Page 13 of Blazing Joysticks
A slow smile spread across Keir’s face. “Amelia, you’re a genius.”
“I know,” she replied smugly. “Just remember this when it comes time to decide who gets to be the cool aunt to your future dragon babies.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Keir chuckled, even as his dragon rumbled happily at the thought. “I owe you one.”
As he hung up, Keir turned to Beck, who was watching him with raised eyebrows. “So, what’s the verdict?”
“We’re going to plan a team outing,” Keir announced, already reaching for his intercom to call his assistant. “Escape rooms. It’s perfect – we can split into teams, work on problem-solving skills, and I’ll have a legitimate reason to work closely with Cat without it seeming... weird.”
Beck grinned. “Smooth. And if you happen to get ‘accidentally’ locked in a room alone with her...”
“Beck,” Keir warned, though he couldn’t help but smile.
“What? I’m just saying, these things happen. Faulty locks and all that.”
Keir shook his head, chuckling despite himself. “Just... help me plan this, will you? We need to make sure it looks like a genuine team-building exercise, not some elaborate scheme for me to get close to Cat.”
“Even though that’s exactly what it is?” Beck teased.
“Shut up and start making calls,” Keir growled, but there was no real heat behind it.
As Beck left to start organizing the outing, Keir leaned back in his chair, allowing himself a moment of hopeful anticipation. Soon, he’d have a chance to spend time with Cat outside the confines of the office. To see how she approached problems, how she interacted with the team in a more relaxed setting. And maybe, just maybe, he’d find a way to bridge the gap between boss and... something more.
His dragon, for once, seemed content with this plan. It settled within him, no longer clawing to be near Cat, but purring with the promise of proximity.
Keir smiled to himself. For the first time in centuries, he found himself genuinely excited about the future. Whatever happened with Cat, whether she turned out to be his mate or not, he knew one thing for certain – life was about to get a lot more interesting.
SIX
Cat Reeves stepped into the bustling lobby of “Escape the Big Apple,” her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The team-building event had sounded fun when it was first announced, but now, faced with the prospect of being locked in a room with Keir Sharpe, her mind raced with possibilities both thrilling and terrifying.
“Cat!” Beck’s voice cut through her reverie. “Glad you could make it. You’re with the boss for this one.” He winked, a mischievous glint in his eye that made Cat wonder if he knew something she didn’t.
“Oh, um, great,” she managed, trying to keep her voice steady. “Where is Keir?”
As if summoned by her words, Keir appeared beside her, his presence instantly setting her nerves on edge. “Ready to put that brilliant mind of yours to work, Cat?” he asked, his smile warm and inviting.
Cat nodded, not trusting herself to speak. As they were led to their assigned room, she couldn’t help but notice how good Keir looked in his casual attire – designer jeans and a soft-looking sweater that made her want to reach out and touch him. She quickly shoved that thought aside. This was a work event, for crying out loud. She needed to focus.
The door closed behind them with a definitive click, and Cat found herself alone with Keir in a room designed to look like a 1920’s speakeasy. Dim lighting, vintage posters, and the faint sound of jazz music set the mood.
“Well,” Keir said, rubbing his hands together, “shall we get started?”
Cat nodded, forcing herself to concentrate on the task at hand. She moved to examine a nearby shelf, acutely aware of Keir’s presence as he began searching another part of the room. The puzzles were challenging, requiring them to work together to decipher clues and unlock various compartments.
As they worked, Cat found herself relaxing slightly. This was familiar territory – problem-solving and using her intellect. She could do this. But then Keir would brush past her, or lean in close to examine a clue she’d found, and her heart would start racing all over again.
“You know,” Keir said casually as they pondered over a particularly tricky puzzle, “I’m surprised someone as smart and beautiful as you is single. If you don’t mind me asking, why is that?”
Cat froze, caught off guard by the personal question. Was he flirting with her? Or was this just casual conversation? She couldn’t tell, and it was driving her crazy.
Taking a deep breath, she decided to be honest. “Well, it’s not exactly by choice,” she admitted, fiddling with a small, locked box to avoid meeting his eyes. “I have pretty bad social anxiety, especially in crowds or with people I don’t know well. It makes dating... challenging.”
Keir’s expression softened. “That must be difficult. I’m sorry you have to deal with that.”
Cat shrugged, surprised by how easy it was to open up to him. “It’s not all bad. I’ve learned to manage it over the years. But it did contribute to my last relationship ending badly. After that, I just threw myself into work. It was easier, you know?”
Keir nodded, his eyes never leaving her face. “I can understand that. Work is a safe haven when the rest of the world feels overwhelming.”