kisses my cheek and leaves.
I stand there shocked, not knowing what to do.
When I turn to go back inside my apartment, he’s standing there with the door already open.
“Lunch,” he states.
I nod, not knowing what else to say, and we go.
12
Gunner hasn’t been free all week to meet my parents. It’s been two weeks now he’s been putting it off. We see each other at least three times a week. Usually it’s him letting himself into my apartment, and I wake with his kisses and his hands pulling my panties off. It’s a nice way to wake up, but it sucks when he’s gone before I wake the next day. He’s so busy, and I get it. It doesn’t help that I’m in love with someone who doesn’t give me as much as I give him.
Almost two months into this and I’m a goner.
When he’s near me my pulse quickens, and when he’s gone I’m a little bit sad.
May doesn’t understand, she thinks he’s using me. For what, sex? Because trust me, I am happy to be used for that.
But after sex, in the middle of the night before I fall asleep, he tells me about his day, then he asks about mine. He listens until I fall asleep, never once complaining, and is always there to offer advice, especially when it comes to my business.
Tonight, I didn’t expect him so early, I’m usually well asleep when he arrives. So, when the door opens, I scream and he smiles. My hand flies to my heart which is racing hundreds of miles to the minute as he walks over to me. His smirk on his face as he sits next to me.
“Get dressed. I have a function, and I can’t bear to go to another one without some good company.” He takes my glass of wine and downs it in one go then sits back looking relaxed.
I turn to him. “I’m good company?”
“The best.”
I smile at his words as I walk away. “Cocktail dress?” I yell out while opening my closet.
“Yes,” he answers.
I sneak a peek and see him sitting back with his eyes closed. Quickly walking away, I head to my room to get dressed. My hair’s already done from work today, so that’s one less thing I have to worry about. It’s hanging low down my back, so I do my face, painting on bright red lipstick and applying foundation before I slide into my black lace dress. Walking out, I find him asleep on the couch. Slipping on my heels, I walk over to him. My hand touches his shoulder making him open his eyes. His hours must be long, and he looks exhausted. Maybe I’ve been too harsh with him, asking him to put time aside to meet my family. Which I haven’t told my family about yet because I want to be sure Gunner’s coming before I do. Otherwise, my father would not be impressed if he doesn’t show up.