Ace-High Flush (12 page)

"Oh, but it is. I want to give you…" He looked at Ace and back at her. "Two hundred thousand dollars as a reward for saving my life."

Gabby's heart surged into her mouth and she went a little light-headed. "You…"

She had to sit down. Fortunately, Ace was there with a chair before she passed out right on the floor. She sat heavily, cringing a little because of her bruised behind, and took a few deep breaths. "You don't have to do that, Mr…Jonny."

"I should do more! My life is important to me. And, you know, I've got a few bucks to spare."

Gabby felt a giggle bubble up and Ace chortled. "Yes," she told them. "I guess you do."

Hearing Ace's deep-throated chuckle gave Gabby a pang. After this meeting, she'd never hear that sound again. Never see his tanned, rugged face, or comb his thick hair through her fingers. She'd never find his hat on the dresser, or his boots in the corner. She'd have given the whole reward to have him back in her life. She realized she was staring at Ace's black boots when Chow cleared his throat.

She looked up.

"Please give Cameron your bank information." He nodded at his assistant, and the young man produced two business cards.

"You can email me here," Cameron said, pointing.

 "He'll wire the money directly into your account. Would that be acceptable?"

She nodded. More than acceptable, though she felt rather guilty taking it. It was going to save her, though, and she wasn't so proud that she wouldn't accept it. She had a quick moment of realization that she was willing to take Jonny Chow's money even though she wouldn't take Ace's. Sure Chow had a lot more and wouldn't miss it, but neither sum came with strings attached. Ace had assured her of that. Why hadn't she listened? The whole thing with the porn pictures and everything should have never happened.

"Yes. That would be fine. Thank you, Jonny. You are more than generous."

Ace's eyes were on her. He looked away when she caught his gaze. She stood and smiled. "I'm glad you're okay, Jonny. But what an awful experience."

"Yes. Fortunately, there were no internal injuries and only a slight concussion. One of those creeps kicked me in the head." His voice was thick with sincerity. "I could have died if not for you two."

Ace spoke up. "There was never any question of helpin'. I thought you were a homeless person. No one deserves that kind of thrashin'."

"You are a kind and gracious man." He slid his hand across Cameron's in a light caress and gestured. "Say, there's one more thing I'd like to do. I was planning on having a party tomorrow night. A coming-home-from-the-hospital party. I feel like seeing my friends and celebrating the fact that I'm still alive." He chortled. "I think most of my friends would celebrate that. Some," he grinned. "Maybe not so much."

Gabby smiled at his wit.

"I would like you two to come to the party as my special guests."

She gasped. "Oh!"

Ace immediately demurred. "I'm on a plane back to Texas tomorrow mornin', Jonny. I'm sorry I can't make it."

"Nonsense." A pout formed on Chow's lips. "I insist. My jet can take you anywhere any time. Come to the party and fly home when it's over."

"Well…"

"No excuses! I insist." He gave Ace a meaningful look, and Gabby didn't miss it. There was something going on. "Do we have a deal?"

Ace's smile was forced; it didn't reach his eyes. "Yeah. That'll be fine."

Chow looked to Gabby for an answer. There was no way she'd miss that party. She had lots to celebrate, too. Two hundred thousand reasons! Her eyes went to Ace. He'd be there. One more chance to see him and postpone their total separation. "I'll come. Thank you."

"Ace, did you by happenchance bring a tuxedo with you?"

Ace shook his head. "I didn't need a tux in the bagel factory."

Chow laughed. "Cameron, call my tailor and have him put a tux together for Mr. Journey." The billionaire eyed Ace with a connoisseur's consideration. Ace seemed a little uncomfortable. "Something Western. None of that James Bond shit he's always peddling."

"Yes, Jonny."

"There's no need," said Ace. "I have a black suit-"

"I insist."

Jonny Chow insisted a lot. Maybe that was the nature of billionaires.

Ace's jaw got tight, but he nodded his agreement.

"I presume you have appropriate ensembles, Gabby?"

She had one always-in-fashion, black cocktail dress. It was form-fitting, with tiny off-the-shoulder cap sleeves, and a super-sexy slit up one leg. She always got compliments when she wore it. "Yes. I have something."

"Good," Chow said. He smiled, leaning back in his bed. "I'm tired. The party's at 8:00. Will you be coming together?"

They both spoke at the same time. "No."

"Hmm. Well, I'll send cars for you."

Ace didn't answer, but Gabby agreed to be picked up.

Chow took Cameron's hand again and heaved a sigh. "I'm so lucky. And you two deserve all the credit." He closed his eyes. "Will you excuse me now? I need a little beauty nap."

"Of course," Ace said, tipping his hat at the trio, then turning to do the same for Gabby. "See ya tomorrow, Jonny."

"Thank you, Jonny," Gabby said, watching Ace saunter out of the room. She followed a moment after.

The elevator past the nursing station was crammed with people, so she couldn't say anything to Ace. Gabby didn't know what she'd have said anyway. It seemed like everything that could be said, had been. His eyes were on her, though, and warmth crept over her. Her butt still ached from the harsh spanking, but she hoped it lasted for several days. It was the one reminder she was going to get to keep after he left town.

* * *

Gabby came home to a crabby mother and a hungry cat. Back to Earth, she reminded herself. When she told her mother about the money, Anita was very skeptical, saying that billionaires didn't have time for small crap like that. He would forget, or change his mind.

Although she took her mother's comments with a grain of salt, Gabby knew that until the money went into the account, it was a promise and nothing else. She sent the banking information to Cameron Park, with another thank you. Afterward, she took a few minutes to sit in front of the religious icons in the corner of the room to say a few prayers asking for guidance; she knew what she wanted, but was it the right thing?

Around 8:00 p.m., someone rang the bell from downstairs at Gabby's building. She answered through the intercom and a young woman's voice said, "Florist."

Was Jonny Chow sending flowers, too? He'd already been so generous, it seemed crazy that he'd send flowers, too.

Gabby picked up her baseball bat and answered the knock on the door by opening it the length of the security chain. She peered outside and, sure enough, there was a young woman in a service uniform with a logo for the best florist in Newark on the pocket. Flowers from them were coveted, and wildly expensive. It had to be Jonny Chow.

The woman got Gabby's signature, then handed over three big, long, gold foil boxes. Tottering a little under the awkward weight, Gabby took the flowers to the dinette and opened them. There were three dozen yellow roses, each perfect. They smelled sweet and evocative, not like the usual hothouse variety that other florists were fond of. These were like the kind her grandmother grew in her garden in Brooklyn. There was nothing that smelled more lovely than summer roses.

She slid the little card out of the envelope and read it. She rubbed her eyes and read it again. "What the hell?" On the card was the inscription, "Until tomorrow, Ace."

Ace? Ace! Why would he be sending her roses? He hadn't spoken to her since they'd broken up. Was he having second thoughts? Did he intend for them to get back together? Was this his peace offering?

Gabby arranged the roses in large vases and set them around the apartment.

"Smells like a whorehouse in here, Gabby."

"Mama, they're pretty. You like roses."

"My allergies are going to act up. Why'd he send so many?"

"I don't know."

"He didn't even get the color right. They're supposed to be red roses."

"I'm sure he knew what he was doing, Mama."

Anita snorted. "He's sure old enough to know."

Gabby sighed. Her mother was persistent, that was for sure. But why had he sent yellow and not red?

She went to her laptop and began a search. The first thing that came up was someplace called the Yellow Rose in Austin, Texas. She went to the website. It was a strip club! What kind of message was that? Was Ace trying to tell her that instead of porn pictures, she should be doing nude dancing? Maybe he was making a suggestion. Or maybe he was being mean, poking Gabby about her poor judgment.

She was tempted to throw the flowers out.

Or, maybe it wasn't a slur. It seemed possible—or maybe it was wishful thinking—that Ace was trying to open the door to communications.

In any case, the roses were beautiful and extravagant. She was going to enjoy them while she could and hope they wouldn't all wilt early like her relationship with Ace.

* * *

Ace picked up his cellphone and started to hit the "Gabby" key. He was angry and frustrated. Another look at the bottle of 30-year-old scotch made him grind his teeth. What the hell was Gabby doing sending him expensive gifts? Sure she now had enough money to get by for a few years, but it wouldn't last long if she was going to be profligate with it. He was tempted to go over to her apartment and tan her ass.

But that wasn't his job. She was an adult. She wasn't always brilliant, but she was generally capable. He wasn't her father, uncle, cousin or brother. He was nothing to her. They'd severed any tie they had. She'd severed it by not trusting him. Sending her off had only been the acknowledgement on his part.

He put the phone down. There might be some awkwardness at the party the next night. But if Jonny Chow had as many "friends" as Ace suspected, it would be possible to lose track of Gabby and not see her for the evening. That would be best.

Being in the hospital room with her had been like a toothache. It was unrelenting pain. Every time he looked at her, at her beautiful face and silky hair, her full breasts and curvy hips, he wanted to kiss her and shout at her all at the same time. Oh yeah, he reminded himself, and he wanted to mount her like a stallion with a prize mare. She made him feel potent and vital.

Eventually, she'd make someone
else
feel potent and vital. She'd find someone her own age, get married, settle down and have some kids.

Things he should have done ten years ago. But little things had stopped him. The girl wasn't right. The time wasn't right. The job wasn't right. The finances weren't right. In some cases, nothing was right. He suddenly realized that all of that was a passel of excuses. And, now, he was making excuses again. She was too young. She was too independent-minded and often rash. She was east coast and he was Texas. He had a steady income, and she was making it from paycheck to paycheck. Well, at least that last was less of an issue.

He'd been asked to meet with Jonny Chow somewhat earlier than Gabby. The men had had a chance to talk. They discussed the reward, and Ace suggested that his half of the reward should go to Gabby. Chow had been taken aback by that, but agreed. When the time was right, Ace would tell Gabby about it. He didn't want her to reject the money out of misplaced bravado.

Going to Chow's party was Ace's way of thanking the billionaire. It was unspoken. Ace hoped he could get through the event without making a fool of himself over Gabby. She was young and better off financially now, so why would she want an old broken-down cowboy anyway?

His anger had dissipated like so much smoke. He couldn't maintain a mad at Gabby. Ace turned on the TV in his hotel room and sat on the sofa, eyes unfocused, daydreaming about how things might have been.

* * *

Gabby fantasized in bed that night as she lay there on her stomach. She envisioned Ace shirtless and with his jeans unbuttoned in the front. His Saint Isadore-the-Farmer medal shone on his tanned chest, and his thick erection bobbed from his fly. She was naked, comfortable with herself, hot and tingling all over with anticipation.

They were in Texas, but not quite Texas. It was a grassy place, but traffic noise shooshed in the background. Sunshine made everything smell warm and earthy. A yellow blanket lay on the grass.

Seeing him there, strong, tall, muscular, handsome, made Gabby wet, and she wondered how they'd make love this time. Would he climb between her legs? Would he curl up behind her like spoons in a drawer? Would he tell her to ride him? As it was, it turned out that he wanted something they'd never done before. He wanted to take her doggie-style. Although Gabby liked to see him, see his face all passion-fogged, it might be pretty hot to try this position with him.

"On your hands and knees, li'l girl."

Oh, how she wanted him to call her 'li'l girl' again. Longing almost drove her out of her imaginings, but she held on. If she couldn't have him in reality, she could dream.

She got on her hands and knees, in her fantasy, offering up her bottom. He didn't shuck his pants, but took up a position behind her and between her legs. She squirmed back against his erection and a tear of excitement dribbled down the inside of her thigh. She couldn't remember ever wanting something more than she wanted Ace.

He swatted her behind and she squeaked and flinched. He did it again, to the other cheek, and this time some impulse to submit came over Gabby. The warmth of his handprint on her ass curled through her body, like warm brandy on a cold night. Her clit throbbed. He spanked her again and spikes of sensation shot over her ass and straight to her pussy. She moaned softly and pressed back. Once again, he swatted her, this time harder, and she was swept away. She wanted more.

Her behind heated up as he smacked her, and it was good, exciting, and incredibly sexy. When he reached through and swatted her pussy, she gasped. She'd learned before that she liked the feeling, and this time, she put words to her desire.

"More."

He chuckled. "More what?"

"Spank me more." She reached behind her and took his hand, guiding it to her pussy. "Here."