“I swear, once this phase is over, we’ll revisit this.”
She stands, hands behind her back, suddenly cold. “Thank you, sir,” she says stiffly.
When Pete returns, he says, “Did you shoot her down?”
“She told you she was going for the promotion?”
“She’s been talking too much,” he says. “Bragging about the promotion before she even got it. I told her to calm down. Not to jump the gun. But…” He sighs.
“We’ll make it right,” I say firmly. “Elena’s been with us for almost five years. She knows we value her.”
Pete nods.
“What did you want, anyway?” I ask.
“Just—be careful.”
I laugh awkwardly. “What?”
“I’ve known you for a long time, Jack. You’re acting differently lately. More like the early days. Reckless.”
“Imaginative and daring is how I’d phrase it, but potato, tomato.”
He laughs darkly. “Is something happening with this streamer?”
“This meeting’s over,” I cut his line of questions short. “The fuck you thinking, Pete, asking me about my personal life?”
He stands, hands raised. “My job is to handle the media. But there’s only so much I can do.” Translation: if they catch me red-handed, giving special treatment to a streamer I want more than I want air, I’m screwed.
I say nothing. Wait for him to leave. Wishing he were wrong. Knowing he’s right.
CHAPTER 11
DAKOTA
When I wake, I check my phone to see if Jack has messaged me again. Almost three days without contact has me feeling like somebody going through withdrawal. After the digital intimacy in the Cove, the ghosting felt like a real one-night stand, which has never been my thing.
There are no new messages, but his old one sits there. Asking me how I’ve been. Calling me attractive. My mind keeps going back to the Cove, my elf and his goblin in bed together, those sizzling words filling the screen and flooding my body with waves of heat.
In the shower—not once, but twice—I could not resist the urge to guide the shower head between my legs. I put the pressure on high and lean against the wall, imagining Jack’s body pressed against mine. Breathing hot in my ear, telling me all the sexy things in real life that he typed in the game.
Both times, I’ve felt silly and a little dangerous, as though I crossed a line I swore I wouldn’t. But it feels so good. Soright.
This morning, I shoot a message back.
DakkyDuck: Sorry for the late reply, Jack. Streaming is going well. That’s great to hear about the Cove. I can’t wait to see more of the role-playing stuff! I hope you’re not working too hard. All the best!
After clicking send, I overanalyze the message.All the best?What is this, a corporate email?
I get changed and head to the gym. I’ve been trying to work out more lately, not for cosmetic reasons, but for general health. I don’t enjoy it when I’m doing it, but after, I normally feel pretty great. Today, as I’m leaving in my leggings and a tank top, drenched in sweat, a guy approaches me.
I’ve seen him a few times before. My age. Muscular. Tribal tattoos decorating his arms. Mara thinks he’s hot, but he’s not really my type. Whatismy type? Does he have to be called Jackson Cross and be the CEO of my favorite video game? Maybe.
“Uh, hi,” the man says.
“Hello,” I reply politely.
“Don’t want to be too forward, but I was wondering if I could get your number?” His cheeks redden slightly. “I think you’re beautiful and I’d love to get to know you more.”