Take My Body (Curse Bound 2)

Gunner nodded. “Am I getting paid for the overtime then?”

The joke fell flat and Gunner cringed when Thomas cleared his throat.

“No, but I talked with John about starting you on the job as early as next week, so—oh, look, he’s coming over,” Thomas pointed out a graying man in a sharp navy blue suit. But Gunner was still processing what he’d just heard.

What?

What?

The older gentleman’s gaze met his, and a small smile stretched his mouth, which seemed pale in contrast with his tanned skin. He looked as if he’d gotten back from a vacation in Florida very recently.

“Ah, Caspian,” he said, putting a small plate on the edge of the large table housing the chocolate fountain and a buffet of foods to dunk in the dark liquid cascading down the tiers. “Your Dad said you’ve really grown up while in college, but I now see what he meant. It’s been years since I’ve last seen you!”

Gunner forced a smile on his face, and he sweated bullets as Thomas’s words jiggled in his empty skull, creating an echo. Next week? He was supposed to start work as an accountant next week? He could probably bluff for a few days, but that shit could only last so long. Would anyone believe him if he faked a concussion and claimed it caused brain damage that irreversibly erased his college education?

Caspian would have killed him.

He shook John’s hand, clinging to the present. “I’m pleased to meet you, sir. I’m looking forward to a summer vacation. Those final exams really tired me out.”

John stalled with his warm hand in Gunner’s, but then chuckled and let go after a brief squeeze. “Your son shares your sense of humor, Thomas.”

Gunner froze when his fake dad’s fingers dug into the flesh on his back in warning, but there was no anger to Thomas’s tone when he spoke.

“Caspian can’t wait to start.”

A familiar voice cut into their conversation, and Gunner’s blood froze when he realized that it was Alexander. The fucking menace who’d put him in children’s clothes and called it fashion!

The bastard came closer and offered his hand to John, looking as stylish as he had been when they’d last met. “Mr. Sadler? I thought that was your car in the driveway. I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I just had to come over and ask where you got the interior upholstered. I need to update mine, and I’m looking for a good shop.”

John smiled, and all his attention shifted to the damn party crasher, who very obviously came over to make Gunner’s life more difficult! Since the shopping fiasco Gunner had learned all about Alexander and his frenemy status in Caspian’s life. Gunner didn’t know why Caspian bothered with passive aggression. If he slashed Alex’s tires once, the fucker would be out of his hair forever.

“Ah, I know a guy in Pittsburgh, who specializes in customization. They make their own patterns and colors, and it’s always flawless work.”

For Gunner, cars had always been about their utilitarian use, even though he could do basic upkeep. Driving the vintage Southfield, a one-of-a-kind vehicle Caspian had apparently purchased from someone selling his late grandfather’s belongings, was a whole different ballgame. That car turned heads.

Gunner didn’t care about its value as a collectible, but what counted was that Alexander had been jealous of the unique car since Caspian had restored it.

“I’d love to get their number,” Alexander said.

Gunner smiled stiffly, unsure where to go with this, but John went on.

“Tell me, Alexander, did you take the summer off after graduating?”

Alexander shook his head and pushed his fingers through his tidy blond waves. “No, why would I? Graduating means you’re ready. Isn’t everyone revving to get into things once they’re done with education?”

Caspian wished he could squish his fucking face like an overripe peach. “Yeah, but, you gotta live a little too.”

“You don’t sound very excited,” John said with a dry chuckle, and his gaze darted to Thomas, who stood next to Caspian, stiff as a statue.

“It’s just performance anxiety. He’s afraid he’ll disappoint me, but I know he’s talented, and intelligent, and has a stellar work ethic,” Thomas said.

John nodded. “I understand, but you’ll be fine, Caspian. My niece joined the team last month and already feels right at home.”

“You’ll be working closely with me at first, so you can get acquainted with our procedures and how we work with other branches,” Thomas said in a reassuring tone that, unfortunately, didn’t calm Gunner down in the slightest.

Alexander nudged Gunner with his elbow. “I bet Caspian’s ready to mingle with everyone.”

John laughed. “Well, my niece is a lesbian, so that kind of mingling is off the table.”

Gunner gave a startled chuckle. This was a piece of information he needed to pass to Caspian. Maybe he wouldn’t have to worry about coming out if the company when it already employed a gay woman.