Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

DARIO

Madden throws an arm over my shoulders. "Why was Gemma crying?" The words snap my head up. "What?"

Madden winces. "She was crying when she got into her car."

Sighing, I admit, "She asked me about last night. Accused me of going from her to that chick at the club."

"Shit." Pause. "You did end up with that chick at the club, though."

"I didn't take her back to the hotel. At least I don't think I did."

"You didn't. She gave you a blowjob in the restroom."

"I really fucked up."

"You told me last night that everything with Gemma was hopeless. That's why you got drunk. That's why I didn't step in when Naomi showed up." I swallow hard, my eyes getting misty. "I'm in love with her."

"Naomi?!"

"Gemma, you fuckwit!" I shove him. "How the hell is she going to forgive me?"

"You could try telling her the truth."

"I have to get rid of this hangover first."

"Come on, we'll get some sleep and come up with a game plan."

Not only had I woken pain free, but I had a plan on how to talk to Gemma. I'll admit to anyone that I'd been an asshole the night before. I'd loved talking to Gemma by the hotel pool even though it had been brief. Then as I'd headed back to the room, Madden had been getting dressed to go and meet up with Bradford at the club. I shouldn't have gone. It had been too tempting though. Part of me knew there really wasn't much to screw up with Gemma because of our contracts.

So, why am I sitting outside of Gemma's apartment building with the intention of apologizing for my shitty behavior? It's something that I'm not used to doing.

Getting out of the sun, I step into the foyer and notice the building isn't secure. The inner doors and elevator look to be. You must have an access pass if you want to go up to an apartment.

I lift the phone by the elevator and press the button for Gemma's apartment.

Her quiet voice answers. My heart thumps. "Gemma, it's Dario. Can I come up? Please. I need to explain."

"I know all about the birds and the bees, Dario."

I grin at the cheeky response. "Let me up so we can have this conversation in private. I don't think you would want a neighbor listening."

"Ugh! Stairs or elevator?"

"Elevator, babe."

She hangs up and I hear the mechanics of the elevator start up. Five minutes later, I step out on to her floor. She waits in the doorway to her apartment looking gorgeous. Hair down around her shoulders and sweats and a tee on her curvy frame.

My eyes rove over the woman and I notice she does some looking of her own.

Inside the apartment has colorful decoration and it's so Gemma.

"Do you want something to drink? Coffee, water, or soda?"

"Coffee would be good." I can't take my eyes off her as she moves about her small kitchen. I scrub a hand over my face wondering why I went and screwed up the night before. In the light of day, my recollection of the night before has come back to me. With relief I did not have sex with the girl. She didn't even blow me. The fact that I couldn't get hard for her, saved me. I was a dick though because the intention had been there.

Gemma passes me the freshly brewed coffee and then sits in the window seat. I sit on the sofa. She doesn't look my way until I say, "I'm sorry."

She swallows hard and gives me her gorgeous eyes. "I had no right getting hurt by you going off like that. We're not dating. You don't owe me anything. It's none of my business."

The brief sight of hurt in her gaze, tells me otherwise. "I didn't fuck her, Gemma. Honestly," I close my eyes and admit, "she did try to, um, blow me, but that didn't work out." I'm tempted to press the palms of my hands against my heated cheeks. "I was upset after leaving you because it's you I wanted." I place the coffee cup down and go on, "It all got on top of me, so I went out with Madden and shit happened. I'm sorry. I was an asshole."

"Let's just forget it, Dario. We're both free to be with who we want." She shrugs. "It's just one of those things."

"Damn!" I move to stand in front of the window beside where she sits. "It's one of those things that I don't want to be one of those things. I want you, Gemma!" I fist my hands, so I don't reach for her. "I only want you, but if I go after what I want, one or both of us will lose our jobs!" I wince. "Maybe you because my contract is difficult to get out of. I don't want that, but I can't stay away either."

"I don't know why you're here. It would have been easier for me if you let me believe you were just passing time with me."

"Oh, sweetheart," I go to my knees in front of her and take her hands. "I can't have you hurt, and I hurt you." I brush a kiss across her knuckles. "Can we be friends. Maybe have coffee sometimes. Chat."

Her eyes search mine. "I'm not good at that, but I appreciate you telling me what happened."

Sadness seeps into me at the brush off. "Gemma," I say softly.

"I can't Dario. It will hurt too much. I'm sorry."

Swallowing around the lump lodged in my throat, I head toward the door without another word. I frown though as I spot a slip of paper that has been shoved under the door. "You have a note," I shout over my shoulder, and sense her behind me.

I pick the note up and pass it to her.

All color drains from her face when she opens it up.

"Gemma?" I cup her hands that hold the note and read it.

Are you a puck bunny now? Slut!

I quickly turn and open the door. No one is around. "It wasn't there when I arrived. Are there cameras out in the hallways or foyer?"

"Foyer." She swallows hard. "Dario." Her watery eyes land on my face.

"Hey!" I go on instinct and tug her into my arms. "Don't worry about this." I brush a kiss atop her head.

Gemma doesn't stay where I want her though as she pushes out of my arms and shakes her head. "Who would send something like this? And of course I'm going to worry. This is creepy. Someone obviously saw you here."

She is right about that. "Gemma, have you had any other messages?'

"You mean someone calling me a slut?" She hisses.

"Back up," I wave my hands in front of her face. "I'm trying to help."

Inhaling, she huffs out a breath. "I know. I'm sorry. This is the only creepy note I've received."

"We need to call Rosie and get Dodge involved."

She shakes her head. "No. It might be a one off."

I frown. "You don't really believe that."

"I want to." She pulls herself together. "I'll be fine."

I narrow my gaze. "Are you kicking me out?" Exasperated, she urges me toward the door.

"You were already leaving."

"But—"

"Dario! I'm okay. Thanks for visiting."

She is. She's kicking me out. "Gemma, I don't think me leaving is a good idea."

"Yes, well, I'd like to be alone. Please leave."

I bite back the words on the tip of my tongue. "I'll go as long as you tell me if anything else happens."

I eye her and notice the nod. "Okay."

I hate leaving her after that creepy note, but I do because it's what she asked. The last thing I want to do is force myself on her. Doesn't mean I'm not going to talk to the security people who installed the cameras. I make a note of the firm once in the lobby and make the call.

Ten minutes later I'm angry. The cameras are only a deterrent. Never been connected.