As I walked back to The Vig, I couldn’t stop smiling. This morning was nothing I ever anticipated, or ever thought I would enjoy, and yet I did. All of it. Waking up with Gem pressed against me. Coffee and breakfast. Gemma dancing and singing. Flirting. I know when a woman is flirting with me and, whether it was intentional on her part or not, she was definitely flirting with me. It was an innocent type of flirting that was so different from what I was used to, but somehow that made it even better.

I approached my Beemer in the nearly empty parking lot and saw Gemma’s SUV sitting across the way. I forgot she left it here too. I shot off a quick text to her. It took her a few minutes to respond but, big girl that she is, she already had it all figured out. I hopped in the car and pulled out of the lot.

She doesn’t always need you to be her knight in shining armor. You just like being her knight. Ha, I thought to myself. You’d be more like her dark knight than one in shining armor. You’d destroy her. She is your friend. She is only your friend. I had told myself these last five words repeatedly for years.

When I first started to notice the opposite sex, like really notice them, I had no clue how to approach her. I thought she was beautiful, but I had no clue how to transition from friend to more. I had always had a secret thing for Gemma and I walked around sporting a boner bungee literally for years. Through most of high school, she dated the captain of the football team and was off limits because that alone would’ve gotten my ass kicked. I was into sports, but I didn’t want to face-off with the entire football team. I was no wimp though. I had to work out on a regular basis because I played baseball and I wrestled. All that working out had paid off when I found her at that party our senior year.

My thoughts were cut short by my ringtone alerting me to my father’s call. I loved him, and was more than happy to help, but his micromanaging was going to be the death of me. I hit the button on my steering wheel to connect the call. “Hello, Father.”

“Good morning, Bastian. I’m following up to see if you got everything handled with the caterer for me. I don’t want there to be any extra surprises tonight.” His voice was deep and patronizing.

I took a deep breath before answering. “Yes, Father. I told you I would handle it,” I couldn’t help it if my voice sounded clipped and was verging on annoyed.

“Wonderful, I knew I could count on you,” I could hear the pride coming through the line.

Then why do you keep riding me? “Yes, and you know you always can.” I got ready to press the button to sign off, when his voice came through once more.

“What time should I expect you again?” Was he getting senile in his old age? He was only 50, so surely that wasn’t the case.

“I told you I’ll be there around 6:00pm. I won’t be alone though, I’m bringing Gemma with me,” I paused waiting for his reaction.

“Wonderful! It’s been far too long since you’ve brought that amazing young woman around. I always said she would be one for you to grab hold of and never let go. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time together.” I could hear his uncontained joy coming through the line.

“We’re just friends, Father. But I’m sure we will have a great time. We always do. Anyways, I’m pulling up to the penthouse, I’ll see you tonight.” My finger hovered over the disconnect.

“See you soon. Thanks again, son.” I heard my father hang up.

I grabbed my briefcase and headed up to the penthouse. I smiled again when the private elevator dinged as my doors opened. I loved my space, it was two levels and encompassed the entire 17^th floor. The views through my large windows were amazing, mountains on one side and downtown Phoenix on the other side. I often took advantage of both the fitness center and yoga studio that were on site. And my private terrace was my favorite place to unwind with a drink and watch the sunset.

I kicked off my shoes and headed upstairs to take a quick shower. Once done, I grabbed a drink from the kitchen and my briefcase from where I had deposited it by the front door, then wandered into my den. Time to focus on business.

I sat down at my mahogany desk and set my briefcase down on top of it, opening it to retrieve my prospects. I jotted down important facts about each one, things I would re-read at the end to help me decide. I made my way through the pile methodically and efficiently. When I finished reading them I went back over my notes. I wrote a few off immediately, but one in particular caught my eye. It was more commercial space, but it was located in Scottsdale in an area that had just started booming with new businesses. This could bring in some amazing returns. I needed to do a little more research, but I moved it to the top of the pile. I opened my laptop and started researching. I glanced at the clock on the wall and was surprised to see that hours had passed.

Time had flown by and it was now time to get ready for the party. I had selected a pair of slacks and a white button up top for tonight. I touched up my beard and styled my hair in what I like to think of as organized disarray. I took another last glimpse in the mirror, smirked at myself, and left to pick up Gemma.

* * *

I had the tunes cranked up on my drive over, trying to ignore the nerves that had somehow started in my gut. I focused on singing the lyrics to each and every song that came on; “One Call Away”, “Photograph”, “Happy”, “Count on Me”. This last song was the exact reason I had to keep in mind we were friends. I wanted us to always have each other to rely on.

When I pulled up, I parked in her driveway and cut the engine. I was ten minutes early. I rang the bell and heard her yell from somewhere deep in the house to come in. The door was unlocked, so I went in.

“Baz?” She called out, almost uncertain that it was me. I could hear music floating down the hallway.

“It’s me.” I reassured her.

“I’ll be out in a few, I’m almost ready. Help yourself to a drink while you wait. I have wine opened in the kitchen, or feel free to help yourself to whatever else you want. You know where I keep the liquor.”

That I did. I walked into the kitchen and opened her liquor cabinet. Johnnie Walker Blue Label was staring me in the face. I had bought her this very bottle and a set of lowball tumblers to celebrate when she had finished remodeling her house, and even now, almost two years later, there was hardly any missing from the bottle. I grabbed one of the tumblers from the cabinet as well. I filled it with ice and poured two fingers worth.

“Do you want something?” I called down her hallway.

“I’ve already had some wine, so I’m good. I’m guessing you grabbed the scotch?” What was she, psychic? “And before you ask, I’m not psychic. I just know you.” I could hear her giggling.

“Ok, smarty-pants. I’ll be waiting, with my scotch, in the living room.” I walked over to the soft, brown leather couch and felt my cock twitch. Was I always going to associate this couch with last night and my dream? I sat and turned on the TV for a distraction.

Thankfully, I wasn’t sitting long because my brain couldn’t stop the dream visions from dancing before my eyes and my cock was swelling in my slacks. I adjusted myself for the umpteenth time, when I heard her heels clicking on the tile as she walked down the hall.

“All set?” I asked as I stood quickly, turning off the TV and polishing off my drink. And thank the good Lord above that had I swallowed before I turned to see her or I might’ve choked on it. “Wow.”

I stood looking at not only my best friend, but the very temptress from last night had returned as well. I couldn’t stop the stupid smile that spread across my face. Her perfume slid through the air and surrounded me with its fruity sweetness.

“Is that a good wow?” Gemma cocked her head and arched her brow at me.

“Hmmm… spin for me? Let me get a better look.” As she started her slow pirouette my eyes took in every inch. She was wearing a red lace number that hugged every one of her amazing curves to perfection. Her red stilettos had spikes all over them and made her long legs look even longer and more defined. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail that hung halfway down her back. The things I could do with that ponytail. Her face though, she looked luminous. Her sun-kissed skin was glowing, and her sapphire blue eyes looked even bluer than normal, framed with some smoky look. And her lips, her lips were bright red once again, like rubies, making her smile look that much whiter. This is Gemma. She is your friend. Your best friend.

“Well?” Her hands were propped on her hips as she waited for my response.

“You look beautiful, Gem.” I smiled broadly at her, and even that didn’t fully capture just what I was thinking.

“Thanks! I figured aside from looking professional tonight, maybe there’d be some single guys there. Who knows? I might even meet Mr. Right Now.” Her eyes twinkled even more as she smiled.

And I felt like someone sucker punched me. I took a deep breath. “Who knows.” I confirmed, forcing the words through my teeth as I turned and took my empty glass to the kitchen sink.

Mr. Right Now. I wished I had never planted that little thought in her head. I washed out my glass and dried it to put back away. I still didn’t know how I felt about Gemma giving it up to a Mr. Right Now. It’s not your business. You can’t be even more protective now that you know she’s a virgin. She’s a 25-year-old woman, and she can make her own choices without you weighing in on them.

“You ready?” Gemma’s voice interrupted my thoughts, and my hand faltered slightly as I was putting the glass back in its rightful place.

“Yep. Just cleaning up after myself.” I winked, took what I hoped was an imperceptible deep breath, smiled and offered her my elbow. “Your chariot awaits, my lady.”

I opened her door for her, and walked to my side of the car. When I slid in I could see that her skirt had ridden high on her thighs, revealing a long, smooth expanse of leg, that I was certain if followed would lead me to the promised land. It would be the equivalent of following the rainbow to the pot of gold. I quickly averted my eyes and started the car. Coincidentally enough, “Marvin Gaye” started playing as I backed out of the driveway.

This is Gemma. She is only your friend. Your best friend. I repeated these words to myself as I drove. Now, if only I could make myself believe them.