Chapter 9 Seattle�
EPOV
Biting my lip and bracing my I decide the best way to tell Gideon about the masquerade is to just spit it out. "Ana called me today."
He automatically tenses up like he always does when Ana or Christian are mentioned. Maybe this is a bad idea, I could just not tell him, but then I'd be keeping something from him again and I don't want our relationship to have secrets. "She was inviting us to come to Seattle, for a charity ball."
Sighing Gideon spears me with his eyes. "And I suppose you want to go?"
"I think it would be good. You could meet your nephew and I like Ana and I'd like to spend some time with her and-"
Pulling me towards him he cuts off my ramblings with a kiss. "If you want to go, we'll go. All you have to do is ask."
"You're not going to fight me on it?"
"No, I'm not going to fight you. All I want to do is make you happy and if seeing your friend, who happens to by my sister-in-law does it, then I'll go."
Bemused and not quite sure what to say, so I give him a gentle kiss and whisper "thank you" to him as I lead him to the bedroom to show him just how much I loved him.
Getting up early the next morning I text Ana the good news.
*We're going, we haven't worked out the details yet I'll let you know E*
I didn't have to wait long for her enthusiastic response.
*That's AWESOME E! I can't wait! I'll make sure to have a room ready for you and someone to pick you up from the airport. Just make sure I know all the details k? A*
Uh-oh I forgot to tell him about staying there, I don't think that's going to work for him. After printing out the information on the masquerade I take it to the bedroom to show Gideon.
Lying on black silk sheets, with one arm flung over where I usually sleep he looks like a fallen angel. Deciding it was time for him to wake up I brush a kiss over his lips. As I'm straightening up two bands of steel wrap around me and crush me to him.
Pouting prettily I ask, "were you awake the whole time?"
His voice still rough from sleep he growls, "As soon as you left the bed I started waking up, but I heard you coming back in so I decided to surprise you. You're welcome."
Laughing I pull myself out of his embrace and straddle his hips. "We have some plans to sort out for our trip to Seattle. Christian's offered to let us stay at his house and have a car to pick us up AND to pay for our tickets to the ball."
His lips compressed into a thin line, "Big brother taking control huh? I don't think so. I'll handle all the plans, we'll stay in a hotel and pay for own damn tickets."
Because I know how much control means to him I leave it alone, even though it would probably have been easier to stay there. "So all I have to do is worry about packing for the weekend? Cool!"
"You don't even have to worry about that, I'll have everything taken care of for us. The only thing I want you to worry about it how to take care of this-" he ordered as he ground his cock into my pelvis.
"Yes, sir," I say with a giggle while I get to work.
Two weeks fly by and Gideon won't tell me anything of our plans for our trip to Seattle. Every time I asked he got a secret little smirk on his face. I only found out we were leaving Wednesday night because Mark let it slip, telling me as I left work Wednesday that he would see me Monday. Confused I asked Gideon if he knew anything about it and he told me that we were taking Thursday and Friday off so that we had plenty of time to visit.
I'm so glad that he's decided to hang out with his brother some. I know that they've talked back and forth because Ana had told me that Gideon called to confirm plans. Hopefully, having a nice four day weekend together will help the boys connect.
We head straight to the airstrip where Gideon's private jet is sitting there waiting. Gideon gets out and helps me slide out. Tugging me over the base of the steps leading into the plane he introduces me to the pilot Tom and the co-pilot Roger. "Everything ready for takeoff, Tom?"
"Yes sir! Your bags are stowed and we should be arriving at about 9 PM PST."
"Thanks, Tom. We're ready whenever you are."
"Yes, sir."
After takeoff we take off our seat belts and I curl up in Gideon's lap, "Thank you for agreeing to go."
"I've told you Angel, I would do anything in the world for you. I love you."
Whispering "I love you too," I drift off to sleep knowing I'm protected and cherished.
Minutes later it seems Gideon is shaking me to wake me up. "Wake up Angel; you need to put your seatbelt back on for the landing."
"Don't wanna, you're comfy wanna stay here forever."
His chest rumbled from his chuckle. "You have no idea how happy that makes me Angel. But your safety is a top priority so move your ass."
"Fine, but don't expect me to like it," I grumble as I slide off of him to my seat and stick my tongue out at him. "I've never been to Seattle; can we see the Space Needle from here? I really want to visit that while we're in town."
Gideon gets a weary look on his face. "Um, I kind of have a surprise for you. I hope you like it."
Getting nervous by the way he's acting I'm a little wary of whatever his surprise is. "What is it Gideon?"
Swallowing and looking out the window he replies, "We're not in Seattle, we're in-"
"WHAT? You said that we could go and spend time with Christian and Ana! Why didn't you tell me you changed your mind?"
"I didn't change my mind we'll be heading there late Friday evening. We're in San Diego. I thought it was time I met your dad. He's going to meet us for dinner tomorrow and then we're all going to the zoo Friday morning."
When I just sat there in silence with my jaw opening and closing like a fish he seemed to get even more nervous. "Are you mad at me? I'm sorry; I thought you'd enjoy seeing your dad. I know you miss him, and you call him every Saturday, but maybe you're not ready for me to meet him. If you want I can just hang out at the hotel while you spend some time with him. I'm sure I have some work I can be doin-"
Silencing him by throwing my arms around him and kissing him. I whisper thank you over and over in between pecks. "You brought me to my dad? I can't believe it. Thank you, that means a lot to me."
"You're welcome; I just want you to be happy. If you don't want him to meet me I'll understand."
"I can't wait for him to meet you, I love you."
Slowly his eyes lit up with a childlike grin, "so good surprise?"
"The best surprise ever!"
The hotel was gorgeous! Gideon had gotten us our own beach cottage. Every single thing about it was perfect, and it was right on the beach. Looking at Gideon I raised an eyebrow at him in a silent question. Still grinning like a little boy he answered, "Your dad won't be here until dinner, so I figured we could play on the beach. I've been wanting to see you in a bikini for a while."
"I don't have a bikini, my old one was getting old and I haven't picked up a new suit yet."
"Don't worry, Angel I got it all taken care of."
Shaking my head all I could do was smile at this man who seemed to think of everything.
The next day was spent frolicking in the water, although the suit he had picked out was little more than three tiny blue triangles held together with little bitty strings. It took three tries before Gideon would let me out of the cottage before he finally decided not to jump me and fuck me senseless.
Lying back in the sun, I watch him play volleyball with some random college kids. I'm so proud of the way he seems to be kicking the younger men's ass. I almost never get to see this carefree side of him, I wish he could relax more often, but running a multibillion dollar company is stressful. Closing my eyes I melt underneath the sun's warm rays.
The next thing I know, I feel like I'm floating, a gentle rocking that rouses me from my sleep. Opening my eyes I'm staring at Gideon's cerulean eyes and realize he's carrying me. "Hi," I murmur quietly.
"Hi, Angel. I guess you got bored watching me play volleyball?"
"Nope, I could watch that all day. Watching you get all sweaty, the sun did me in, plus all our early exercise in the cottage."
"Well, don't worry I'll help you wake up," and before I could do anything but register the mischievous twinkle in his eyes, he dropped me into the ocean.
Coming up sputtering and spitting out saltwater, I glared at him. "You think you're so clever don't you?"
"I like to think I'm brilliant. I'm sorry but I just couldn't res-" The rest of his words are cut off by the water closing in over his head as I sweep my leg underneath his and knock him on his ass in the water. Quickly, running to the beach while he's still trying to get his bearings, I grab my towel and run to the cottage. I can hear Gideon shouting profanities as he's chasing behind me. Coming up to the door to the cottage I let him catch me and take me into the room to help me out of me swimsuit and into the shower.
As we leave the hotel for I notice Gideon's fingers tapping and jiggling his leg. "Are you ok?" I ask him filled with concern. I've never known Gideon to fidget before.
His, "I'm fine," is clipped, it's almost like he's mad about something. I can't figure out what it could be though. After the beach we spent hours exploring each other's bodies, only stopping when it was time to start getting ready for dinner. He had grown quieter and quieter. What could possibly be wrong? Did I do something to upset him? I can't think of anything. Racking my brain, realization dawns on me. With a grin spreading slowly over my face, I turn to face Gideon. "You're scared of meeting my father!"
"I'm not scared, I'm merely nervous as any man in his right mind would be when meeting the father of the woman he loves and has sex with frequently. Added to that is the fact that your father is a cop; definitely a reason to be nervous in my book."
I leaned over and gently kissed his cheek. "My father is going to love you no matter what. I promise."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because we love each other and you do everything you can to make me happy. That's all that's going to matter to him."
Within minutes we're at the restaurant, and I see my dad standing outside the door. In my rush to get to him I don't even wait for the valet to open the door, choosing instead to hop out of the car as soon as it's stopped.
I threw myself into my father's arms, "DADDY!"
"Kiddo, how you doin?" I could hear the laughter at my display in my father's voice, but I couldn't help it I was just so excited to see him.
"I'm good; I've missed you so much! How are you doing? How are things at work?"
"I'm fine baby, and we'll get into all that later why don't you introduce me."
I look around and see Gideon standing slightly back, waves of nervousness pouring off his body. I grab his hand and pull him close to me. "Daddy this is Gideon Cross, Gideon this is my father Victor Reyes."
"Nice to finally meet you Mr. Reyes. I've heard a lot about you from Eva. You did a very good job raising her, she's an amazing woman."
My dad stretched out his hand and shook Gideon's' "Please call me Victor. So you're the man that stole my little girl's heart? I hope you're good enough for her."
"DADDY, you can't jus-"
"Eva, it's ok. Victor I hope I am too. But I doubt anybody could actually be good enough."
I looked at Gideon and just shook my head. "The feeling is mutual."
My father just looked back and forth between the both of us and grinned. "Good answer, Gideon."
Gideon was quiet during dinner, choosing to let me and dad catch up. Dad still couldn't believe I was dating a billionaire, and admonished me for lying about it when he had originally asked, so I had to tell him that at the time he asked we weren't technically dating. Gideon got a dark look on his face at that, "We were always dating, you just didn't realize it. That was my fault and I apologize."
Dad seemed curious about that, you can't be a cop for 20 years without knowing when there's a story somewhere, but he didn't say anything instead choosing to let me handle things on my own.
While we were waiting for dessert Gideon's phone rang, "excuse me, I have to take this call." He got up and left with a quick wink at me to let me know he had arranged it to give my father and me some time alone. It reminded me why I love him. He always thinks of the little details.
"So Eva, since we have a second alone, how are things going with you and Mr. Moneybags?"
"Daddy," I scold gently. "I love him. He's everything to me. I can't imagine life without him. I know that seems early and drastic, but I can't help it. I love him."
"I know you do baby, I can see it in your eyes. I can even see it in his, although I wish I couldn't. In my eyes you're still six years old with your hair in pig tails. I wish you still were sometimes. I miss you, Eva."
"I miss you too," I whisper as my eyes start to mist up. "I love you and I'll always be your little girl. I promise."
"Ok, well at least I know he can afford your crazy tastes in shoes," and with that the serious part of the conversation was over. Gideon came back to us arguing about the cost of shoes versus the quality.
After we ate dessert we got up and with a last hug from my father, he and Gideon shook hands and decided to meet at the zoo at 10, right when they open Friday.
In the car I kiss Gideon and thank him again for how wonderful he was with everything. With a wary look in his eyes he asks, "Do you think he liked me?"
"Mr. Cross, he loved you." Relief floods his eyes and his whole body relaxes as he murmurs and soft, "good."
The zoo has always been one of my favorite places in San Diego. We were there right as they opened. The three of us wandering and looking at all the animals. I loved it. Gideon and my father chatted about different things and found how much they had in common. Both liking to fish and they played the same sports in school. Bantering jokingly about which football team was the best. They even got in to a heated debate as to who should win the World Series. While they were arguing I wandered off to get me a snow cone. They barely looked up as I told them where I was going.
The line was long, but I really wanted one. I could just see them standing by the monkey cages from where I stood in line. My men, my dad who had always cared for me and made sure I knew I was the best thing in his life and my boyfriend, the man I loved more than anything and who loved me. My life had never felt fuller.
Just as I got to the front of the line I noticed that their body language had changed. Gideon was back to looking nervous and kept shooting me odd, furtive glances while he talked rapidly to my father. Dad also kept looking at me. I sighed obviously they were off baseball and on to talking about me. That should be interesting. Grabbing my snow cone I walked back towards them just as they shook hands and stepped apart. Gideon turns to look at me and my breath is taken away by the huge smile plastered on his face.
"Hi, Angel."
"Hey, what were the two of you talking about while I was gone?"
"Oh nothing, just baseball. You know how men are when they get together."
"Uh-huh. You know I don't buy that right?"
"Yep, I know"
The rest of the day passed in a blur. I couldn't get an answer out of either of them about what they had been talking about. All either of them would say when I asked, was baseball. I figured my dad had probably threatened Gideon and since I could understand them not wanting to tell me that I let it go.
Parting from my dad was hard, but he promised to come up to New York before too long and take me out to eat and let me show him my town. Hugging him I whisper, "take care of yourself dad, I love you."
"I love you too, baby. You got a good man there." Reaching over to shake Gideon's hand he leaned in and said, "take care of my little girl, son. She's the only one I got."
"I will, sir. Thank you."
Before I knew it we were on the flight to Seattle and I was asleep again.
