Page 9 of Blazing Joysticks
As Derek herded the protesting children upstairs, Amelia turned to Keir, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity. “All right, big brother, spill. What’s got you so distracted tonight? You’ve barely said two words since you arrived.”
Keir hesitated, unsure how to articulate the tumult of emotions swirling within him. “I... I met someone today,” he began, his voice low.
Amelia leaned forward, intrigued. “Oh? Do tell. Wait…is this about the woman mom told you to interview?”
He nodded. “Her name is Cat – Catrina Reeves. She’s the new lead engineer I hired for Guardian AI.”
“Okay, so you hired her. What’s wrong?” Amelia prompted, sensing there was more to the story.
Keir ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his voice. “And I can’t explain it, Amelia. The moment she walked into my office, it was like... like everything shifted. I’ve never felt anything like it.”
Amelia’s eyes widened, and then she burst into laughter. “Oh my god, Keir! This is crazy. Brother, your three-date rule is officially dead. You’ve found your mate!”
Keir blinked, stunned. “My mate? My dragon said the same. But... she’s human. And I just hired her. How do I even begin to approach this?”
Amelia’s expression softened. “The same way you’d approach any woman you’re interested in, brother. Get to know her, show her who you are.”
Keir scoffed. “That’s just it. Usually, women throw themselves at me. I don’t think Cat will be doing that. She’s... different. Brilliant. Passionate about her work. You should have seen the way her eyes lit up when she talked about solving complex problems. I was so captivated, I hired her on the spot. I couldn’t bear the thought of letting her walk away.”
“Oh, Keir,” Amelia murmured, reaching out to squeeze his hand. “You really have met your mate. This is wonderful.”
Just then, Derek popped his head into the dining room, his shirt soaked and hair sticking up at odd angles. “Did I hear something about a mate? Congrats, bro. You’ve got a lot of fun to look forward to. Especially when the gremlins come around.” He grinned, grabbing three bottles from the fridge before disappearing upstairs again.
Keir groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I’m completely out of my depth, Amelia. How do I woo a mate? This isn’t just any woman – she’s the one meant for me. I can’t mess this up.”
Amelia’s eyes danced with amusement. “Well, for starters, maybe don’t use the word ‘woo.’ This isn’t the 18th century.” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Why don’t you try connecting over the things she enjoys? You said she’s passionate about her work – engage with that. And let her get to know you too. Remember, she knows nothing about mates or our world yet.”
Keir nodded slowly, feeling a sense of control returning. “You’re right. I need to take this slowly, build a foundation.”
“Exactly,” Amelia agreed. “And who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself enjoying the chase for once.”
Keir chuckled, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. “I suppose there’s a first time for everything. Though I doubt Cat will appreciate being referred to as ‘prey.’”
Amelia snorted. “Definitely keep that dragon terminology to yourself for now. But seriously, Keir, this is exciting. My stoic big brother, finally falling head over heels.”
“I wouldn’t say head over heels,” Keir protested weakly, but even he could hear the lack of conviction in his voice.
As they continued to chat, the sound of splashing and childish giggles drifting down from upstairs, Keir felt a spark of hope ignite within him. He’d led an emotionless love life since he could remember. Never had he been tempted to settle down with anyone. But now, the thought of waiting hours to see Cat was frustrating him. Her face was burned into his brain and kept popping into his mind every few minutes. He was well and truly fucked, but he couldn’t stop from smiling. Catrina Reeves was his mate.
FOUR
Cat Reeves smoothed down her skirt, her fingers tracing the soft fabric as she took a deep breath. The familiar scents of her mother’s cooking wafted through the air, mingling with the comforting buzz of family conversation. She’d been looking forward to this dinner all week, eager to share her news.
“So, Cat,” her father’s deep voice cut through her thoughts, “any exciting updates in that brilliant mind of yours?”
Cat couldn’t contain her smile. “Actually, yes! I’ve just taken on a new project with Sharpe Drakon Games. It’s... it’s incredible, really. The technology they’re working on is groundbreaking.”
Her mother’s eyes lit up. “Sharpe Drakon? Isn’t that the company run by that handsome young CEO? What’s his name... Keir something?”
“Keir Sharpe,” Cat supplied, feeling a flutter in her stomach at the mention of his name. “And yes, that’s the one.”
“Well, this calls for a celebration,” her mother declared, jumping up from her seat. “I’m bringing out the tiramisu.”
Cat’s father chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. “Must be some company if it’s got your mother pulling out dessert in the middle of dinner.”
Her brother Michael leaned across the table, grinning. “Seriously, though, Cat, that’s fantastic. I know how long you’ve admired their work. You must be over the moon.”
“I really am,” Cat admitted, her cheeks flushing with excitement. “The project I’m working on... I can’t give details, of course, but it’s going to change the gaming industry. Maybe even beyond that.”