Bruce laughs. “Yeah, it’s pretty much just as cheesy as it sounds, but it’s what the Wilshire was built from. My brother was the one who spearheaded the effort to turn it into what it is today.”
I nod.
“And what’s it like working with your brother?”
The handsome man grins.
“Pete can be a pain sometimes, but I think that just comes with the territory when you’re the top dog. But I really enjoy working with him, and he has a lot to recommend him. Still, I’d like to venture out and find something of my own one day. Call it the entrepreneur in me.”
I raise my eyebrow inquisitively. “What would you like to do?”
Bruce grows thoughtful and takes a sip of his wine. “I really enjoy golf and I’ve always thought it would be fun to own my own golf course one day. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot more about pulling the trigger and just doing it. There are a couple courses for sale, and I can afford the purchase. Of course, there’s already a golf course attached to the Wilshire, but I guess I’d like one of my own.” He shrugs. “Maybe.”
Leaning forward, I reach over the table and take his hand before shooting him an encouraging smile. “I think that’s a great idea. I’m not good at sports, but golf is one I happen to be pretty decent at, and a lot of people in New Jersey play. You have tons of management experience too, so you could definitely make it work.” But then my smile falls. “You know my ex, Carl, is one of the golf pros at the Wilshire, right?”
Bruce nods and laughs. “Yeah, I know all about Carl. He’s definitely popular with the ladies.”
I nod. “Yeah, he’s always had a lot of private lessons with female guests.”
My boyfriend throws me a sideways look.
“Well, I think it’s a little more than that.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
Bruce hesitates for a moment. “We have a lot of older ladies who like to visit the golf shop, but they’re looking for a different kind of fun. And Carl sometimes provides the kind of shenanigans they’re after.”
I stare at him.
“Shenanigans, meaning …?”
My boyfriend gives me an even look.
“I think you know what I’m saying, sweetheart. The kind where a condom is necessary.”
I gasp. “But how do you know?”
Bruce sighs. “I don’t talk with Carl, of course. But it’s my job in management to know, and to be honest, everyone knows. He’s a sleazeball and word on the street is that he’s paid for more than one abortion, although of course, those allegations aren’t substantiated.”
I gasp. Is this true? Carl and I dated for a while, so it means that he was likely cheating on me during the entire course of our relationship. Could that be? Maybe Cindy was only the latest in his long string of exploits. But I shake off the thought because it doesn’t matter anymore. Carl is a nitwit and has zero influence on my life. In fact, the best thing he ever did for me was screw Cindy in that theater because it gave me the push I needed to dump him.
I take a trembling breath and then smile at Bruce. “Well, I guess whatever makes him happy.”
My boyfriend looks thoughtful.
“Yes, but how about you, honey?” He lifts my hand to his mouth and brushes a kiss over my knuckles. “Are you happy?”
I beam and nod. “Very much. I love being with you, Bruce, and you know that. This is the life I want, right here, right now.”
“Good,” he smiles. “Because that’s what I want too.”
His admission takes my breath away, and my heart races. Goodness, could it be true? Can the manwhore be ready to settle down, with curvy Jemima James no less? It makes my heart race and my pulse pound, but I’m so happy because this is the man I desire, and it seems he desires me too.
7
Bruce
* * *
As soon as dinner is over, I realize I’m not ready for our date to end. Jemima looks so beautiful in her dress, and I want to show her off a bit before calling it a night. I walk Jemima out to the limo and get us both tucked inside.
“This was really fun,” she murmurs, leaning her head on my shoulder. With my arm around her, I run my fingers up and down the bare skin of her arm and grin when I feel goosebumps break out beneath my touch. “I’m glad you enjoyed it, honey. How would you feel if it wasn’t over yet?”
Her head pops up and she looks at me, a smile slowly spreading across her beautiful features. “What are you thinking?”
Unable to resist, I close the short distance between us and kiss that plush pout. The kiss quickly deepens, and I swipe my tongue between her lips, my whole body going on alert as she moans against me. Her big breasts rise and fall rapidly as our liplock intensifies, and I run my hand up her bare thigh, teasing the soft skin at the edge of her panties.