That huge, pale yellow house with a slick, modern design, surrounded by a lush garden, even if it was in the city. Tall trees swaying in that fall breeze, the air still hot with the dying summer’s last breath. A green sign. Welcome to Golden Dusk.
Damian grinned and looked at Gabe. “Golden Dusk… get it? What’s fucking golden about it?”
“It might be golden here. Looks nice.”
“It has Christine written all over it.”
“Oh…”
“You will get it when you meet her.” Not saying more, with his small smile.
They went straight to reception and got signed in, shown to the elevator, which took them to the top floor. Opening straight into a lobby where the secretary had already opened a large mahogany door, gesturing them in.
“Mrs. Thomas is waiting.”
“Thank you.”
Damian stepped in, holding Armando’s hand, followed by Gabe, and he stopped in the middle of that large office, a huge floor to ceiling window on that raging sunshine and blue sky to the left, her large desk at the end of the room, and her, standing tall on that red carpet in black stilettos and a black suit, open on her white shirt. Greying dark hair which was cut short down to the base of her neck. She had smoothed it behind her ears. A strong nose in that sharp face, beautifully arched eyebrows above her grey-blue eyes, mirroring Damian’s in color. A sensuous, large mouth with sculpted lips which had curled up at the edge. Her eyes not leaving Damian as she walked close. A small kick to Gabe’s chest, seeing the light in Damian’s eyes, how he seemed to be frozen, spell-bound. He let Armando ran to a huge marble elephant in the corner and let her take his hands. She ran her fingers over his, and looked down at his left hand, sliding her thumb on those curled up fingers.
She looked into his eyes, holding his hands. “A small price to pay for your life, I gather?” Smooth voice, rich.
He smiled. “Yeah… you can say that.”
“Nothing can be done about it?”
“No. They said they could straighten them and make them stiff, but to be honest, they are out of the way like this, so I declined the offer.” He marked a small pause, looking her over. “Still stunning.”
She flashed a broad smile. “I could say the same. Aging suits you.” She looked at the flowers on a small round table next to them. “Black orchids. How thoughtful. They must have cost a fortune.”
“Only the best for the best.” He lifted her hand and leant down to kiss it. A deep kiss, his lips almost parted on her skin.
Gabe swallowed, trying to look casual when his whole body was on fire. He met her eyes when she turned to him, letting Damian’s hands go.
She held her hand out. “You must be Gabe.”
“Yes… Pleased to meet you.” She had a firm grip, and he gave it back, not lowering his eyes.
She looked him over. “Handsome.” She turned back to Damian with her broad smile. “You always had excellent taste.”
“I guess.” He pulled Gabe closed, holding him by his waist. “Gabe is not a fling. He’s my husband.”
Gabe almost collapsed, thankful that he was wedged against Damian, that strong arm holding him up.
Her eyebrows arched. “Indeed? Lucky you. That calls for a toast.” She walked to her desk. “What is your poison, Gabe? I know Damian’s.”
Damian answered. “I don’t drink anymore. And Gabe doesn’t either. Whatever you have without alcohol will be fine.”
A flash of surprise in her eyes, but she pushed a button on her phone. “Could you bring us some orange juice and chocolate? Thanks.” She walked back to them, her eyes on Armando playing silently near the elephant. “So, this is your son.”
“Yes.”
Her lips curled up. “Who would have thought…”
Damian sighed. “Not me. That’s for sure.”
“Let’s sit.” She gestured them to a glass coffee table and some armchairs near that huge window. They sat, and Armando climbed straight into Damian’s lap. The secretary brought in the drinks and a bowl of chocolates and placed them on the table. Armando looked at Damian, and he scooped a large handful of chocolates out of the bowl and placed it in front of him.
“You’re spoiling him.” She scolded mildly, but with a smile.
