Page 9 of Lahaina Noon

“Vaughn Drake!” he said again. “THE Vaughn Drake!” he laughed.

Bridget looked around the room, confused, before Jorrie finally came to her rescue.

“I think what the Rutabaga is trying to say—”

“Aunt Jorrie!” groaned Gabe, hearing her call him their private nickname in front of his apparent idol.

Jorrie grinned and continued, “Is that Vaughn Freaking Drake is not only the esteemed leader of Chesapeake Industries and Jack’s boss, but the brains behind the Cloud Warrior gaming franchise that Gabe is so addicted to.”

Gabriel nodded enthusiastically, “Mr. Drake was just telling me that the next part of the story is coming out in two months. All the forums have been speculating it would be another six months at least! Oh man, wait til the guys hear I just met Vaughn Freaking Drake! He’s standing here inmy home.”

Bridget noted that Gabe was staring at her date with something akin to hero worship and lightly patted his arm. “Slow down, buddy. I’m sure Mr. Drake would like to keep the game information secret for trade purposes. He also probably doesn’t want a bunch of teenage heathens pouring out of the woodwork. We are just going to dinner.”

She heard Vaughn give a low chuckle, “On the contrary, Ms. Ridgeway, I’d be happy to meet Gabe’s friends. After all, they are my target audience. It’s always good to get a fresh perspective from end users, right?”

He gave her an amused glance before turning back to Gabe. “Tell you what, if it’s okay with your mom, why don’t you and let’s say, five or six of your friends, join me on Saturday at headquarters, 1:30ish, and I’ll let you guys play the final version on our testing screen? You can meet some of my developers, and we can see what you think?”

Bridget stammered, “Oh no Mr. Drake, you don’t need to—”

Seriously?” Gabriel shouted over her protest. “Dude!” he said in a quieter voice. He looked like he was about to pass out.

Jack walked over. “Wait, he gets to play Cloud Warrior-4, and I don’t? You wound me, man!”

Vaughn laughed. “Of course, Jack. You know you’re always welcome. You still owe me a beer after that last Ranger’s game, remember? You too, Jorrie, if you don’t have anything going on.”

“In!” Jorrie replied, before he even finished.

Gabe glared at Jack, “Uncle Jack, we gotta talk. You didn’t tell me you worked for CW!”

Jack held up his hands, “Gabe, I don’t work for CW. I work at Chesapeake, two different companies. I didn’t know you knew who he was either!”

Gabe appeared slightly mollified.

Bridget looked around at her family. “I guess I’m the one in the dark here. I had no idea,” she confessed.

“Oh no,” Vaughn said smoothly, “You are the one in the amazing dress, looking incredibly beautiful, and I think it’s time we depart so we don’t miss our reservation.” He moved closer to her, and she could feel the heat from his stare on her skin.

Bridget’s knees gave a little wobble. “Reservation, huh? I guess that means we aren’t going to Chili’s?” She could feel Jorrie starting at her back, willing her to shut her mouth.

To her surprise, Vaughn threw his head back and laughed, “Chili’s? Not with you looking good enough to eat. I’m afraid we are going to have to go somewhere a little more upscale and dark so no one tries to steal you away from me.” He placed a warm hand lightly on the small of her back.

Jorrie waggled her eyebrows suggestively before Vaughn escorted her outside to the waiting car.

Bridget was still trying to process the compliments and the flurries of goodbyes, as well as the reassurances from Jorrie that she would look after Gabriel for her while she had agoodtime. Jorrie had even offered to stay overnight just in case they wanted to have areallygood time. Bridget’s mind froze on that, and she could wring Jorrie’s neck now for insinuating such a thing. Warmth crept up her neck, and she wished she wasn’t so overwhelmed as she walked out the door.

Jack had whistled and blown kisses at her loud enough to draw attention from her neighbors. She’d thought of a dozen great witty comebacks for her friends, but now they were going to waste.

Vaughn helped her into the backseat before he walked around to get in next to her.

She gently stroked the soft leather of the seat and tried to discreetly brush her fingers across the beautifully worked metal insets on the door. ZAP! “Shit!” she yelped, shaking her fingers before realizing that was indeed out loud. “Sorry!” she called to the driver, meeting his eyes in the mirror. “I’m so sorry!”

“It’s no trouble Miss,” he replied, “Are you alright, though?” His kind green eyes searched her face.

“I’m fine, really,” she said, “Just got a little static shock, and it caught me by surprise.” She looked over at Vaughn and saw a frown on his face. Great. She’d embarrassed herself enough to last a lifetime in front of him already today. She hoped he kept up his offer to Gabe even though Gabe’s mother was obviously a lunatic with a potty mouth. “I’m sorry,” she repeated quietly, looking at his very full, very sexy mouth, wishing it wasn’t set in that frown.

Vaughn glanced up, and his frown melted into a small smile. “Please don’t apologize. I’m just concerned that you’ve been hurt. I know it wasn’t your fault. Except, well, you did tell me you have; what did you call it? An electrifying personality?”

She groaned, shaking her head. “I can’t believe you remember that.”

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