Page 43 of Savage Peril

“I have an idea,” Gunner said.

Even before she heard his suggestion, Lori grinned. “What do you want to do?”

“Let’s go to the movies,” Gunner said. “There is no better place to escape. And a double feature is playing downtown at the rooftop cinema.”

“How do you know there’s a double feature?” Lori said with a sparkle in her eyes.

“There’s always a double feature.” Gunner liked the thought of sitting in the dark next to Lori all evening. Also, it was a good place to stay safe. On a rooftop, he could observe people going in or out, and from that height, no one was likely to sneak up on them.

The unique theater had food and a full bar. And during the feature, bottomless popcorn, candy, and snacks were available. Gunner and Lori arrived early to participate in games offered before the movies started. Connect Four was Lori’s first pick. She beat Gunner then challenged him to a game of Jenga.

Lori’s dexterity gave her a clear advantage. She stacked the blocks expertly, smiling and laughing the entire time. When Gunner made his best effort at taking a block out by tapping the short side of it, the tower came tumbling down.

It was worth losing to see Lori giggle when her creation fell over, spilling blocks across that table. “Rematch?” she said.

“You won’t beat me again.” That time Gunner got the hang of gently moving the blocks and managed to keep pace with Lori. But she still won.

“What will you have to drink?” Gunner said.

Lori chose a specialty cocktail and Gunner had a Coke. The rooftop was filled with rows of deckchairs, so Gunner picked seats in the back. He wanted a good vantage point, and sitting up front he wouldn’t have a good view of the area. From where they sat in the back row, he could observe all the activity.

Wireless headphones were provided, and the screen was high, so any seat offered a clear view of the movie. Gunner much preferred the setup to a crowded neighborhood theater. The outdoor patio was surrounded by the view of the L.A. skyline.

Gunner was happy cuddling next to Lori under the stars. It was a romantic setting, and to add to the atmosphere, the cinema played two classic films starring Cary Grant. At intermission, Gunner bought hot dogs and piled them with mustard and relish.

Lori looked like a college girl with her blond hair in a ponytail, wearing jeans and a denim jacket. She got mustard all over her face while eating her hot dog, so Gunner dabbed at her cheeks with a napkin. When she ate the last bite, her murmur of satisfaction made Gunner want to kiss her silly.

“You’re beautiful,” Gunner said, then touched her cheek.

Lori nestled into him again for the second feature, and Gunner kept his arm around her. He couldn’t recall when he’d had more fun. For a while, he could relax, certain that Lori was safe with him.

“That was great,” Lori said. “We’ll definitely have to do this again.”

It wouldn’t be soon enough to suit Gunner. He liked seeing Lori in good spirits, and it felt good having her by his side. The sooner he could handle her situation, the better. He thought about dating Lori, and even contemplated a more permanent relationship.

Yet Gunner held back. It wasn’t the time for letting down barriers. His duty was to protect her, not give her more problems. He hadn’t forgotten that he wasn’t a desirable prospect for a long-term relationship. And Lori’s happiness was what mattered, not Gunner’s desire—no matter how overpowering his craving for her.

Lori was quiet during the ride home, and Gunner had no need to talk. It was nice just to be together without the need for conversation. Once he parked and took Lori inside, he checked the house then set the security system.

It was late, but Gunner had dessert, grateful for every minute he could spend with Lori. She served peppermint ice cream, which wasn’t all that bad.

“That’s my favorite,” Lori said. “I didn’t know I was going to have company.”

Jazz tunes played on the music system while they finished the ice cream. Lori was next to Gunner, and after setting her bowl on the table, she put her hand on his knee. Her touch was his undoing. Gunner wrapped his arm around her and drew her close.

Lori closed her eyes, then Gunner kissed her. She was so sweet, and her lips were so soft. When she leaned into him, Gunner deepened the kiss. He dipped his tongue into her mouth and felt the heat deep into his core.

Then the doorbell rang, followed by loud pounding. Lori looked surprised. “I’m not expecting anyone.”

“It’s too late for visitors,” Gunner said. “I’ll go look.” He stood to the side of the door, an old habit to avoid injury in case some idiot shot a bullet through the front door. Then he leaned over to see through the peephole.

“It’s your brother.” Gunner opened the door.

Lori came over. “Nick, what are you doing here so late?”

Gunner noticed that Nick seemed agitated. He looked around at nothing in particular. He shifted from one foot to the other and rubbed his arms. “I couldn’t sleep,” he said. “I’m not sure if anyone followed me.”

Nick paced in the entryway. “It’s just…you know I’m upset about…everything.”

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