Chapter Fourteen. The journey back in the car was strangely silent until Juliet spoke

The journey back in the car was strangely silent until Juliet spoke. “Trent, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so nervous, so will you please just tell me what’s going on so I can stop worrying? ”

Trent rubbed her hand over Juliet’s thigh in apology. “I didn’t realize I was broadcasting. Sorry.”

“What is it? Have I done something? ”

“God, no! No, it’s nothing you’ve done, Juliet, it’s just…” Trent closed her eyes and tried desperately to arrange her thoughts so she could explain. “I’ve had the best time with you today. Having you meet my family, seeing you fit right in with everyone, watching the guys trip over their tongues at the sight of you.”

“They can all keep their tongues to themselves. Yours, however…” She let her words linger in the air. “I loved meeting the Simonses. Even though it’s not through blood ties, it’s painfully obvious you are as much a part of their family as they are yours.”

“I want to tell you about that, explain some of it.”

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I’ll understand.”

“I know you would, which is why I want to let you in—” Trent stopped in mid-sentence as her own words rang loud and clear. Let her in.

“That’s not something you do very often, is it? Let people get close. Let women get close.”

“No, you’d be the first for a long time.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet. You haven’t seen it all.”

“I’ve seen enough to know I’m drawn to you like no other woman I’ve ever met, ” Juliet said wistfully. “I saw you today, surrounded by your friends and work colleagues. I recognized some of the people from the tournament, people you competed against and beat, yet they congregated around you asking your advice about anything and everything. It surprises me. I’ve worked for the same company in different branches for years, and I have no one from any of them that I can truly call friends. Everyone is looking out for their own interests. It’s an old saying but true; you can’t mix business with pleasure. I never once felt I fit in. Yet you’re friends with everyone, from the older folk to the little kids. And, it has to be said, you looked so damned sweet cradling that baby.”

“ Sweet? ”

“Yes, sweet. You can be big and butch holding a baby and still be the sweetest thing I’ve witnessed in a long time.” Juliet pulled into Trent’s street. “You’re so sexy I could hardly stand it all day, being near you, touching you, but not being able to do what I wanted. Even in those crazy surfer shorts you’re wearing that only serve to make you sexier, though don’t ask me how. I lost count of the times I wanted to grab you by your dog tags and drag you off to a corner somewhere and lick the sweat from your neck.”

Trent swallowed hard against the tide of arousal that rushed to engulf her. “What stopped you? ”

“I wouldn’t have stopped at just your neck.”

The air in the car grew charged and the silence lengthened.

“Have I shocked you? ”

“No, I’m trying to remind myself that you need all your attention for the road and that I need to keep my hands off you.”

“Just for now, though, right? ”

Trent swallowed hard. “God, you’re like no other woman I’ve ever known, Juliet.”

“How so? ”

“You’re so damn beautiful you make my chest ache. And you’re funny and fucking sexy with it. And you have a rocket scientist brain.”

Juliet snorted with amusement. “I work in a bank, Trent. That doesn’t make me overly smart, it makes me a glorified bean counter.”

“Did I mention the beautiful part? ” Trent worked her hand into Juliet’s hair, unable to hold back any longer from touching her. “Your hair is so soft.”

Juliet pulled the car to the curb outside Trent’s house. The second she applied the parking brake, Trent undid her seat belt and reached for her. It wasn’t a gentle kiss. It was raw and passionate and almost desperate. Juliet moaned as Trent ravished her lips; the sound vibrated against her mouth and set her body tingling. She traced her tongue over Juliet’s full lips, slipped inside to caress and deepen the kiss. Juliet clung to Trent, one hand reached up to spear through her short hair and tug at it gently. Trent shuddered, the gentle eroticism of such a simple act nearly undoing her. She pulled back gasping for air, her eyes searching Juliet’s bruised lips and dazed face. Juliet touched her lips with a shaking hand.

“Next time, I’m just dragging you away by the dog tags, I don’t care where we are.” The hand in Trent’s hair tugged her down so that Juliet could rest her lips against Trent’s. “Your lips are so soft, ” she whispered, causing a shudder to race through Trent’s body, then purposely flicking her tongue against Trent’s lips. Juliet’s satisfaction was noticeable when Trent reacted again.

Trent angled her head so that Juliet’s fingers could continue their foray through her hair. “Your touch drives me crazy.”

Juliet’s hand drifted down to cup Trent’s face. She kissed her again, a fleeting press of her lips that touched Trent deep inside.

“We’d better move inside before we give Mrs. Tweedy a heart attack should she catch us steaming up the car windows.” Juliet unfastened her seat belt and pulled away from Trent.

Fumbling one-handed for her keys, Trent led the way up the path to her front door, all the while firmly holding Juliet’s hand. She gestured for Juliet to precede her once she got the door unlocked. Trent closed the door and swiftly turned off the annoying alarm that sounded way too loud in the silence. She turned to find Juliet right in front of her, barely a breath between them.

“Why do I get the feeling this isn’t a simple social call, Trent? ”

Trent took a deep breath to quell her nerves. “I want to show you something. I need to.” Chewing at her lip nervously, Trent reached out to snag Juliet’s hands.

“Whatever it is, it’s okay, ” Juliet said, searching Trent’s face.

Trent looked straight into Juliet’s concerned eyes. “I had the most amazing time with you today, and I’m not used to doing that.”

“Having fun? ”

“Spending time with a woman outside of what I take from them and what they want from me. I don’t do what we appear to be doing.”

“And what are we doing? ”

“I think we’re dating, and I never do that. It’s too complicated and difficult, but with you it’s so easy to fall into.” Trent focused on their hands, linked between them. “You said no strings, but there are already more strings than I’m used to.” She let out a low moan as the strength of her feelings threatened to engulf her. “You’re tying me in so many knots, Jule.”

“Are you saying you don’t want to see me anymore? ”

Trent flinched at the misery in Juliet’s voice, knowing she was the cause. “What? No! I’m trying to say I want to spend more time with you, and I’m screwing it up just like I knew I would.” The air was knocked out of her lungs as Juliet launched herself into her arms and gripped her tightly.

“Jesus, Trent! You really do suck at this, don’t you? ” Juliet grumbled against Trent’s breast.

“I know, but I haven’t had much practice so bear with me.” Trent knew she was pleading but didn’t care. “I’m set in my ways, Jule. I’m solitary and my sex life before has consisted of no fuss, no ties, no swapping numbers. You’re the first woman I’ve wanted to spend time with, to get to know. I told you before, you were worth more than a quick fuck no matter how hot you make me or how desperate I am to hold you down and make you mine.” A flash of fire ignited in Juliet’s blue eyes. Trent’s body reacted by growing tight. “I need to show you something first, then you can decide.”

“Decide what? ”

“If I’m worth it.”

Juliet could almost feel Trent’s trepidation radiating off her as she led Juliet up the stairs. Instead of heading toward the bedroom, Trent walked a little farther down the landing to another door. It had an elaborate lock system on what was obviously a reinforced door.

Juliet leaned against the wall as Trent unlocked it. “If you’re going to show me a highly personalized S& M dungeon set up in your spare bedroom, I’m going to be more than a little perturbed.”

Trent pushed open the door. Leaning against the door frame, she regarded Juliet steadily.

“I can’t believe I’m going to do this, but there’s a lot I’m doing that I don’t believe where you’re concerned.” Trent’s eyes rose heavenward as she seemed to search for words. “This house is my refuge, my one safe place, my home, and, for some reason I just can’t fathom, you seem to fit right in.” Trent reached out to stroke Juliet’s cheek.

“I wouldn’t betray anything you show me or tell me, Trent.”

Trent pushed the door open farther and stepped back to allow Juliet to enter. Curiosity getting the better of her, Juliet took a few steps, then stopped dead in her tracks. Her mouth dropped open.

“Oh my God, I’ve died and gone to gamer heaven! ” Trent released a soft snort behind her, but she didn’t follow Juliet inside; instead she left Juliet to explore on her own. Juliet looked all around the room. The blinds were drawn, but a bright white strip light bathed the room in a clean, crisp illumination. Center stage in the room was a padded chair, beside it a small table covered in various games controllers all laid out in neat rows. A huge-screen TV dominated the room. Juliet estimated its screen was at least sixty inches. “That’s some TV.”

“You should have seen Elton and me getting it up the stairs.”

Juliet continued looking around. The wall behind the TV was a massive bookcase lined with game cases. Juliet edged closer and noticed everything was organized by console and then alphabetized. “You have your games listed by name? ”

“Wouldn’t you with that many to sort through? ”

Juliet had to agree. She was fascinated by the endless array of older games in their big boxes sitting next to games in newer plastic cases she was familiar with as ones now littering her sister’s room. One box, an old Space Invaders box, stood out among the rest. Juliet acknowledged its implied importance by the way it was positioned so prominently. On the wall to the right was a smaller bookcase housing consoles. Some of them Juliet didn’t recognize, but they were of every size and system. She noticed a few were the same machine, only in different colors.

“You have two of some? ” Juliet asked.

“Limited editions.”

“Like a Resident Evil red.”

“Exactly. I forgot you were talking to Zoe for a while.”

A small love seat sat under the window and Juliet moved to seat herself there, aware that the chair in the room was undoubtedly Trent’s. She moved aside a few of the gaming magazines that lay on the cushions and sat back to take it all in. Her eyes fell on Trent hanging back in the doorway.

“This room is amazing.”

Trent stepped inside and Juliet saw how her posture shifted. You feel safest in here. Why do you need to feel safe, Trent? What scares you so much outside this room?

“When I first moved in, I did this room and my bedroom first. It took me a while to get it like it is now, and it’s only been recently that I could afford the bigger screen.” Trent’s eyes shone with her excitement. “Sixty-two inches, HDTV, plasma screen. You wouldn’t believe how cool it looks seeing all your soldiers in high definition when you deploy them on this baby.”

Juliet was enthralled by Trent’s obvious glee. “You sound just like a guy commenting on size. Does Elton play here with you? ”

“No. No one plays in my room except for me.”

Juliet wondered at the emphatic answer. She just waited until Trent seemed ready to explain more. Trent finally sat in her chair and swiveled it to face her.

“I know it sounds crazy. My house, my room, my games, but it’s just how I am.”

“I understand. I had my own place in Chicago and loathed to share it with anyone else. I had everything where I wanted it and hated it when someone came over and disrupted my order. Sharing with someone again has been hard.”

“Elton and I keep our homes separate from work. He does have occasional parties. He’s not quite as bad as I am.” Trent made a wry face. “If it was known I had this much space, I’d have Eddie sleeping on the living room floor every other week because his mother has kicked him out again.” Trent ran her hands over the arms of her chair. “This is my place. I grew up never having privacy. This is my chance to do whatever I want, when I want.”

“Tell me about this room.” Trent’s eyes sparkled as she warmed to having someone to share her treasures with. Her pride was obvious at what she’d accomplished with the room.

“I practically live in here, which is why downstairs is a little desolate.” She pointed to the shelves. “Those are every game I own. I rarely trade in. Sorry, but that would be too much like giving away my children.”

Juliet loved Trent’s exaggerated horror at the mere thought.

“I have nearly every console available from past to present. Some of these machines are no longer in production so are rare and very valuable.”

“No wonder you have security on the door.”

“And the high-tech security system I have on the house.” Trent pointed to her side. “These are the consoles I use for my general playing and my online gaming.” She shifted in the chair and pointed beside Juliet. “And then there’s my computer, which is also gamer friendly.” Trent sat back and faced the screen. “I compete from here. I have everything set up for easy access, and I can just sit back and play with anyone from anywhere in the world.” She looked back at Juliet. “I love this room; it’s where all the fun begins.”

“It’s the perfect reflection of you, this and your bedroom.” She studied Trent quietly. She had to ask the question that was gnawing at her brain. “Why am I the first person invited into your house? And more importantly, into this room? ”

“I need you to see how much this all means to me. This is me. I play games for hours on end. Yes, it’s a part of my job, but mostly it’s because I love games. This isn’t like me coming home hours late from work. This is a dedication to something most people think is a waste of time.”

“I’m beginning to realize just how much this world means to you and the others who play in it. I’m glad you’ve chosen to share all this with me. I want to get to know you, Trent, all of you. Because you are the most fascinating woman I have ever come across, with or without a game in your hands.”

“I could just be a big kid with a room full of toys.”

“No, you’re a grown woman with exceptional skill at playing these games. That requires dedication and I admire that. You forget I’ve seen you in action. You’re amazing.”

“So if I missed a meal or two because I was trying to finish a level, it wouldn’t annoy you? What if I didn’t come to bed for hours because I was playing online with a few buddies? Are you saying you wouldn’t get mad? ”

Juliet sat back and gave her such a long, considering look it made Trent’s face flush as the silence lengthened. “Are you trying to use your game playing as an excuse for us not to get involved? ”

Trent’s mouth opened, but no words came out. She finally had the grace to look sheepish. “I guess I am.”

“At the moment, I work long hours in an office, can be called in at any moment because of some crisis or another that they feel needs my hand directly on it to put it right. Would you be able to understand my dedication to that? ” Trent mulled this over. Juliet enjoying Trent being so unaware of the transparency of her expressions that she could almost read what was going through her mind.

“I understand what you’re saying, ” she finally replied.

“How many women have told you to put down the controllers and just play with them instead? ”

“What relationships I have had haven’t lasted that long for it to be a problem. I don’t usually meet someone who wants more than a quick fuck at a games convention.”

“You score girls at tournaments? ” Juliet voice rose and she cursed the fact that her jealousy rose another notch at the thought of other women touching Trent.

“I did when I was much younger. I don’t bother now.” She ran an agitated hand through her hair. “I got tired of being worth nothing more than a quick fumble. I didn’t want to be the notch on a gaming groupie’s belt.”

“Gamers have groupies? ”

Trent raised her hands behind her head to lean back in her seat with a seriously smug grin. “What can I say? In some circles we’re superstars.”

Juliet narrowed her eyes at Trent’s amusement. “So these bimbos you’d ‘service, ’ they never touched you in return? ”

Trent flipped a thumb in the direction of her bedroom. “Hence the extensive DVD collection for my own amusement.” The humor slipped from her face. “I have the reputation of being stone butch, which I’m not, but it stuck. My looks don’t exactly help, and I guess I got disillusioned early on in my pathetic sex life when I realized not everyone likes to give as much as receive.”

“I’ve known some die-hard stone butches, Trent, and believe me, you’re nothing like them. The posturing, the aggressiveness, the unwillingness to be touched, that’s not you at all.” Juliet moved forward on the sofa and touched Trent’s knee. “I love how you melt in my arms when I kiss you, how you react to my touch. You were meant to be held and touched and loved just like any woman.” Juliet moved again, this time to straddle Trent’s lap. Trent’s hands immediately clasped Juliet’s hips as she settled onto her. “You’re letting out your fears, Trent, one by one for me to see. I’m not going to be turned away or off by them.” Juliet pressed her lips to Trent’s forehead and a shudder ran through the body underneath her. “You’ve opened your secret places to me.” She let her lips trail soft kisses toward Trent’s ear. “Now, let me in.”