Game All Night Read online

  “Uh, no. Sorry, Jerry,” I start backing away from the desk and walk backwards towards the elevators. He nods like he wants to call my bluff, “Nope. You’re wrong, my friend. You should stick to the day job.”

  Chuckling, he says, “Okay, whatever, funny girl.”

  Shaking off the comment, I step into the waiting elevator. Once the door slides closed, I press the button to the sixth floor. Really, I wouldn’t be surprised if Dex Roberts owns this whole building. He and Morgan live on the seventh floor in a spacious, swanky apartment while Bernie lives down on the fourth, in a one bedroom. Link and Simon live in a three bedroom on the fifth floor, their two other teammates, Chuck and Ben live together down the hall. Their “office” is located on the sixth floor: the Game Room, they call it. It’s where the team spends most of their days and some of their nights. They train here, and they also host live streaming events sometimes. This is where Link told me to meet him this evening for our old-school gaming session.

  The elevator beeps and I pop out ready to finally tell someone my awesome news.

  I walk down the hall toward apartment 612. I knock and wait. I feel my phone vibrate from inside my pocket, but I don’t bother digging it out when the door swings open. There, at a little over six feet tall, stands one of the most attractive men I’ve ever seen, but I’ll never tell him that. He’s built like he works out every day, which I’m almost sure he does since the Game Room has a small area in the back with some workout equipment and weight machines. His thick, almost black hair is always tousled in that way that looks like some “she” can’t keep her fingers out of it.

  He’s sporting an unshaven look, and his big brown eyes are full of mirth when I meet his gaze.

  “Jacobs, you made it!” He steps to the side as I walk in past him.

  “Witt,” I mutter, a little annoyed he just caught me checking him out.

  “So, tell me about this news you have to share with me.”

  “I got a promotion!”

  “What?! That’s awesome Rubes!” Smiling, he lifts his right hand for a high-five. As I return the gesture, I add, “Yeah, I know! I’m the new brand manager for the gaming division.” As happiness dances in his eyes, I realize our high five has turned to hand squeezing, and I’m pretty sure he hasn’t noticed it.

  “Well it’s about time they realize you’re far better suited for greater things than quiz creation. Even though I really enjoyed that ‘What Game of Thrones character is your soulmate based on your Harry Potter Patronus’. That one was intense.” I just laugh because really, most of those quizzes suck donkey balls but people eat them up.

  “All right you, new job hug! Bring it in.” He yanks me gently to him, our clasped hands stuck between us as he wraps his other arm around my shoulders. Into my hair he says, “You are going to kick ass and take names.” I relax into him and try to control the sigh that leaves my mouth from sounding too dreamy. But it feels good to hear someone else say that I’m going to be great at this. It also feels good to be wrapped in his arms. And shit. What is happening?

  Oh, but he smells so good …

  Oh my god, Ruby.

  I take a normal-sized step away from him, because I’m trying not to make this a big deal. I drop his hand but he doesn’t notice, he just seems genuinely happy and excited for me. “Thank you for saying that. Some of my co-workers might disagree.” Running my hands down my shirt, I walk around him to the small circular end table next to the leather couch and drop my purse on to it.

  “Well, you know, whenever you need help or any industry insight, I’m your guy,” he offers, and plops down in the middle of the couch, stretching his arms over the back of the couch. I fight not to roll my eyes.

  “So, you mean you’ll be my gaming guy? My inside man for all things gaming?” I play along.

  “You bet, baby! I’m your man!” This time I can’t help it, I do roll my eyes.

  “Ah, but I already have a man, so …” I look down as I dig for my phone.

  He just grunts, and I assume he rolls his eyes, as that’s what he usually does when I mention Mason.

  “What did your sports guy have to say about the new job?” he asks.

  “He said …” and that’s when I realize that I haven’t told him yet.

  “He said what?”

  I finally snag my phone from the bottom of the purse and see a couple texts from the man in question.

  Mason: Hey, are you free tonight?

  Mason: I know it’s late notice, but I need to blow off some steam.

  Me: Hey! Unfortunately, I’m not free tonight. But I’ve got great news!

  As I’m typing out my news, the three bouncing dots pop up.

  Mason: Come on. Whatever you’ve got planned cannot be as important as the big O.

  Ugh. Really?

  Me: Sorry, but I’m helping Link with a YouTube video and then I’ve got dinner and drinks with the girls tonight.

  Several seconds go by and those three little dots appear and then disappear. He’s not a fan of Link, so I’ve probably just annoyed him. But I hate canceling plans, the last thing I want to be is a flaky friend. And he never just springs dates on me. He is very scheduled. So, he must be super horny or something.

  Mason: So what’s your news?

  Okay, so he’s going to change the subject. That’s fine with me.

  Me: I got a promotion! I’m the new brand manager for the gaming division!

  Mason: Hey that’s cool. Congrats.

  Really? That’s it?

  Me: Yeah, it’s pretty awesome. I’m really excited.

  Mason: Yeah, for sure.

  “So, uh, do you want some privacy there? Based on the look on your face I’m thinking whoever you’re conversing with isn’t your favorite person right now,” Link says from the couch.

  “Oh yeah, no, it’s fine. It’s fine.” I shove my phone back into my purse and take a seat next to him.

  “So, what are we filming tonight?”

  Link’s eyebrow lifts and a cocky smile slides into place and oh, shit… I’m replaying what I just said back in my head.

  “Well, baby, I’m thinking we should do something extra kinky to celebrate your big news.”

  “Argh, Link, you’re slime. That is not what I meant, and you know it.” Needing to look the other way, I reach out and push him and his suggestive eyebrows out of my face.

  Deep, rumbling laughs pour out of him and while it’s a sound I love to hear, I’m annoyed it’s at my own expense.

  “I can leave.” I go to stand when his fingers circle my wrist, he gently pulls my arm back toward him until I’m sitting down again.

  “You set yourself up for that one, Rubes. But anyway, I took a poll and the fans want the next game I cover to be Bomberman. So, let me set up the video, record my intro and then we can start playing. I’ll record our voices as we play so we can provide commentary. Remember, tips and tricks are key.”

  He stands to set up the system. The guys have everything they need to play a team game of Call of Battle. They also have everything necessary to live stream and record whenever they need to. Normally, Link does his video thing in his room below, but he mentioned something about a new gadget Bernie installed on their system up here that he wants to use. Hell, I don’t know, I just pretend to follow what the heck they say when they are talking about hardware and software and live-streaming and voice-over stuff.

  “So, at what point can I stop holding back and just kick your ass while we play? After two or five rounds?” I toss out there.

  He’s facing the TV screen but stills at my comment. He slowly looks at me over his shoulder and says suggestively, “You can try holding back, but it’s probably going to take more than a few rounds.” And then he winks.

  I can’t help it, I burst out laughing.

  Chapter Three

  Ruby

  A couple of hours later, after thoroughly wiping the floor with Link in Bomberman, while making it look difficult, I swing by Bernie's apartment
downstairs and we head over to our favorite hangout. The Bar is a little hole-in-the-wall halfway between the gamers’ apartment and where Gia and I live. When we first met the gamers, Gia and Morgan were roomies but now Gia and I live in a different unit in the same building. It’s only a brisk 15-minute walk between The Bar and both apartments. On the walk, Bernie asks me about the new gaming division at work. I talk about my new job and I share some ideas I have on utilizing the team for a new series.

  As we arrive at The Bar, we see Gia is already waiting. Walking over to the high four-top table, we sit and only have to wait a few seconds before one of the regular servers stops by for our drink and food order.

  “Morgan is never late,” I mention.

  “Yeah, I’m guessing she is late on purpose.” Gia gives us a meaningful look.

  “Oh, like maybe because she has something to show us?” I conspire. Because we all know Dex is planning on asking her to marry him. Simon and Link both might have accidentally let it slip that it was on Dex’s mind. And so, when Simon opened his trap to Gia, and after Link filled me in on “office gossip”, of course we all had to talk to each other about it.

  “Hey, there she is,” chirps Bernie. We all turn to look at Morgan walking toward us, and I know we are all trying to search her hand for a ring. But she’s sly like that and is conveniently digging for something in her purse. She walks all the way to the table and scoots into the chair without ever taking her hand out of her purse.

  “You’re late.” Gia pouts.

  “Yeah, sorry about that. I wanted you all to be here before me because I have some news.” She’s smiling brighter than the sun right now and I instantly know we were right.

  “Let me see it!” I clap, bouncing in my seat. I can’t help it, when I’m excited, I get bouncy.

  Out comes her hand with a big ol’ shiny solitaire diamond ring.

  I’m ooohing and Bernie is aahing and Gia can’t help herself either.

  “Holy shit, that’s a big fucker.”

  “Gia!” Morgan scolds but can’t help laughing.

  “No really, Mo, that thing is huge. How big is it?”

  “Stop it, it’s only two carats. It’s not that big. You just aren’t used to seeing anything on my finger, and it’s dainty, so anything would look huge on it,” she claims.

  “I’m pretty sure I could make a joke about your dainty fingers and Dex looking huge, but I won’t because I’m a lady.” Bernie laughs and snags Morgan’s hand out of mine to better inspect her new bling.

  The ring is perfectly Morgan. It might be on the big side, but it’s simple and elegant. Dex really does know his girl.

  “So, I assume this happened last night? We need the deets. So, start spilling while we wait for our food,” I tell her.

  Morgan launches into the details of last night. How Dex took her to the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum and while they were walking around and admiring the grounds, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. She tells us that there were enough other people around to make it a scene. She continues on, telling us she cried and people clapped when she said yes.

  “Dex cried too, didn’t he? Please tell me he cried,” Bernie begs.

  “I will neither confirm nor deny he cried or not.” Morgan says while nodding her head in confirmation and laughing. We all laugh as our food is placed on the table in front of us.

  “So, do you have a date picked out?”

  “Do you know where you are going to have it?”

  “Have you told your dad?”

  “Can we plan an engagement party?”

  We all fire questions at Morgan while she shoves a mozzarella stick in her mouth. She places her finger up in front of her to signal us to give her a moment.

  “All right, fine, swallow first,” I offer.

  “That’s what he said,” Bernie mutters.

  “Nice one, Bern.” I fist bump her.

  Laughing, Gia says, “Dang girl, it’s like you hang out with a bunch of teenage boys all day. Control yourself.”

  “At least I’m not in love with said teenage boys,” Bernie counters.

  Gia squints across the table at her, “Fair point.” Then turns to her own fried pickles.

  Morgan tries to answer all our questions in the order that they were fired at her.

  “No, but we are thinking February. I have my heart set on Adler. I called my dad this morning, but he already knew since Dex asked for his permission. He even called my dad yesterday morning to let him know that he was going to ask me that night.”

  And finally, the most important answer, “Yes, you can totally plan an engagement party!

  “Actually, I wanted to ask you guys. I’m gonna need some bridesmaids and I don’t know anyone else better suited for the job than the three of you.” Morgan grins.

  I’m bouncing again, Bernie is squealing while Gia is just laughing at all of us.

  “I take it as a yes.” Morgan giggles.

  We go on and on with the wedding talk and I can’t help but feel a little left out. Morgan is getting married. Gia is desperately in love with Simon and has been since they were kids. While Bernie isn’t in a relationship, she’s got a killer crush on Dex’s older brother Wade. For the first time in, well, forever, I feel like I’m missing out. Sure, I date all the time. And I’ve been dating Mason for nearly a year, but it isn’t anything serious. Hell, he wasn’t even the first person I wanted to tell about my new job.

  I’ll be twenty-five next month, maybe it’s time I start getting serious about finding “the one.”

  I’ve always seen myself getting married, having a family, with kids and a dog. I’ve always wanted that, but I’ve really just spent my twenties so far just trying to have fun while working hard. I’ve dated a lot, and I’ve had a blast, but maybe now it’s time I start to focus on my future, specifically where my love life is concerned.

  I mean, two of my three besties are practically married.

  I need to find “the one”.

  Maybe, I’ve already found the one? What if Mason is the one I’m meant to be with? I mean, yeah, the sex is great and he’s very attractive. I do enjoy being around him and spending time with him, but do we really have what it takes? You know, for a long-lasting, sweet and loving relationship? I really don’t know.

  Instead of mulling this over alone in my head, I utilize the minds gathered around the table.

  “So, I think it’s time for me to take it to the next level with Mason.”

  That garners interested looks as well as some excitement from my tablemates.

  “About time,” Gia mutters.

  I shoot a glare her way. “What she means to say, is that’s great, Rube, I’ve been wanting to meet him.”

  I can see it in Morgan’s eyes that she’s still a little hurt that I haven’t introduced her to Mason yet.

  “Mo, I’ve told you this a hundred times —”

  “Yeah, because you’ve been dating him long enough for her to ask a hundred times.” Gia doesn’t look at all sheepish for that comment.

  Morgan seems to kick Gia under the table and receives a glare from both of us.

  “I’ve told you all that I just didn’t want to bring another person into our group unless I knew I was serious about him,” I defend my reasoning.

  Bernie asks, “So are you serious about him?”

  “I think so?” My response comes out as a question as I turn to answer her.

  Gia just chuckles. Bernie looks concerned and Mo looks sad.

  “Explain the uncertainty,” Bernie replies.

  “Well to be honest, I think I’ve kinda kept him at arm’s length this whole time. Like we’ve kinda just been in that dating stage where we don’t really get too deep. I feel like it takes a certain amount of trust in someone before you can start to really open up. And while it’s not so much a question of me trusting Mason, it’s more like we’ve just stayed at a very basic level of dating.”

  “Okay, that makes sense … kind
of.” Bernie bites at her lip.

  “Oh! Like an onion!” We all look at Morgan with confused looks.

  “What?” we ask collectively.

  “You know the saying, people are like onions? They have several layers? Well, relationships are like onions too. You and Mason have only pulled back the first few layers and haven’t gone any further.” I think about that for a few seconds and realize that it makes a lot more sense than what I was trying to say.

  “Yes. Exactly that.” I nod.

  “Except, you guys have sex. And I would think that sex is a layer that takes a bit of time to get to,” Gia adds.

  “But, with some relationships, sex is the first layer of the onion. Granted, those couples don’t always make it through the rest of the layer peeling, but sometimes they do,” Bernie counters.

  I liked the onion analogy, but things are getting weird now.

  “Okay, so every relationship is different. So, Ruby’s onion has layers in a different order.” Morgan defends me and my onion.

  “Oh, so onions are like snowflakes? No two onions are the same?” Bernie asks thoughtfully.

  “Oh my god, can we please stop talking about onions?” I cover my face with my hands as I lean my elbows on the table.

  “That escalated quickly,” Gia mutters.

  Morgan laughs and says, “Okay, we get what you are saying, Rube. We understand. So, to get back on point —”

  “You’re ready to peel back the next layer?” Laughing, Bernie says, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it. The onion analogy just didn’t feel like it was complete yet.”

  And then we laugh. We laugh a lot when we are together and it’s the best feeling. I love being around people who get me — who get my humor and know how to make me laugh.

  “Okay, so when do we get to meet him?” Gia asks. She’s actually met him already, but it was only in passing, so it didn’t count as an official introduction. Mason and I usually meet at whatever place we are going to. Or sometimes he waits for me in his car so he doesn’t have to find a parking spot and pay for a meter. Which makes for quick hellos and goodbyes.